Course description
MSc Physics
Modules
Research Methodology and Ethics
This module provides the fundamental research skills relevant to the independent study required for a Masters project in physics. You will be introduced to the idea of formulating a research project, carrying out a literature review, writing research proposals and delivering oral presentations. There will be sessions involving critical appraisal of scientific papers and the preparation of poster presentations. The module will also consider ethical issues in relation to research and development in the field.
Current Topics in Physics
This module will enable you to research and understand topics at the frontiers of the subject. Content may vary from year to year and topics will be chosen from active areas of research. You will prepare reviews and provide overviews of the nature of activities in these areas. Key ideas and observations will be identified and examined through a series of workshops with the aid of written pr&eactute;cis, oral presentations and team posters.
Scientific Imaging
This module aims to give you a background in the theory and applications of various imaging techniques and systems and will focus on the modalities most relevant to research activities within the School. Topics will include image processing, interferometry and its application to astronomy and OCT, advanced microscopy (TEM, SEM, AFM and STM) and non-invasive medical imaging (MRI).
Research Project
You will undertake an extended research project on a full-time basis from February onwards in an area related to your chosen pathway from those offered by research teams within the School. The Research Project will involve the design and implementation of a major research task, a dissertation and a poster presentation.
What do you study?
You will choose a specialist area from four pathways within the MSc by Research in Physics cluster, namely:
* Physics (Art Conservation Science)
* Physics (Astronomy and Astrophysics)
* Physics (Nanotechnology)
* Physics (Scientific Imaging)
The course comprises three taught modules totalling 60 credit points (one third of the course) in the first four months of the year followed by a 120 credit point research project (two-thirds of the course) in one of our dynamic and highly rated research teams. Further information on the modules is detailed below. The course can be completed in 12 months on a full-time basis.
Assessment
Taught modules are assessed by a variety of types of coursework including written assignments, oral presentations and poster presentations and examinations. The research project involves writing up a dissertation and a poster presentation.
Reasons to choose this course
We have world-class research in many areas, including many interdisciplinary enterprises. Our research falls under the following headings: Archeometry and Art Conservation, Medical and Materials Imaging, Optics and Displays, Sensors and Acoustics, Soft Matter Physics, and Observational Astronomy and Cosmology.
Laboratories are well equipped with a range of facilities including a micro-fabrication cleanroom with sub-micron capability, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, confocal microscope, NMR-mouse®, liquid crystal characterisation facilities, high frequency surface acoustic wave and quartz crystal microbalance instrumentation, an optical coherence tomography system at 910nm and fiber spectrometers (400-2500nm). There is also an on-site, state-of-the-art observatory equipped with a 20 inch telescope.
Your future career
At Nottingham Trent University, we know that your employability and job prospects are crucial factors in your choice of university. You need to know that your MSc degree will be worth the time and money you spend on it.
Nottingham Trent University has one of the highest graduate employment records in the UK. Our strength lies in the relevance of our degrees to the real world. In all subject areas, we encourage students to recognise their transferable skills and their application to a multitude of careers.
By taking the MSc by Research in Physics you will benefit from the progressive development of a variety of skills, such as advanced laboratory techniques and critical analysis and synthesis of a breadth and depth of relevant physics-specific research.
Place of study
Study takes place in modern, purpose-built teaching units at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton campus, an attractive, self-contained greenfield site near to the vibrant city of Nottingham. Teaching staff are accessible and located close to specialist teaching laboratories, lecture theatres and seminar rooms.
Services at Clifton Student Village include a bar and diner, supermarket, refectory, bookshop, and more than 700 study bedrooms, most with en-suite facilities. The campus also contains an extensive library and sports facilities including a fitness suite, sports hall and an all-weather floodlit pitch. Recently at Clifton campus, a new observatory containing a state-of-the-art-telescope was installed as well as a major new building housing the Centre for Effective Learning for Science (CELS) and the Natural Sciences Research Centre (NSRC).
There are frequent buses into the city centre and all of the University’s City site facilities, including the £13m Boots Library and Students’ Union building, are open to use by students based at Clifton.
