Physics

Course summary

The course will begin with building on some of the topics that will have been covered at GCSE, such as mechanics, waves and electricity. You’ll also be introduced to both particle and quantum physics. More complex mathematical work is then explored, including advanced mechanics, fields, kinetic theory and radioactivity. Practical work is a key component of the course and there is a list of experiments you’ll undertake alongside other practical sessions. You may find yourself measuring the wavelength of laser light, analysing the penetration of gamma radiation, modelling the potentially damaging mechanical process of resonance or measuring Planck’s constant. Outside of the classroom, there are several field trips and visits to cutting-edge research facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, Durham University Physics Department and Kielder Observatory.