Classical and Quantum Matter and Radiation module (PH22001)

From the behaviour of everyday materials to the fundamental building blocks of the universe, this module takes you into the physics that explains how matter and energy really work. You will explore how heat, motion, and energy are connected through thermodynamics, and how these principles govern everything from engines to the behaviour of solids.

You will then move beyond classical physics into the quantum world, where particles behave in surprising and sometimes counterintuitive ways. You will discover how ideas such as wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle reshape our understanding of atoms and light, and how these concepts explain the structure of matter at the smallest scales.

As the module develops, you will uncover how the properties of materials arise from their atomic structure, leading to technologies such as semiconductors, lasers, and modern electronics.

You will also explore the physics of the nucleus and the fundamental particles that make up the universe, from protons and neutrons to quarks and the Standard Model. By the end, you will see how a small set of powerful ideas can explain phenomena ranging from everyday materials to the most extreme environments in the universe.

What you will learn 

In this module, you will:

• explore the laws of thermodynamics and how energy, heat, and entropy govern physical systems
• investigate the kinetic theory of gases and the behaviour of particles
• study special relativity and how motion affects space, time, and energy
• examine the key experiments that led to quantum mechanics
• explore wave-particle duality and the Bohr model of the atom
• learn the foundations of quantum mechanics, including the Schrödinger equation
• investigate atomic structure and energy levels
• study the structure of solids, including semiconductors and modern materials
• explore nuclear physics, including radioactive decay, fission, and fusion
• investigate fundamental particles and the Standard Model

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• explain how thermal physics governs the behaviour of matter and energy
• apply relativity to calculate energies and momenta of particles
• describe and apply key principles of quantum mechanics and atomic physics
• explain how atomic structure gives rise to material properties
• describe nuclear processes and fundamental particles
• apply mathematical and physical reasoning to solve problems

Assignments / assessment

• Problem solving assignments using Mastering Physics (40%)
• Final exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
  • These will be interactive. They will cover key concepts and worked examples
• workshops
  • These will focus on solving real problems using techniques from lectures
• online adaptive exercises
  • These are personalised Mastering Physics tasks. They will adjust to your strengths and weaknesses