Physics

Assessment

Our course develops two pillars of our understanding of the natural world: classical physics and quantum mechanics. In your first year, our mechanics unit develops your understanding of vectors, forces, energy and waves, as well as introduces you to the properties of materials including density and elasticity. This is followed by thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, which applies our classical knowledge to the thermal properties of materials, ideal gases and the kinetic theory of gases. In our other unit, we are zooming into the atom to explore the nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear instability and nuclear energy. Then we delve even deeper to introduce you to exciting new ideas in physics, such as quarks and quantum concepts, as well as developing in-depth knowledge about, and important applications of, electricity. The initial part of your second year splits into further mechanics and fields. We develop key ideas about force and energy, as well as key types of motion. In addition to a theoretical and quantitative study of electromagnetic fields, we study key applications of fields including satellite motion, capacitors, alternating current generators and transformers. The second half of your year consists of options that provide opportunities to develop deeper knowledge and understanding in one chosen area of the subject: astrophysics, engineering, medical physics or turning points in physics. At the end, you sit three examinations. The first two are on the core material, while the final covers both your optional topic and experimental work. Experimental work is endorsed throughout to prepare you for your final exam. Dedicated textbooks and revision guides are available and we provide lively home-grown materials to help you get to grips with what is generally held to be a challenging subject. There is plenty of practical work and use is made of our departmental iPads when it comes to data logging, as well as your phone.