The programme details of this course are provided by:School of Physics and Astronomy: The School of Physics & Astronomy focusses its activities around research with over 60% of our academic staff and an ever growing student population involved in cutting edge research. Our teaching reflects our research work through our offering of an exciting range of internationally recognised degree programmes. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) our School was rated as equal second for research among all the Physics departments in the UK and we are top in Scotland reflecting the international profile of our research groups.School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies:
Distinctive features of this course
As a Joint Honours degree student you will study both subjects equally offering you a wide choice of options within subjects. You will focus on the study of logic, which is the science of correct reasoning and which laid the foundations of modern computational science, and the study of the nature of science as a whole. Both elements emphasise skills of criticism and analysis, clear thinking and argument - skills which complement other studies in the sciences and which are of great use in future careers. You can expect to have the opportunity to engage with a number of specialist topics including for example questions such as: What differentiates truth from falsehood, reality from mere appearance? What is scientific evidence, and how does it lend support to one theory or another? Are scientists discovering eternal truths about the deep structure of the world, or do they merely invent convenient stories? What is the role of science in society? Your mathematical and experimental skills will be developed and you can expect to have the opportunity to engage with a number of specialist topics including for example quantum physics, optoelectronics, nuclear and particle physics. It may be possible to spend a semester or year studying abroad as part of this degree programme.