Planit


Physics (Combined)

University of Aberdeen

Venues

Old Aberdeen Campus

Content

First Year: The Physical Universe gives an overview of some of the general aims and achievements of physics. You are also introduced to the power of the fundamental subjects of Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism, and have practical work covering Experimental Physics and Physical Computing. The Mathematics component includes Calculus and Algebra. There is an option to do a course covering the fundamentals of Astronomy and Meteorology. You also have the option of taking one of the sixth century interdisciplinary courses recently developed under curriculum reform. If you’re taking a combined degree such as Physics with Geology, Chemistry, Philosophy or a language, then you will take courses from these disciplines.

Honours Physical Science students do not need to take the Mathematics component.

Second Year: Our main programme concentrates on: Dynamical Phenomena, including oscillations and waves, Light Science, Practical Optics and Digital Electronics and an introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Relativity. You should take one advanced Mathematics course and have three courses on subjects of your own choice. Again, Honours Physical Science students have a wider choice, with no Mathematics.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours): You will cover a mixture of fundamental topics, applied subjects and general interest areas such as Astrophysics and Particle Physics. We place particular emphasis on learning skills that professional scientists need to apply their knowledge. Students spend 25% of their final year on a supervised research and scholarship project involving physics or an area of application in health science, mathematics, geology, materials science, computation or another appropriate discipline.

Entry Requirements

2025 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at BBBB (by end of S5) including Maths and Physics by end of S6 plus English, Maths and Chemistry or Physics at National 5. Those with Highers at BBB by end of S5 are encouraged to apply.

For second year entry you would require the above plus 3 Advanced Highers at ABB including Maths and Physics at AB or BA.

Widening access entry:
2 Highers at BB (by end of S5). Additional Highers/Advanced Highers in S6.

1 Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a non-essential Higher.

Start Date

September

Qualification

Degree

Award

BSc Hons

Study Method

Full time

UCAS Code

Please refer to list below

Course Length

4 years

Faculty

Physical Science

Department

Natural and Computing Sciences

SCQF Level

10

Combination Courses

Physics with Astrophysics
Physics with Geology
Physics with Philosophy
F3FS
F3F6
F3V5

Website

www.abdn.ac.uk