The ability to apply logic, reason and mathematics in the solution of problems is a core skill. Mathematics gives physics its predictive power and ability to abstract and generalise the laws of nature often into a few, relatively simple, equations. This module seeks to develop core knowledge and skills required for degree level physics especially in terms of mathematical modelling.

Physics is completely dependent on rigorous, scientific experiments in both the discovery of new phenomena and in the testing of physical hypothesis. To be an experimental physicist requires the ability to make accurate measurements of physical properties, to gain insight from the observation of natural phenomena, and to design and construct experiments that can discriminate between different hypotheses. This module will provide an environment in which these skills can be gained and will, in addition to training in basic skills, have a strong emphasis of the creative aspect of designing experiments.

A part aim for this module is to enable students to become aware of and develop their academic, professional and personal skills through Personal Best. Personal Best is a development programme available to all students at Loughborough University.

As with all science and engineering disciplines, computing has become part of the core toolset of the professional physicist. Through problem solving, this module introduces its use for modelling and simulation of physical systems to students of all levels, regardless of computational background. It aims to introduce good programming practice and develop skills in scientific computation.

Good programming practice is emphasised throughout the module so that students should begin to appreciate the discipline of programming beyond that of developing simulations of simple physical systems. By the end of the module students should be equipped with the skills so that they can make meaningful progress on substantive problems that add real value to current technological problems.

The aim is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilise computational tools for solving complex problems in physics, while instilling ethical standards and best practices in coding to uphold integrity and reliability in scientific research.

The two key aims of this module are:

• To introduce classical and analytical mechanics and some of the foundational principles of modern physics.
• To introduce physics thinking, the world view of the physicist and their problem solving approaches.

The students will gain knowledge in concepts in classical mechanics and experience in problem-solving. They will use foundational ideas and principles such as the principle of least action.

Skills range from using vectors to represent a system and applying Newton's laws, through to determining and analysing the equations of motion of a system using analytical mechanics and Noether's theorem.

The student should be able to use these ideas and principles to begin to be able to set up and solve models to better understand physical systems within the area of classical mechanics thus providing a strong foundation for the modules to be studied later in the programme.

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide an overview of the history and philosophy of science and familiarise students with the basic concepts and terminology of philosophy.
• Introduce elements of modern practice from existing departmental research.
• Introduce techniques, methods and habits that support physical and mathematical reasoning.

This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to electromagnetic theory, fields and special relativity, providing students a solid foundation in both conceptual understanding and analytical problem-solving skills. It emphasises core principles, such as the unification of electric and magnetic fields, enabling students to apply electromagnetic concepts to topics in modern physics and technology.

The aims of this module is to give students an insight and initial training in the modern scientific methods, including on topics such as reproducibility, ethical considerations, controversies, and scientific debate. Students will be exposed to current research in the department and gain insight into the working life of the scientists and their varying career paths. They will also gain understanding into how science is funded within the UK and further afield.

The aim of this module is to equip students with mathematical concepts and methods applicable to theoretical physics.

Quantum mechanics is foundational to modern physics and technology, underpinning advancements in fields like quantum computing and materials science. It challenges classical notions of reality with concepts like entanglement and superposition, offering deep insights into the nature of the universe. Studying quantum mechanics is crucial for innovation and research, equipping individuals with the mathematical and physical skills needed to understand nature and contribute and create emerging and future technologies.

Overall, the module aims to equip students with a solid foundation in quantum mechanics and its applications to a level where they are able to critically access recent advances in the subject. Our unique programme leverages students existing knowledge of Hamiltonian mechanics to provide deep insights into the similarities and differences between quantum and classical physics. We further provide a comprehensive introduction to the key contributions of quantum mechanics to science and problem solving in these areas. Topics include tunnelling, hydrogenic atoms as well as the chemical bond and molecular spectra.

Building on Physics Laboratory I, the central aim here is for the student to become a competent experimental physicist who not only understands good experimental technique but can also engineer laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

This module includes a mix of experimental practical sessions, computer workshops and seminars to develop the key skills of an experimental physicist and enhance our students' employability. Students will have the opportunity to design and build their own equipment, collect and analyse data, and link their experimental work to theories that they are investigating in other modules of their programme. Both semesters include a long form project spread over multiple weeks, and in Semester 2 this takes the form of a group project where students can choose their own area of interest.

The aim of this module is for students to become capable in the use of computers in the solution of physics-based problems and experience in a variety of software and language solutions. This involves developing an understanding of the application of computers not just for but also beyond numerical simulation for modelling and simulation related to real-world quantum physics, condensed matter and semiconductor device physics.

The aims of this module are to:

• Further develop aptitude in physics in areas pertinent to Loughborough research strengths. The focus here is on condensed matter and solid state physics.
• To apply notions of electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics to explain the stability of matter and basic physical properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors starting from microscopic principles.
• To understand the principles of modern characterisation techniques of materials.
• To relate microscopic parameters to properties of solids, often based on the powerful method of dimensional analysis.
• To estimate numerical values of material quantities.
• To retrieve and make use of scientific resources, experimental data from papers and online databases.

The aims of this module are to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and statistical physics. This will include: developing a solid understanding of the laws of thermodynamics and their applications; exploring the microscopic origins of macroscopic thermodynamic properties through kinetic theory; analysing phase transitions and critical phenomena; introducing the principles of statistical physics and their role in describing thermal systems at the microscopic level.

The aim of the module is to introduce modelling and control of dynamic systems using classical control techniques.

The aim of the module is:

• To give mechanical engineering students knowledge and understanding of electrical technology.
• To introduce electrical machines (generators and motors) and electrical power systems.

The aims of this module is to introduce the principles of data analysis and modelling relevant to materials and chemical engineering.

The primary aim of the study of engineering mechanics is to develop in students a capacity to predict the effects of forces and motion on engineering structures and materials.

To gain an understanding of:

• The engineering principles that underpin the more common manufacturing processes.
• Processes and applications of different manufacturing processes.
• Computer numerical control and other computer controlled machines.
• Additive Manufacturing processes and applications.

In this module, students will dive into collaborative learning, partnering with industry experts to attempt to find solutions to real-world problems. In addition to advanced physics thinking and problem-solving methods, students will apply a variety of industry-standard systems engineering methodologies and practices used to accelerate productivity in complex tasks.

Tailored to each specialization, whether it's Mathematics and Physics, Physics with Theoretical Physics, or Engineering Physics, students will apply their unique skills to deliver a technical project equivalent to approximately 1500 hours of individual work (team size may vary).

The ability to undertake research, and apply the scientific method and physics thinking in seeking solutions to advanced open-ended problems is one of the key skills that all physicists should have. The MPhys programme offers students the opportunity to contribute towards departmental research in part D. The module develops, through a combination of lectures and lab-based experiments, a range of skills that will support the more advanced research expected in the MPhys project. This module seeks to make clear the interplay between experimental and theoretical physics at an advanced level.

Statistical mechanics main purpose is to study properties of assemblies of systems in terms of physical laws. Its applications include many problems in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, economics, neuroscience.

In Advanced Statistical Mechanics we will develop the fundamental formalisms of equilibrium statistical mechanics from microscopic properties of systems (which include electrons, atoms, molecules and magnetic moments on the sites of lattices). Then we will relate them to the thermodynamic quantities such as internal energy, free energy, entropy, specific heat and related properties of both classical and quantum-mechanical systems. We will discuss real systems from classical and quantum world. The last part of the module will be devoted to phase transitions and their description.

The aims of this module are to introduce a variety of physical phenomena that occur in condensed matter physics and show how they can be understood in terms of microscopic processes.

A crystal interacts with the environment through its surface. Since surface atoms have fewer chemical bonds than atoms inside the crystal, surfaces may differ from bulk crystals in terms of crystallographic order, chemical composition, electronic and ionic conductivity, lattice vibrations, mechanical properties etc. Surfaces need to be studied and understood in order to work with catalysis, metal oxidation, corrosion, adhesion, crystal and thin film growth. Further, both the thin film growth technology and experimental surface science use high vacuum equipment. Thin films are used to manufacture semiconductor electronics, optoelectronics, magnetic data storage, nanostructures, optical, conductive and hard coatings.

You will study interactions of vapour molecules with surfaces, physics and technology of high vacuum, electron spectroscopy, physics of surface structures and diffraction of electrons, preparation of thin solid films and a range of further techniques that are available for the investigation of surfaces and thin films, for example scanning probe microscopy.

This module introduces the physics of the nucleus and nuclear radiations, with a view to understanding its applications and implications.

Over 99.9% of the visible mass in the universe arises from protons and neutrons - their interactions explain everything from why the stars shine to how we are able to mine helium on Earth.

Nuclear radiation is hazardous to humanity but was also a major driver of our evolution and finds applications in medical treatments and diagnostics. Fission reactors could spare mankind from the consequences of fossil fuel driven climate change, but these are underutilised. Meanwhile, we have been within 20 years of a working fusion reactor for the last 40 years. Alongside discussing the relevant physics, this module explores how historical choices and public perception shapes our use of nuclear energy.

Photonics is the science of light. The Photonics module aims to equip students with a robust understanding of the fundamental physics underpinning the development and advancement of photonic technologies. It has keen focus on the physical principles at the base of the development that underpin sectors as diverse as healthcare, telecommunications, and defense and the links with classical and quantum background related to light. The vision is to provide the background of key aspects of technologies relevant for impactful careers in a sector that mirrors the innovation and resilience of the UK's £15.2 billion photonics economy.

The module is rooted in the exploration of electromagnetic energy and intensity, monochromatic fields, and complex formalism, and delves into the intricacies of field-matter interaction within both linear and nonlinear optics. Students will engage with core concepts such as, the complex refractive index, and the mechanisms of radiation-matter interaction, the principles underlying absorption and emission of light. By the end of this module, students will have acquired the essential background to understand the physics of photonic technology, the analytical tools to assess photonic systems, and the design skills to develop cutting-edge photonic devices and systems.

The aim of this module is to give students an overview of the uses of physics in medicine and allow them to gain an appreciation of how physics contributes to society. With a thorough grounding in the basics, students will be able to independently investigate more advanced techniques and draw informed conclusions about published health-related research. They will also be more prepared to go into healthcare or healthcare-adjacent careers.

The module aims to give a broad introduction to the theories and experiments of modern elementary particle physics, and to acquaint the student with the latest developments in the subject.

Particle phenomenology is introduced, followed by an exploration of the basic concepts of relativistic quantum mechanics, which predicts and explains anti-particles.

The fundamental interactions are described using Feynman diagrams, and Feynman's rules are used to convert these diagrams into amplitudes for scattering calculations to explain results from the big particle physics experiments.

The ideas of quantum field theory, which treats the field as the fundamental entity and all the particles and antiparticles as excitations of their respective fields, and which constitute the standard model of particle physics, are developed.

Qualitative concepts around symmetries and symmetry breaking are introduced to explain the pattern of particles that exist and the origin of the nucleons' mass, of which only 1% is explained by the explicit quark masses.

The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physics of semiconducting and magnetic nanodevices, with a particular emphasis on their applications in modern data storage and information processing technologies.

The aim of the module is to enable students to design and analyse practical analogue and digital electronic circuits and systems.

More information to follow.

The aim of this module is to acquaint students with the fundamental theory of mechanical properties, transformations in materials and defects in crystals.

The aims of the module are to:

• Explain the changes in the properties of a material as its size is reduced to the nanoscale.
• Provide students with knowledge of the range of nanomaterials, their synthesis, processing and application.

The aim of the module is to provide students with a knowledge of the properties, processing and applications of composite materials and the development of new composites.

The aims of the module are to:

• Introduce the principles of functional behaviour. Examples may include magnetism, semiconductivity and photovoltaic materials.
• Provide students with knowledge of the materials science that underlies the functional behaviours covered.

More information to follow.

The aim of this module is to consolidate and build on the ideas and skills introduced in the first year Mechanics of Materials module WSA100. Students will be able to carry out strength and deflection analyses for a variety of simple load cases and structures, will understand the simplifications used in such analyses and appreciate the role of stress analysis and failure prediction in the design environment.

The aims of this module are to provide students with a basic knowledge of criteria which determine how materials may fail in service, together with an understanding of properties and measurements related to materials failure and fracture.

The aim of the module is to introduce modelling and control of dynamic systems using classical control techniques.

The aim of the module is to enable students to understand the financial, legal and quality management principles that apply to the operational management of engineering organisations.

More information to follow.

The overall aim of this module is to explore the requirements, challenges and tools for the integration and control of complex, automated manufacturing systems.

This advanced module is specifically designed to expand your research skills by engaging you in high-level scientific inquiry and complex problem-solving. You are expected to apply rigorous scientific methods and in-depth physics knowledge to address difficult open-ended problems with the aim of producing outcomes that could be worthy of publication.

Throughout this intensive project, you will be encouraged to deeply investigate a specialised area of physics that aligns with your knowledge, interests and academic goals. This will involve not only applying your specific expertise in particular areas of physics, but also pushing the boundaries of these fields to create innovative and original research outputs.

The goal of this Master's level project is to develop and practice a wide array of advanced skills, including:

• The ability to plan and execute a comprehensive and extended research project that could contribute new insights to the field.
• Proficiency in reviewing scientific literature to frame your research within the context of existing knowledge.
• Skills in critical analysis, allowing you to evaluate your results and those of others to understand the implications of your findings.
• Competence in scientific communication, enabling you to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, potentially preparing your work for publication.

By the end of this module, you should have not only enhanced your practical understanding of applying general principles in real-world scenarios, but have the opportunity to produce research that meets the rigorous standards of academic journals, thereby setting a strong foundation for your future career in academia or industry.

The aim of the module is to develop critical understanding of the fundamentals of digital signal processing, as applied to numerous and common-place digital systems, with the use of computer simulation based tools.

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide an understanding of advanced electronic engineering applications.
• Provide insight into practicalities of advanced sensor systems in real world applications using underwater acoustics applications as a case study.

This module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the electrical engineering associated with renewable-energy systems, and particularly the integration of renewable-energy systems into existing electrical power systems. It is primarily intended to equip designers rather than installers. The module presents internationally applicable principles rather than country-specific regulations and practices.

The core aim of this module is to ensure students are able to take advantage of Machine Learning (ML) techniques to solve practical engineering problems. Towards that end the following aims are established:

• Provide a base understanding of Machine Learning (ML) in the wider context of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Establish ML approaches and algorithms.
• Explore ML techniques in practical engineering contexts.
• Establish the challenges with ML in engineering.
• Deliver ML solutions in engineering, ensuring proficient use of essential tools for practical applications.

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide a comprehensive introduction to antennas and their functioning.
• Provide practical experience in design and measurement of antennas.

The aim of this module is to introduce the facts governing the nature, availability and characteristics of the solar resources and the fundamental concepts of photovoltaics and solar thermal conversion. The conversion technologies are examined critically in terms of design, efficiency, manufacturing options and costs.

The aim of this module is to introduce wind energy and the fundamental concepts of wind turbine design including aerodynamics, structure and control. The economic, technical, institutional and environmental aspects of onshore and offshore wind farm development are also considered.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide critical overview of statistical methods and machine learning required for analysing data.
• To develop a systematic and practical understanding of regression and classification analysis.

More information to follow.

The aims of this module are to:

• To present studies on a deep understanding of the specific digital communication technologies critical to IoT systems.
• To explore the application, strengths, and limitations of various digital communication technologies in IoT.
• To develop practical skills in designing IoT communication systems using current technologies and protocols.

More information to follow.

The aims of the module are to:

• Develop an understanding of the principles associated with the modelling of properties of materials at different length and timescale.
• Develop the ability to judge the strengths and limitations of different modelling techniques.

To allow students to develop an understanding and knowledge of the latest developments in nanomaterials and composites including preparation, processing and properties, and to highlight the use of advanced nanomaterials and composites for various applications.

The aim of the module is to:

• Appraise types and properties of materials that can be (i) used for biomedical applications, (ii) derived from renewable sources, (iii) degraded in biological environments.
• Analyse how material composition and micro/nanostructure influence biological environments and degradation processes.
• Assess the design and development of materials of biological relevance and/or from renewable sources.
• Understand different techniques for biomaterials characterisations.

The aims of this module are to:

• Provide a broad knowledge of the principles of the processing of a range of materials.
• Provide in-depth knowledge and skills in specific advanced processing methods.
• Provide students awareness of environmental and societal impact of advanced processing methods.

More information to follow.

The aim of this module is to provide a fundamental understanding of the theory of hydrodynamic lubrication and classical Hertzian contact theory. An introduction is made to the mechanism of elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Important aspects of bio-tribology and nano-tribology are also briefly described.

The aims of this module are to:

• Introduce students to digital twins, its applications, challenges and future directions.
• Introduce students to the role of engineering dynamics in the design of digital twins.
• Teach the fundamental principles and methods to tackle engineering problems where dynamics play an important role.
• Teach students the use of numerical tools as an engineering design means.
• Teach students how to employ dynamics for the design and update of digital twins based on a practical example.

The module will introduce and develop the concepts of Reverse Engineering (RE) and further investigate the concept of Additive Manufacturing (AM), emphasising the complexities of such manufacturing methods.

Non-contacting optical metrology is used to measure and monitor the performance of mechanical components ranging from microscopic parts to buildings and aerospace structures. The aim of this module is to equip students with an up-to-date understanding of optical metrology and its application in digital engineering.

The aims of this module are for students:

• To understand the options available and the issues related to selection of sensors and actuators for the design and control of mechatronic systems.
• To design, model and specify a complex fault tolerant mechatronic and control system.

This module aims to give students:

• Practical knowledge of systems from a model based and architectural viewpoint.
• An understanding of system and enterprise architecture frameworks.
• Knowledge of and practice with software modelling languages, methods, and commercially available tools.
• An introduction to model driven architecture and analysis. The students will learn a system definition and architecture design process aligned to ISO/IEC 15288 and how to model the architecture of a system and use it to assess system functionality and behaviour.

The aims of this module are to give students:

• Practical knowledge of verification and validation (V&V) for testing and acceptance of systems from a systems and model based viewpoint.
• Understanding of the relation between design and V&V with the objective of concurrent V&V and design of robust systems.
• An introduction to software in the loop testing.
• An introduction to and practice with systems modelling languages and methods using commercially available tools. Students will learn V&V procedures and tests aligned to ISO/IEC 15288 and IEEE 1516 from a systems and model based viewpoint and how to use V&V to influence system design and analysis.