Physics is more than a subject – it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries. Through studying A-level Physics you will stretch your imagination as you contemplate the nature of time and matter itself.
Subject Information
Physics gives you the opportunity to explore the phenomena of the universe and to look at theories that explain what is observed. It encourages us to question why things work in the way they do, how do we know and how are the models we develop evolving and improving over time. This subject combines practical skills with theoretical ideas to develop descriptions of the physical universe.
Course Details
You will learn about everything from kinematics to cosmology and many recent developments in fascinating topics, such as particle physics. If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between then this is the subject for you.
Initially you will be studying the foundations of physics and moving to more complex ideas such as the Newtonian world and astrophysics as well as particles and medical physics in your second year.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science and Grade 7 in GCSE Maths.
- or Grade 7 in GCSE Physics, and Grade 7 in GCSE Maths.
Where could Physics take me?
Your experience in A-level Physics will support your application for any undergraduate course and career that requires people who are proven to think logically, to solve problems, to handle numbers, to work together, who are creative and love a challenge.
Physics is essential for Engineering and good for other scientific degrees too. You can, of course, study Physics itself in many different ways at university, including but not limited to Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, Astrophysics, Meteorology, Sound Engineering, Astronomy.
STEM jobs are in high demand which means that, even in these uncertain times when the job market is unstable, there are still many opportunities out there in STEM. For example, Tomorrow’s Engineers believe that by 2024, 2.65 million UK engineering jobs will need filling. Physics is used in engineering of all types, in medicine, archaeology, police work, environmental science, aerospace etc. Many Physics graduates are employed in industry, business, management and finance.
Reading List
Books
- A short History of Nearly Everything. Bryson
- Why don’t penguins’ feet freeze? NewScientist
- The Grand Design – Hawking and Mlodinow
- Newton – Peter Ackroyd
- The Quantum Universe: Everything that can happen does happen – Cox and Forshaw
Electronic resources
- Mathematical problem-solving
nrich.maths.org - Feynman lectures
feynmanlectures.caltech.edu
