BSc/MPhys Physics with an Integrated Foundation Year

The Foundation Year Bursary  is available to UK students who are registered on an undergraduate foundation year here and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance.

Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our  International country profiles .

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages  and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.

An introduction to fundamental physical ideas with special reference to the relationship between matter and energy  
 

The aim is to introduce fundamental physical ideas with special reference to the relationship between matter and energy. 

Foundational skills will be reviewed in Section 1, such as the correct application of SI units, scientific notation, and mathematical problem-solving techniques. In Section 2, students learn about energy conservation and its application to various physical processes, along with calculations involving power, energy, and time. Section 3 focuses on thermal physics, including temperature scales, heat capacity, and phase changes. Section 4 introduces the kinetic theory of gases, covering properties like pressure, temperature, and the ideal gas law. Section 5 delves into thermodynamics, including the laws of thermodynamics and different types of thermodynamic processes. Finally, Section 6 explores the mechanical properties of materials, such as elastic deformation and Hooke's Law. Throughout the curriculum, students are encouraged to apply learned concepts to solve problems and analyze relationships graphically.

Topics covered:

Physical quantities

Dimensional analysis

Problem solving skills

Transfer and conservation of energy

Temperature and heat

Pressure in fluids

Ideal gas

Kinetic theory

Thermodynamics

Lectures, tutorials, drop-in sessions, private study.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles with regard to topics covered.

Interpret data in diagrammatic, graphical, numerical, symbolic and verbal form.

Adapt knowledge to novel and unfamiliar situations.

Perform relevant calculations.

Import mathematical knowledge and skills into the study of physics.

• Exercise and Practice Questions to complete during lectures and tutorials

• Drop In sessions

• Marked coursework tests returned (usually the following week).

• Examination scripts can be viewed by arrangement at a specified date

Extensive study material (core text, exercises) is provided on Blackboard. There are no specific extra set books but suggestions for possible optional extra reading have been provided