Everyone could be the one who discovers a new planet School of Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Study 2022
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Everyone could be the one who discovers a new planet In 2016, a physicist from Queen Mary lead an international team that found clear evidence of a planet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Solar System. Using facilities operated by the European Southern Observatory, the research reveals a world with a similar mass to Earth. The planet, named Proxima b, orbits its parent star every 11 days and has a temperature suitable for liquid water to exist on its surface. The rocky world is a little more massive than Earth and is the closest planet outside our Solar System. Planets around other stars are usually referred to as exoplanets. Scientists are excited about the discovery because Proxima b may also be the closest possible home for life outside of our Solar System. Could you be the next one to make a breakthrough in our understanding of the universe?
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Contents
Welcome to the School of Physics and Astronomy 4 Why choose our School of Physics and Astronomy 6 Degree programmes 8 Professional Experience programme 16 Teaching and learning 18 Careers and employability 20 Student support 22 Our student society: PsiStar 24 Facilities 26 Study abroad 28 Essential information 30 Campus map 31
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Welcome to the School of Physics and Astronomy
Throughout its 100-year history, the School of Physics and Astronomy has brought people together to make world-changing discoveries. From trailblazing work on the structure of the atom, to the international collaboration jointly responsible for the Nobel Prizewinning discovery of the Higgs boson, our discoveries capture headlines and showcase the diversity of our expertise and the breadth of our collaborations. We know that physics and astronomy are awe-inspiring subjects, and that access to great teachers and excellent resources enables our students to achieve great things. We also know that a degree in physics or astronomy is a fantastic start to a career, and that our graduates go on to an incredible range of meaningful and well-paid careers. That’s why our degrees combine the academic rigour of a Russell Group university, an enriching programme of careers and employability activities, and a friendly and supportive environment. This productive combination is rated highly by our students; for five years running, the School has been placed top in London for 4 qmul.ac.uk
I am so proud of our School, its programmes, our dedicated staff, and I am delighted that you are thinking about joining us. Choosing a university is an important decision, it sets the path for your future – from the career you follow to the friends you make. It could be the biggest decision you’ve made in your life so far and we are here to help you now that you are considering applying to study with us. Professor Peter Hobson Head of School overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014). We know that choosing where to study is a big decision, so we are here to help every step of the way. Explore this brochure to get a better understanding of what we can offer, get in touch with your questions and best of all, attend one of our Open Days to get a real feel for our university. For more information, visit: qmul.ac.uk/visitus
I like how the physics family at Queen Mary is really encouraging and supportive of each other. I know that my degree will equip me the skills and experiences that are applicable to a variety of jobs and are thought highly of by employers. Ambereen Razak, BSc Physics, 2021 Former Physics students Ambereen and Lauren using an X-ray diffractometer to study crystal structures in the School’s undergraduate laboratory.
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Why choose our School of Physics and Astronomy?
Find your passion Our areas of expertise are broad and include particle physics, astronomy, materials physics and theoretical physics, allowing you to pursue your interests as they develop. Ultimately, you can choose to gain a degree with a wide knowledge of physics or to specialise in a particular area. You can choose from pathways that offer you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience or to immerse yourself in a new culture overseas. You can also specialise further through our intercollegiate MSci programmes, which share fourth-year modules with other University of London institutions including King’s College London (KCL), University College London (UCL) and Royal Holloway, University of London. All of our programmes are accredited by the Institute of Physics, which ensures consistently high academic standards.
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Our highlights 1st in London for student satisfaction 5 years running (NSS 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014) Successful placement scheme offering opportunities in research and industry Excellent facilities including laboratories and an astronomical observatory Involved in pioneering international research collaborations including the discovery of the Higgs boson and exoplanet Proxima b Opportunities to study abroad and incorporate professional experience into your degree
Taught by experts You will be taught by academic staff who work on high-profile international collaborations and bring unique knowledge and insight to their teaching. The School of Physics and Astronomy is actively involved in research including the ATLAS experiment at CERN, neutrino physics at T2K in Japan, surveys with the VISTA telescope at the European Southern Observatory (ESO), and the NASA/ESA Cassini mission to Saturn. Take your place in our history Our rich research heritage includes over 100 years of success, with our work playing a key role in some of the most exciting discoveries in the fields of physics and astronomy. Our early studies of atomic structure fed into Rutherford’s discovery of the atomic nucleus; our researchers played a role in the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the W, Z and Higgs bosons; and our work in the development of superstring theory led to the first ‘superstring revolution’. More recently, Queen Mary astronomer Dr Guillem Anglada-Escudé was cited in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of 2017, having led a team of scientists to discover the closest ever exoplanet to Earth, Proxima b. In 2020, research led by a team of physicists from Queen Mary was named in physicsworld’s Top 10 Physics Breakthroughs of the Year for discovering the fastest possible speed of sound.
A community of physicists The School combines the academic rigour and high standards of a Russell Group institution with a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The School is always highly rated by students in the National Student Survey (NSS) and was voted first in London for overall satisfaction for five years running (NSS 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014). Excellent facilities Our facilities include teaching laboratories, a roof-top observatory, a study space just for physics students, and professional research facilities for use in final year projects. For more information see page 26. Training for your future In addition to the suite of skills that you will develop through your study of physics or astronomy, you will also have the opportunity to build valuable work experience and transferable skills through specialist careers and employability support. There are summer placement opportunities available as well as the option of studying one of our Professional Experience degrees (page 16). Study abroad You can apply to spend a semester or a full year abroad on a non-credit-bearing year at one of our international partner universities (page 28). There are no extra tuition fees associated with years abroad, though you will need to cover your transport, accommodation and living expenses. The top two students on the Astrophysics programme will be offered fully-funded summer internships at the Skinakas Observatory in Crete.
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Degree programmes
Physics
F300 BSc (three years) F303 MSci (four years) A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics
You’ll be taught by active researchers and subject specialists in these fields, giving you unique insights into higher-level topics. You can tailor your degree with our flexible programme, either taking a broad overview of the whole discipline or focusing on a specialist area.
IB: BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths or physics (both subjects must be taken at HL) MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths and physics
Practical options involve experimental physics and python programming. These topics, coupled with valuable experience in independent study, research and project work, provide a range of valuable skills that BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry will prepare you for work in either academic for detailed subject and grade requirements or commercial roles. In the first year you’ll build a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics. Over subsequent years you’ll have access to the School’s full range of expertise in physics and astronomy, choosing from specialised modules including quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, spacetime and gravity, and statistical physics.
Examples of modules currently offered: • Electric and Magnetic Fields • Scientific Measurement • Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics • Spacetime and Gravity • Fluid Dynamics • Electromagnetic Waves and Optics For module information and further details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F300 or qmul.ac.uk/F303
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Physics with Professional Experience F306 BSc (four years) F307 MSci (five years)
A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics
You will: • Enhance your CV for applying to graduate jobs • Discover more about a potential career • Give context to your academic studies • Earn a salary
As a Physics undergraduate, you will have a varied choice of career options open to you, including industrial firms and manufacturers, accounting and consultancy firms, banks and insurance companies, retailers, technology BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry companies, government and public sector for detailed subject and grade requirements organisations. IB: BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths or physics (both subjects must be taken at HL) MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths and physics
This programme is a great way to build vital transferable skills. In your penultimate year of study, you will have the chance to pursue paid work in a relevant organisation. You will be supported in finding and applying for a suitable position by specialist staff at Queen Mary.
The taught aspect of the programme is the same as our very flexible Physics degree (F300 BSc or F303 MSci) and you will be able to take modules in theoretical physics, astrophysics and particle physics as well practical modules in experimental physics and computer coding.
A professional experience internship is an excellent opportunity to develop your business skills and gain hands-on experience as part of your degree.
For module information and further details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F306 or qmul.ac.uk/F307 qmul.ac.uk/spa 9
Physics with Year Abroad F302 BSc (three years) F301 MSci (four years)
A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics
out in a crowded employment market; graduates with international experience show they are willing to learn, can problemsolve, act on their own initiative and work well in diverse teams.
How to apply You can apply directly to the Year Abroad IB: BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects variant of the BSc/MSci Physics programme including HL 6 in maths or physics (both on UCAS. Alternatively, you will have the subjects must be taken at HL) option to transfer into the Year Abroad MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects stream once you are studying with us, so including HL 6 in maths and physics long as you meet the academic progression BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry requirements. for detailed subject and grade requirements Year Abroad options are available on This programme gives you access to all of all of our degree programmes except the material in our BSc/MSci Physics (F300/ Physics with Data Science. F303) with the added opportunity to apply For module information and further to spend a non-credit-bearing year at one of our partner universities in North America, details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F302 or qmul.ac.uk/F301 Asia or Australia. Living and studying in a different country and immersing yourself in another culture helps you to understand, connect with and appreciate the world. International experience can help you stand 10 qmul.ac.uk/spa
Astrophysics
F526 BSc (three years) F523 MSci (four years) A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics IB: MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths and physics BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths or physics (both subjects must be taken at HL)
You will make use of observational and theoretical approaches to explore the properties and evolution of these astrophysical systems. Extra optional modules provide scope for you to explore topics of interest outside of the immediate syllabus, providing a rounded physics education with a specialist focus. Experimental skills and optional modules involving python programming and physics laboratory work will also boost your already impressive set of transferable skills.
BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry for detailed subject and grade requirements In your final year, you will further develop your interests in astrophysics and gain You will learn fundamental physical valuable research skills through the principles and their applications in completion of an independent research understanding the universe as a whole. project, supervised by one of the School’s Specialist modules in this programme astrophysicists. focus on cosmology, galaxies, stars and planetary systems, and are taught by active For module information and further details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F526 researchers in these fields. or qmul.ac.uk/F523
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Physics with Astrophysics F3F5 BSc (three years) F3FM MSci (four years)
A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics IB: BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths or physics (both subjects must be taken at HL) MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths and physics
physics. In the second and third years, you will cover a core of specialist astrophysics modules, chosen from a list including cosmology, planetary systems, stars and the physics of galaxies. In addition to this overview of astrophysics you will retain access to an increasing number of elective modules, covering a broad range of topics across physics and astrophysics.
Practical modules covering experimental physics, python programming and communication skills will boost your BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry already impressive numeracy and analytical for detailed subject and grade requirements skills, providing you with a broadly applicable degree. Intended to provide access to a broader range of elective modules, this programme In your final year, you will further develop is ideal for the keen astrophysicist looking your interests in astrophysics and gain to take a wider range of non-astrophysics valuable research skills through the modules than the more specialised BSc/ completion of an independent research MSci Astrophysics. project, supervised by one of the School’s astrophysicists. You will spend your first year covering core principles in theoretical and experimental For module information and further details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F3F5 or qmul.ac.uk/F3FM
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Physics with Particle Physics F392 BSc (three years) F393 MSci (four years)
A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics
In addition to core physical principles, you will come to understand the fundamentals of the sub-atomic world, learning to apply quantum mechanics to describe the behaviour of particles. Contemporary topics include the search for the Higgs boson and new physics beyond the standard model.
IB: BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths or physics (both subjects must be taken at HL) MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths and physics
Modules involving statistical data analysis, detector technology, and skills training – including programming in C++ – provide opportunities to develop practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry commerce, industry or research. for detailed subject and grade requirements In your final year, you will further your interests in particle physics and develop This programme features much of valuable research skills through an the breadth of the Physics BSc/MSci independent research project, supervised programme, with specific focus on particle by one of the School’s particle physicists. physics from the second year onwards. For module information and further Teaching on the programme benefits from details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F392 the School’s involvement with some of the world’s largest particle physics experiments, or qmul.ac.uk/F393 including the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the T2K neutrino facility in Japan.
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Theoretical Physics F340 BSc (three years) F323 MSci (four years)
A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics IB: BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths or physics (both subjects must be taken at HL) MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths and physics
In your final year, you will further develop your interests in the direction of your choice through the completion of an independent research project, supervised by one of the School’s theoretical physicists. The advanced numerical skills, independent research expertise, and problem-solving skills you will develop throughout the programme provide an excellent grounding for further study and a wide range of careers in industry and commerce.
BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry For module information and further for detailed subject and grade requirements details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F340 or qmul.ac.uk/F323 This degree programme focuses on the theoretical and fundamental aspects of physics. You will take modules leading to a knowledge of advanced mathematics, quantum theory, and special and general relativity – essential for describing the physics of particles and gravity.
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Physics with Data Science
A-level: BSc: ABB with A in maths or physics (both subjects required) MSci: AAB with A in maths and physics
programming skills. As companies, governments, non-profits, and research organisations are starting to adjust to the massive amounts of data that are becoming available with the advent of new technologies, data science skills are increasingly in demand.
IB: BSc: 32 overall with 655 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths or physics (both subjects must be taken at HL) MSci: 34 overall with 665 in HL subjects including HL 6 in maths and physics
This programme covers all of the core topics of the BSc/MSci Physics degree, including quantum mechanics, gravitation, condensed matter physics, astronomy, and laboratory experiments.
F30S BSc (three years) F30T MSci (four years)
BTEC: See qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry for detailed subject and grade requirements You will have the opportunity to develop your Python programming skills, learn how to apply advanced machine learning and Combine the skills and knowledge of a artificial intelligence techniques, and gain Physics degree with the tools you need to solve real-world problems with data science insight from any kind of data using a toolkit of practical data analysis methods. techniques. Physicists study the fundamental forces of nature and how materials behave and are much sought-after for their range of mathematical, analytical, and computer
For module information and further details, please visit: qmul.ac.uk/F30S or qmul.ac.uk/F30T
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Professional Experience programme
A Professional Experience programme is an excellent opportunity to develop your business skills and gain handson experience as part of your BSc or MSci Physics degree. If you are not certain about what career path you want to follow, an extended internship or ‘sandwich year’ can be an excellent way to help you understand your options and make decisions about your future. You would complete your paid internship during your third (‘sandwich’) year on a BSc programme or fourth year on an MSci programme, returning to Queen Mary for your final year of study.
Who can do a Professional Experience internship? Students studying the BSc or MSci Physics with Professional Experience degree programmes have the option to extend their degree by a year, to include a one-year paid Professional Experience internship. The 4-year study route is identical to the 3-year option except for the addition of the Professional Experience internship year.
Yobota values its links with universities; we place university interns directly into our teams, train them up and give them real work to do. Our training can take up over half of a summer internship, therefore Yobota prefers year-long placements that are much more productive for both the student and the company. John Morris, Software Architect, Yobota (Financial technology)
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There is some flexibility for you to switch between the 3-year and 4-year Professional Experience route before the end of your second year of study, so students studying either the BSc or MSci Physics programme may wish to switch to the Professional Experience option.
How does the programme help you? • Gain valuable work experience • Enhance your CV for applying to graduate jobs • Develop business skills • Discover more about a potential career • Give context to your academic studies • Earn a salary The work undertaken on a Professional Experience internship is often of a level similar to that undertaken by a new graduate and will help develop your analytical, data, IT and communication skills while giving you valuable experience that can make a difference to your employability when it comes to applying for graduate roles. qmul.ac.uk/spa 17
Teaching and learning
You will learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions and tutorial classes. Your total contact or teaching time will be around 19 hours per week in your first year. You will be expected to spend Assessment Modules are assessed depending on the time on independent study of the work being carried out. For and coursework or lab reports. nature example, if the module involves practical Overall, this means that you work only, the assessment will be based should be spending 30-40 hours on laboratory reports alone. For nonpractical modules, you will have various on your studies each week. combinations of assessment including Modular structure
Your degree will be taught in modules, each covering a different topic. Typically, modules will be taught through a number of hours each of lectures and problems classes/ tutorials. Practical laboratory modules, such as ‘Scientific Measurement’, have fewer lectures and are almost entirely delivered in the teaching laboratory.
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weekly coursework, termly assignments, and end-of-semester examinations.
Independent study At university, you will be expected to undertake a large amount of independent study. Your individual study time could be spent preparing for tutorials and lectures, reading, assessing data from experiments, completing lab reports and revising for exams.
My project involved studying Saturn’s F Ring, one of the most active rings in the Solar System, using images taken by the Cassini space probe. I very much enjoyed discussing my findings with my supervisor, Professor Carl Murray. I also had the opportunity to exhibit my work at the Houses of Parliament and at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR). Sam Matthews, Physics MSci 2017
Carrying out independent work will develop your skills in valuable areas like time management, critical thinking and the ability to problem solve.
Research projects
The project is also a fantastic way of improving the research skills, time management, writing ability and independent problem solving that will prepare you for a graduate career or further study.
For many students, the most exciting part of their degree is their final year research project. This project will be chosen from a large range of high-level, open-ended research topics that are developed by our academic staff so as to be closely aligned with their own research interests. Your research project is therefore a chance to develop your interests in your chosen topic of physics, supervised by an academic member of staff who is an expert in that area.
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Careers and employability
Our graduates go on to excel in their careers in a broad and diverse range of industries. Many graduates showcase their transferable skills in areas such as data science or technology while others continue to a higher degree, often as a precursor to a career in Physics research. After graduation Our recent graduates have gone into roles including: • Finance and Investment Analyst • Programmer • Software Developer • Advertising Accounts Manager • Design Engineer • Business Analyst
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• Marketing Associate • Media Researcher • Science Teacher • Technology Analyst Employers of recent graduates include: • KPMG • Lloyds Bank • British Telecom • The National Nuclear Laboratory • Thoughtonomy • IBM • BBC • Which? Magazine • European Astronaut Centre • UK Space Agency
How we support you You will have access to a huge range of resources and opportunities designed to add to an already impressive skill-set developed through your academic studies.
Work placements for School of Physics and Astronomy students. Companies participating in the placement scheme include small, medium and large companies operating in industries such as technology, energy, defence, aerospace, engineering and research. Dedicated careers consultant You will have access to a specialist Careers Consultant who can provide one-toone advice and guidance on available opportunities, writing applications and preparing for interviews, upcoming events, and how to build transferable skills.
Queen Mary employability schemes In addition to placements specific to physics and astronomy students, all Queen Mary students have access to a wide range of work experience. Programmes and opportunities are offered by our Careers and Enterprise Centre, which co-ordinates work placements and internships, oneto-one guidance, careers events and skills training, as well as support available to you in developing your own business ideas. See qmul.ac.uk/careers for more information.
Work as a Physics Ambassador Some of our undergraduate students undertake paid work as Physics Ambassadors to help the Outreach team. Ambassadors assist with a wide range of engaging events for schools and the public: a great way to build valuable skills.
I did an internship during the summer of my penultimate year. I found the role through the Careers Consultant and successfully passed the interviews. The experience was important because it taught me about life in the corporate world. The placement also benefited me in my current role as the experience helped secure the job and I knew some of the processes already. Touhid Hussain, MSci Physics, graduated 2015
Students participating in a careers workshop
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Student support
I thoroughly enjoy working with students and seeing them progress through their journey and develop as individuals. University is a challenge, but it can also be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. Everyone’s journey is different and we all have a different approach to independent study, if you are struggling then I am here to help. Harvey Abraham Green, Student Support Officer, School of Physics and Astronomy
We are committed to providing comprehensive support to students in the School of Physics and Astronomy. You will have access to dedicated support within the School as well a wide-ranging support from the central university services.
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Student Support Officer The School’s Student Support Officer is the first point of contact for any student concerns. They provide advice and guidance on issues like student funding, bursaries and financial support, accommodation, and welfare. They also help with special learning and exam arrangements for students in need of additional support.
The PASS scheme The Peer Assisted Study Support (PASS) scheme offers you extra support during your studies. During weekly sessions, you will be able to get help with independent work or assignments from second and third year students who have been trained as mentors. This is a great way to get informal help as well as an effective way of meeting students from other year groups.
Your adviser When you begin your studies with us, you will be allocated an adviser. This person is an academic member of staff who will be responsible for giving you advice on module choices, and will meet with you to discuss your progress throughout your time at Queen Mary.
Queen Mary support services In addition to support provided directly by the School of Physics and Astronomy, specialist support is also available from Queen Mary-wide services including:
Office hours All of our lecturers are available for you to drop in with questions about their module material during their scheduled office hours. This is dedicated time for you to follow up any queries you have from formal study sessions.
The Disability and Dyslexia Service: dds.qmul.ac.uk
Advice and Counselling: welfare.qmul.ac.uk
Careers and Enterprise: careers.qmul.ac.uk
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Our student society: PsiStar
There are more than 200 societies and sports teams at Queen Mary. We’re very proud to support PsiStar, our very own student-run physics society.
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Undergraduate students tour the School’s supercomputer. This very large computing cluster is used in processing data from particle physics experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
Physics students on a PsiStar trip to the European Space Agency in 2019
Hi! I’m Luke, President of PsiStar. We’re here to make your time at Queen Mary as enjoyable as possible, organising a host of social activities and fun lectures throughout the year for our close knit and friendly community. We also organise extra-curricular lectures from the fantastic academics in the school; talking about their research on the cutting edge of physics, as well as careers events with organisations like the Institute of Physics and Teach First.
PsiStar committee members at Freshers Fair
Every year we run a trip abroad to visit different places with links to physics – we’ve been to Chernobyl, to the European Space Research Centre near Amsterdam and to Iceland and Norway to see the Northern Lights. We’ve even been to CERN! In 2019 we placed in the Top 10 best societies in the UK, so you’ll be in good hands.
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Facilities
Teaching lab Built for you to use in practical modules and project work, the teaching lab features a host of modern physics equipment including X-ray sources, spectral emission tubes, radioactive sources and detectors, and open-source electronics hardware. The lab is equipped with IT facilities at each workstation.
School observatory Fitted with equipment for night-time and daytime (solar) observing, the School observatory allows access to very high level astronomical imaging equipment for use in undergraduate projects. The motorised dome houses a Celestron C14 and Coronado Solarmax telescopes. These telescopes are fitted to an automated tracking mount with guidance software, allowing instant targeting and tracking of a wide range of astronomical objects, like stars and planets.
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Research laboratories Primarily used for academic research, the School’s professional lab facilities can also be used by some undergraduate students for their final year research projects. Facilities include materials and chemistry labs for use in material physics research, a laser lab, x-ray diffraction and crystallography facilities, and a muon physics lab.
My favourite aspect of my degree has been the experimental work. Whether it was building an Arduino robot in my first year, or conducting my own experiments in the School’s X-ray facility for my final year project, I’ve loved being able to put into practice the physics I had been learning in lectures. Naomi Marchant, BSc Physics, 2017
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Study abroad
We live in an increasingly globalised world where businesses, research and culture thrive on international cooperation. We aim to equip you to excel globally, which will allow you to develop valuable insights into different cultures and ways of working.
Year Abroad programmes
Astronomy placements in Crete
Our study abroad degree programmes (see page 10) give you the opportunity to spend a non-credit bearing year abroad at one of our English-speaking partner universities in the USA and Australia.
The top two students on the Astrophysics programme will be offered fully-funded summer internships at the Skinakas Observatory in Crete. These typically happen in the summer after final year exams.
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The building housing the 1.3m telescope at the Skinakas observatory in Crete, used by Astronomy students on placement. Credit: Skinakas Observatory
Using international research facilities, students on this placement will spend a month carrying out an extended research project in astrophysics. The project is excellent preparation for a PhD, though the skills developed – such as independent project work and problem solving – could be easily transferred into a range of careers.
I enjoyed being immersed in a completely different culture from the one that I was used to. I got to learn how to study in a completely different style and I’ve now got friends all over the world. I fell in love with the American college culture, every day felt like I was the protagonist in the films I watched as a teenager! As well as this, employers love it. It demonstrates the certain level of independence that is required to study abroad, and shows that you can see the world from a global prospective. Liam Hartley, MSci Physics, 2017 – studied for one year at the University of Miami, USA
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Essential information
How to apply For all full-time higher education programmes at universities and colleges in the UK, students must apply online at: www.ucas.com Help with completing online applications is available on the UCAS website. Queen Mary’s advice on applying can be found at: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply
Fees and funding
Our tuition fees (UK and EU students) For UK and EU students, Queen Mary’s tuition fees for 2020 were £9,250 per year. For the most up-to-date information on 2021 fees, see: qmul.ac.uk/tuitionfees Our tuition fees (international students) For information on our international tuition fees, visit: qmul.ac.uk/international/ international-students/tuitionfees
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For details on the UK Home Office’s funding requirements, visit: welfare.qmul.ac.uk/international Funding Queen Mary is proud to offer a range of bursaries and scholarship to support our students’ learning. To find out more, visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/ feesandfunding/bursaries For more information on loans and grants offered to UK/EU students, visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/ feesandfunding/loansandgrants Accommodation We guarantee hall accommodation to all first-year undergraduate and foundation students, as long as you meet our eligibility criteria. To find out more about housing both on and off campus, visit: residences.qmul.ac.uk
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Mile End Campus Educational/Research
Clock Tower
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32
Law
36
Lock-keeper’s Cottage
42
Mathematical Sciences
4
Occupational Health and Safety Directorate
12
People’s Palace/Great Hall
16
8
Drapers’ Bar and Kitchen
2
Ifor Evans Place
Ground Café
33
The Nest
24
Housing Hub
48
IT Services
19
Mucci’s
29
Occupational Health Service/ Student Health Service
28
Lindop House
21
Lodge House
50
Lynden House
59
Maurice Court
58
Qmotion Sport & Fitness Centre Sports Hall
Maynard House
44
Pooley House
60
Santander Bank
Selincourt House
51
Scape Canalside (Residents only)
66
Varey House
49
Queens’ Building
19
Advice and Counselling Service
27
Scape Building
64
Bookshop
22
Scape Canalside Teaching Rooms
Canalside
63
65
Careers Centre
19
Temporary Building
61
AREA
These premises are alarmed and monitored by CCTV; please call Security on +44 (0)20 7882 5000 for more information.
17
Portering and Postal Services
7 62
Key
38/54
Security St Benet’s Chaplaincy
23
Student Enquiry Centre
19
Students’ Union Hub
34
Union Shop
9
Village Shop
52
Westfield Nursery
11
Library/bookshop Fitness centre Refreshment: Bar/Eatery/Coffee place Staff car park Bicycle parking Bicycle lockers Cash machine
Building closed for major refurbishment
40
Water fountain AREA
65
Bancroft Road
Portelet Road
Massingham St
Smoking area / shelter
66
Bradwell Street
Leatherdale Street
The smoking of cigarettes or tobacco products are only permitted at designated smoking areas / shelters indicated on this map. Electronic cigarettes permitted on outside spaces only.
19a
Octagon
Facilities
Information Visitors who require further information or assistance should please go to the main reception in the Queens’ Building.
60
Moody Street Longnor Road
59 58
55
57
Holton Street
63 62 AREA
Bancroft Road
Grantley Street
Carlton Square
55 54
53
Mile End Hospital
52 51
48
Alderney Road
49
46
17
13
11
56
19a AREA
8
10
Library Square
Godward Square
9
3 14
2 1
2
Stepney Green Tube Station
4
15
Nuevo Burial Ground
18
AREA
Bancroft Road
M ile End Place
5
7
19
32
25
45
The Curve
46
BL
6
47
31 29
26
44
Westfield Way
12
28
41
BL
Regent’s Canal
50
27 Geography Square
61
43 42
AREA
Arts Quarter
15
40
33
16 24 15
23
20
22
34
35
36
37 38
39
East Gate
Mile End Tube Station
Mile End Road Harford St
21 64
qmul.ac.uk/spa 31
Terms and conditions
1 Rules and regulations The offer of, and acceptance of, a place at Queen Mary is made on the understanding that you undertake to observe the terms and conditions of our Academic Regulations and related policies. These cover, among other things, payment of fees, attendance at classes, submission of work, attendance at examinations, student discipline, complaints procedure, freedom of speech and equal opportunities policies. To read the Academic Regulations and related policies, visit: arcs.qmul.ac.uk/policy 2 Changes to our programmes Queen Mary will aim to deliver your programme so that it closely matches the way in which it has been described to you by Queen Mary in print, online, and/ or in person. However, it is important to realise that in some circumstances we may change aspects of your programme. For example, staff changes, resource limitations and factors such as a change in the law or the level of demand for a particular programme or module may result in Queen Mary having to withdraw or change aspects of the programmes and/or student services described in this prospectus. In the unlikely event that we discontinue a programme of study, or change it significantly before it begins, we will inform applicants holding an offer of a place at the earliest opportunity and will endeavour to offer a suitable alternative programme at Queen Mary. We will also ensure that these changes are reflected on our website as soon as possible.
3 Liability for damage to person or property Queen Mary does not accept responsibility or liability for any damage to students’ property, the transfer of computer viruses to students’ equipment, or personal injury to students caused by the misuse or unauthorised use of Queen Mary equipment, or owing to students not taking due care while on Queen Mary premises, or engaged in Queen Mary activities. 4 Accuracy of information in this prospectus Queen Mary has made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided in this prospectus is both helpful and accurate at the time of going to press. However, this information is subject to change over time. For this reason, it is important that you check the website for the most up-to-date information (qmul.ac.uk) or contact us using the details contained within the document. Applicants are strongly advised to check the Queen Mary Course Finder for up-to-date entry requirements before submitting their UCAS application: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/coursefinder Read our terms and conditions in full at: qmul.ac.uk/prospective/termsandconditions
Contact
Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS qmul.ac.uk We would like to thank the students who took part in these photographs. Student and departmental photography by Jorge Estevao (jdestevao.com), Jonathan Cole (www.JonathanColePhotography. com) and photos also by Layton Thompson (www. laytonthompson.com). Produced by Marketing and Communications Queen Mary University of London
32 qmul.ac.uk/spa
BSc Physics student Wafa uses the School’s rooftop observatory, fitted as part of the £12m refurbishment in 2014
33 qmul.ac.uk
qmul.ac.uk/spa 33
School of Physics and Astronomy Queen Mary University of London Mile End Road, London E1 4NS Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 6958 Email: physics@qmul.ac.uk
If you require this publication in a different accessible format we will endeavour to provide this, where possible. For further information and assistance, please contact: designandbranding@qmul.ac.uk
qmul.ac.uk/spa 228_21
