Physics and Astronomy
Graduate profile: Amira Mahmood
Degree programmes Physics with Particle Physics F392 BSc/PWPP (three years) F393 MSci/PWPP (four years) Programme description This programme will deepen your understanding of particle physics, covering more advanced concepts than the BSc and MSci programmes in physics. For example you will gain: • Fundamental knowledge of the standard model of particle physics • The ability to draw Feynman diagrams • Statistical knowledge of data analysis in particle physics
Studied: BSc Theoretical Physics Currently: Teaching Physics in a secondary school, after completing a PGCE at King’s College, University of London.
Salary bracket: £35,000-£45,000 Why did you choose Queen Mary? I chose Queen Mary because of its location and distance from home. The size of the School of Physics was another factor as it has a high staff/student ratio, which allowed the lecturers to get to know the students. This added to the friendly atmosphere which made me feel welcome. Queen Mary also has a wonderful library as well as an established Students’ Union. What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary? A good education in the subject that I love as well as making friends I am still in contact with. The support staff and lecturers have an informal open door policy which helped greatly when I needed help with anything. Pete and Ted, the lab technicians, always provided support with experiments, physics problems or time to just have an informal chat. After studying physics for three years you gain an insight in to how wonderful the subject is as well as realising how little you still know at the end. It really does open your eyes to the world around you. I still enjoy the subject immensely and try to enthuse my pupils about physics every day. What are your career plans in the next five years? I want to establish myself in teaching by becoming Head of Physics at a school. After a few years I would like to study for a PhD in String Theory or Nanotechnology.
242 www.ph.qmul.ac.uk
• Knowledge of basic concepts of computer programming in modern science • The ability to apply quantum mechanical principles to the sub-atomic and sub-nuclear physics. Programme outline Year 1 Compulsory modules: Scientific Measurement • Condensed Matter • From Newton to Einstein • Mathematical Techniques 1 • Mathematical Techniques 2 • Electric and Magnetic Fields • Quantum Physics • Plus one option module from: • Our Universe • Introductory Java Programming Year 2 Compulsory modules: Thermal and Kinetic Physics • Vibrations and Waves • Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics • Modern Computation in Physical Science • Electromagnetic Waves and Optics • Quantum Mechanics A • Physics Laboratory • Plus one option module from: • Physical Dynamics • Stars • Condensed Matter 2 • Physics of Energy and the Environment Year 3 Compulsory modules: Extended Independent Project • Synoptic Physics • Quantum Mechanics B • Statistical Data Analysis • Statistical Physics • Elementary Particle Physics • Plus two option modules from: Mathematical Techniques 3 • Space Time and Gravity • Physics of Galaxies • Solid State Physics • Quantum Mechanics and Symmetry Year 4 (MSci only) Compulsory modules: Physics Research Project • Particle Physics • Particle Accelerator Physics • Relativistic Waves and Quantum Fields • Plus options from: Advanced Quantum Theory • Atom and Photon Physics • Electromagnetic Theory • Computing and Statistical Data Analysis • Statistical Mechanics • Relativity and Gravitation