A week in the life of a physics undergraduate
From lectures to laboratory-based practicals and personal tutorials, discover what a typical week looks like as a first-year BSc or MPhys physics student at Surrey.
How you'll learn
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:
* Computer programming classes
* Group work
* Laboratory-based practicals
* Lectures
* Online learning
* Seminars
* Tutorials
Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays and reading.
“The academics on my programme know how to spark interest in students – even in an early morning lecture!”
Dimitar Mitev, Physics MPhys
We’ve also introduced hybrid learning, a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A typical week in your first year
In your first year, you'll receive approximately 22 contact hours each week.
Monday
9am-1pm – Scientific Investigation Skills – Laboratory Practical
2-4pm – Fundamentals of Physics – Lecture
4-5pm – Essential Mathematics – Lecture
5-6pm – Essential Mathematics – Computer Programming
Tuesday
11am-1pm – Scientific Investigation Skills – Lecture
2-3pm – Oscillations and Waves – Lecture
3-5pm – Fundamentals of Physics – Lecture with Class Tutorial
5-6pm – Oscillations and Waves – Class Tutorial
Wednesday
10am-12pm – Scientific Investigation Skills – Lecture
12-1pm – Head of Department – Drop-in Session
Please note, Wednesday afternoons are left free for sporting and other University society activities, such as PhySoc.
Thursday
11am-1pm – Scientific Investigation Skills – Lecture
2-3pm – Oscillations and Waves – Lecture
5-6pm – Essential Mathematics – Computer Programming
Friday
10-11am – Small Group Problem Solving – Tutorial
2-3pm – Essential Maths – Lecture
3-4pm – Oscillations and Waves – Lecture
Find out more about undergraduate study in our Department of Physics.
Disclaimer: The timetable and modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication and may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps. Given the changing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, our hybrid learning model is under continuous review. See the latest information on all changes.