MSc Applied Physics

University of East Anglia UEA

This individual year-long research module comprises supervised research in at least one area of physics, whilst simultaneously building transferrable skills and knowledge. It may involve research partners in other Schools at UEA or elsewhere on the Norwich Research Park. The project can involve collection and analysis of data in the laboratory or from a telescope, and/or development of a piece of equipment, and/or development of software or a theoretical/numerical model, and/or analysis of pre-existing data from a variety of sources. It must include independent scientific analysis. It will be assessed by a written dissertation, and a presentation.

This module explores how physics knowledge and skills are used in a variety of real-world settings. It features a series of workshops with guest lecturers from across the Norwich Research Park presenting their interdisciplinary physics research and discussing their own backgrounds, through which you will learn about routes into a range of physics-related careers. The focus of these workshops may vary from year to year, depending on the availability of different guest lecturers, but possible topics are: medical physics, plant biophysics, geophysics, chemical physics and aerospace engineering.

Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) are ubiquitous in applied mathematics. They arise in many models of physical systems where there is coupling between the variation in space and time, or more than one spatial dimension. Examples include fluid flows, electromagnetism, population dynamics, and the spread of infectious diseases. It is therefore important to understand the theory of PDEs, as well as different analytic and numerical methods for solving them. This module will provide you with an understanding of the different types of PDE, including linear, non-linear, elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic; and how these features affect the required boundary conditions and solution techniques. We will study different methods of analytical solution (such as greens functions, boundary-integral methods, similarity solutions, and characteristics); as well as appropriate numerical methods (with topics such as implicit versus explicit schemes, convergence, and stability). Examples and applications will be taken from a variety of fields. For the advanced topics, you will study similarity solutions and implicit numerical methods for non-linear PDES.

A number of computational techniques are used in engineering design and practice such as: Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer-Aided Design, Finite Element Analysis, Computer Numerical Control of manufacturing equipment and Computational Fluid Dynamics. In a hands-on approach students will develop a broad awareness and detailed competence in some of these techniques building on material introduced during earlier years of the degree.

This module focuses on key learning outcomes in energy storage systems, three-phase power systems, electric power generation, and power transmission. The content is delivered through a combination of lectures, PC lab sessions, and tutorials, all scheduled to ensure effective learning. The first six weeks cover energy storage principles, including operation, modelling, and analysis. The following six weeks focus on three-phase systems, power generation, and power transmission. Assessment is structured as follows: • Energy storage learning outcomes will be evaluated through one competence and one excellence coursework. • Three-phase systems, power generation, and transmission systems will be assessed through two competence assignments and a final excellence examination.

This module addresses the engineering and technical aspects of solar energy, covering solar energy resource availability, solar energy conversion systems, photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal collector systems, and other solar energy applications in the industrial, domestic, transport and agricultural sectors. You will obtain advanced knowledge on the estimation of solar radiation through models and solar radiation databases for any site and surface geometry, shading analysis, the optimum and cost-effective design, performance analysis and sizing of PV systems and solar thermal collector systems, and their integration in buildings. Additionally, you will develop skills in assessing the suitability of various possible system configurations and the effect of environmental parameters’ fluctuations and variability on the PV and solar thermal collector system design and performance. In parallel, you will develop software skills in the above topics and practical skills in PV cell/module characterisation, performance analysis, degradation and diagnostics in the laboratory.

The aim of this module is to expose you to the technical and commercial realities of the oil and gas industry. An overview of the subject leads to a number of specific case studies provided by practising engineers. A number of assessment techniques are used, from individual presentations to analysis of reserves or research for a briefing document addressing issues of health and safety risk management. Each year the case studies will reflect the expertise of the visiting practising engineers. Although there are no pre-requisites this module is a good follow on to the Fossil Fuels module.

In this module you will explore and get an orientation in modern physics research and its methods, based in recent and current theoretical and/or experimental research.

General relativity is the modern understanding of the physics of gravity, and is required to describe strong-gravity physics - like that of black holes - which cannot be explained with Newtonian gravity. Beginning with special relativity, this module teaches the physical reasoning and mathematics (e.g. metrics and tensors) that lead to the equations of general relativity. You will learn about the importance of general relativity in astrophysics - such as black holes, neutron stars, and gravitational waves - and some of the ways in which general relativity has been tested. Some of the material in this module is co-taught with PHY-6007A (general relativity); you may not take both. In this level-7 version you will also learn more advanced topics, including a greater focus on astrophysical phenomena where general relativity is important.

Fluid dynamics concerns the mathematical modelling of the flow of liquids and gases. It has wide ranging applications across nature, engineering, and biology. Applications include understanding the behaviour of ocean waves and weather, designing efficient aircraft and ships, and describing the flow of blood around the body. Waves are a general physical phenomenon that allow the transfer of energy from one place to another without the net transfer of matter. Fluids can support waves through a variety of different mechanisms. Two common examples are gravity waves in the surface of a body of water, and sound waves travelling through compressible liquid or gas. In this module, you will study aspects of linear and nonlinear waves using analytical techniques. You will also consider mathematical models of fluids, particularly including viscosity (or stickiness) of a fluid. Illustrated by practical examples, you will develop the governing differential Navier-Stokes equations, and then consider their solution either finding exact solutions, or using analytical techniques to obtain solutions in certain limits (for example low viscosity or high viscosity).

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of this key energy sector. It addresses the technical and financial aspects of nuclear power, offering a comprehensive grounding in the underpinning science, engineering and safety features, along with relevant nuclear regulators, policies and issues involved in the deployment of nuclear power. Students will develop knowledge and insights as well as analytical and modelling skills, in addition to skills that are transferable into future or current work settings, such as management of time and information, report writing and the deployment of critical reasoning and independent thinking.

Our aim is to show how environmental problems may be solved from the initial problem, to mathematical formulation and numerical solution. Problems will be described conceptually, then defined mathematically, then solved numerically via computer programming. The module consists of lectures on numerical methods and computing practical's; the practical's being designed to illustrate the solution of problems using the methods covered in lectures. We will guide students through the solution of a model of an environmental process of their own choosing. The module provides training in mathematical and programming skills, as well support towards development of an independent numerical model project and associated project report. The skills developed in this module are highly valued by employers in such fields as environmental research, meteorological agencies, , IT and quantitative analysis, environmental consulting and further study such as a PhD.

In this module we will introduce the multifaceted topic of Ubiquitous Computing. You will learn about how computing power can be taken away from desktop computer setting and be applied anywhere. The module draws upon many other areas such as Signal Processing, Machine Learning, Human Computer Interaction, Internet of Things, Networks, and the use of hardware. This is a project and coursework orientated module with an emphasis on developing your own ideas to gain the skills needed to take the power of computing to be everywhere.

This module covers the extraction of renewable energy from wind and water currents and wave motions. This includes the mechanisms by which solar and tidal energy are converted into these resources, the fluid mechanics relevant to energy transfer by machines, examples of working devices and the principles by which they are designed. The variability of these resources and the effect on the design and operation of fluidic devices is also addressed, as are the infrastructure, environmental, policy and financial issues influencing planning, development and operation of renewable energy installations.

In this module you will engage in Earth Science topics at an advanced level and develop advanced study skills. The module will be strongly research led and based around your own learning. It will involve engagement with appropriate research seminars in the School of Environmental Sciences and directed research on key topics with follow up in-class discussions and presentations. The topics included vary from year to year, but likely include research in sedimentology, palaeoclimatology, geological hazards, Earth history, catchment science, and the Earth system. This module aids students in the transition towards careers in research in any sector (academic, industrial, government or charitable). It also helps build skills in critical thinking and communication that are of use in most areas of employment.