Years 1, 2 and 3 are common to many of our Physics Courses. This covers the fundamental material necessary for all courses, and allows maximum flexibility, with the option of changing courses right up to the end of level 3 (exceptions are Nano-science, Physics with Electronic Engineering, Mathematical Physics, and Energy Science and Technology). The courses differ in the later years - details of course content for years 3-5 can be found on the individual course pages, listed below.
Staff in the Physics Department are keen to provide a friendly and informal atmosphere to support your studies. The smaller laboratory, tutorial, and class sizes (particularly in the later years of study) allow a high degree of interaction between students and staff. Your timetable will have a mix of formal lectures, tutorials, experimental and computer laboratories plus free study time.
Lectures vary in size from over 100 students in joint courses (for example mathematics in year 1) to less than 30 students in specialist topics in later years. Our lecture courses typically have 2~4 sessions per week (50 minute duration) in which the lecturer will spend their time explaining the course content, discussing topics, and working through sample problems. Lectures are supported by on-line learning resources which may include lecture handouts, computer models and simulations, library and internet links, podcasts, past examination papers, and tutorial material. Tutorial sessions, arranged with assistance from our research staff and PhD students, offer the chance to ask questions and discuss topics in more detail.
To help with your transition from School to University we also run ‘small group’ tutorials in year 1 in which up to 5 students meet weekly with our lecture staff for an additional tutorial in which mathematics, physics topics and problems are discussed. These small groups, with high staff-student ratio, offer you an excellent introduction to University study. In addition to this each student has a personal mentor who gives general advice and guidance throughout their studies at Heriot-Watt.
The teaching of key skills (or transferable skills) is integrated throughout the course (for example problem solving, analysis of data, presenting results). Careers education and planning, oral and written communication skills and team presentations are taught and practiced in the second year as part of the experimental lab and transferable skills module.
Common Years 1, 2 and 3 - Details
Our course structure is designed such that most of our courses are broadly similar for the first three years. This allows our students maximum flexability in their final choice of degree award, with the decision to specialise deferred until the end of year 3. The structure below is for guidance only: greater detail is given in the Course Handbooks below.
Year 1
This covers the foundations of physics and mathematics as well as providing the opportunity to look at wider aspects of physics through a series of modules in investigative techniques. A varied choice of options allows students to extend and broaden their interests and also increases the range of degrees open to them. Examples of such options are Chemistry; Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Biology; Philosophy; Business or Languages.
Year 2
Important themes of physics are introduced through fascinating and topical modules that cover areas as diverse as Photonics and Quantum Mechanics, Electronic circuits, Thermal Physics, and Relativity. Transferrable skills are developed as part of the Experimental Lab and Communication Skills module. Again there is the option for students to study an elective course in a wide range of topics (as year 1).
Year 3
This level deals with more advanced treatments of core physics such as electromagnetism, optics, dynamics, spectroscopy, quantum concepts, and solid state physics.
Undergraduate Studies > Course Details
Course Handbooks (pdf) 
