- UCAS course code
- FG31
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Mathematics and Physics
Duration: 3 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: FG31 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £36,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .
Course unit details:
Nuclear Physics
| Unit code | PHYS30021 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 3 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Nuclear Physics
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications of Quantum Physics | PHYS30101 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
| Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHYS30121 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
| Mathematical Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics | PHYS30201 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Follow - Up Units
PHYS40421 - Nuclear Structure and Exotic Nuclei
Aims
To provide a basic knowledge of the physics of atomic nuclei, models of the structure of the nucleus and basic mechanisms of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students should be able to:
1. Describe and explain the various methods used to determine nuclear shapes and sizes
2. Evaluate Electromagnetic moments in nuclei
3. Describe, explain and categorise the mechanisms behind nuclear decay processes
4. Evaluate the transition rates for nuclear decay processes
5. Describe, categorise and explain the basic properties of excited nuclear states using simple
models.
Syllabus
1. Basic Concepts in Nuclear Physics:
Brief resumé
2. Sizes and Shapes of Nuclei:
Measurements of nuclear mass and charge radii: electron scattering, muonic atoms. Electromagnetic moments: hyperfine structure. Nuclear deformation.
3. Mechanisms of Nuclear Decay:
a decay: Barrier penetration, Geiger-Nuttall systematics, relationship to proton/ heavy-fragment emission.
B decay: Fermi theory, selection rules.
Y decay of excited states: multipolarity, selection rules and decay probabilities
4. Excited States of Nuclei:
Description of the properties of excited states using the nuclear shell model. Collective behaviour: rotational and vibrational states.
5. Nuclear Reactions:
Cross section. Simple features of nuclear reactions. Direct and compound-nuclear mechanisms. Fusion and fission.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered by examples class tutors based on examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Krane, K.S. Introductory Nuclear Physics (Wiley)
Supplementary reading:
Hodgson, P.E., Gadioli, E. & Gadioli Erba, E. Introductory Nuclear Physics, (OUP)
Martin, B.R. Nuclear and Particle Physics; an Introduction (Wiley)
Bertulani, C. Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell (Princeton University Press)
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 74.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Campbell | Unit coordinator |