This course is ideal for anyone with a desire to find out how the world of science works. It does this by developing an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and of how these can be applied to explain and predict physical events. Students are taught a range of general but important physics skills such as experimental work, writing scientific reports and being able to use basic laboratory instruments.
The first year usually assumes no prior knowledge of physics and focuses on topics like fundamental science and the latest developments in modern physics research. The second year hopes to build what you have learnt in your first year and develops the skills needed to become familiar with natural science, computer science and mathematics etc. The course covers many diverse areas such as the nature of time and space and helps students obtain a working knowledge when undertaking project work in physics.
Programmes tend to provide a stimulating and challenging education in physics that also provide a learning environment in which students can achieve their full potential. They will gain knowledge of the basic concepts of physics, energy supply and climate change and also come to understand the importance of computers and IT in scientific projects.
All of these abilities are vital for preparing students for a career in the world of science and technology. Courses also tend to include research projects that can lead across opportunities for industrial placements.
A sample of the modules available on a physics degree course
- Elementary modern physics
- Classical physics
- Thermodynamics
- Theoretical Physics
- Astronomy
- Medical Physics
- Electricity & Magnetism
- Quantum Mechanics
- Mathematics, trigonometry and algebra
- Electromagnetism
- Electrochemistry
- Structure of interfaces and nanoscience
- Molecular Physics
- Modern signal processing technology
- Physics of Macromolecules and Biopolymers
- Structure of Matter
- Quantum & Classical Mechanics
- Waves and optics
- Statistical mechanics
- Foundation electricity
- Foundation Electromagnetism
- Advanced optics
- Fundamentals of physics
- Introduction to computational physics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Computer simulation
- Astrophysics
- Low temperature physics
- Relativity
- Solid state physics
- Particle physics
- Scientific computing
- Materials Science and Metallurgy
- Nanotechnology and quantum devices
- Planetary science
- Experimentation
- Fabric of Physics
- Introduction to Quantum Computation
- Mathematical Modelling
- Mapping the Universe
- Stellar Physics
- Electrons in Solids
- Physics with business management
- Physics of matter
- Fabric of physics
- Physics of music
- Nuclear physics
- Lasers
- Environmental physics
- Electrons in solids
- Molecular biophysics
- Radiation and Matter
- Electron Microscopy
- Chemistry
- The origins of the Universe
- Properties of matter
- Dynamics
- Solid state physics
- Cosmology
- Accelerator physics
- Heat and matter
- Physics and philosophy
- Planetary and space physics
Skills you will learn on a physics degree course
- A ability to solve problems logically.
- Become prepared for any future postgraduate courses in any science subjects.
- Writing concise reports on scientific matters.
- Develop key intellectual and general transferable skills.
- Experimental Techniques.
- Conduct oral presentations to audiences on subjects to do with physics.
- Being able to quickly retrieve information from scientific publications and literature.
- Independent thinking.
- Problem solving.
- Information handling skills.
- Learn how to use algebraic manipulation software.
- Foster the development of critical judgment.
- Ability to organise time and meet deadlines
- Develop vital IT and numerical skills.
- How to carry out experimental investigations and to report the results appropriately.
Physics personal statement
Below is a personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.
Example
“I discovered my passion for this subject whilst still at secondary school. I had a very supportive physics teacher who acknowledged and encouraged my interest in this most fundamental of sciences. He would organise live experiments that would involve light, matter and energy, the whole class would be involved and I became fascinated by this exciting new world I had discovered.
Other attractions are its versatility and value, it is a subject from which you can expand naturally into more specialised fields of academic research and is a qualification that is held in high regard by many employers. A degree in physics can open the door to a range of well paid careers in fields such as research, teaching, environmental conservation, development and heavy industry.
On a more personal level I want to continue studying physics in higher education because I enjoy the logical aspects of the subject, appreciate being surrounded by like minded physicists and take pleasure from being in a community of academics. My interest in physics also extends outside of academia, I regularly go to organised scientific shows and events which I find are an excellent way to make contact with people who have similar interests to me. On top of this I keep up to date with developments in the industry by subscribing to specialist journals and being a member of various scientific societies and organisations.
To date my experiences have laid the foundations for the further study of physics and various other scientific disciplines. I feel fully capable of making observations in a rational scientific manner and of being able to independently organise projects, design experiments, take accurate measurements and analyse results.
Although to date I have learnt a great deal I acknowledge that there is still much more for me to discover about physics and that is why I have submitted my application to enrol at your institution. Your university has a excellent reputation and it has been very successful in attracting the brightest students from around the world. This was confirmed to me by a recent walk around your university campus where I found it large enough to have excellent facilities whilst being small enough to have a friendly, supportive atmosphere. I feel that a physics degree qualification from your university will give me an excellent start to any future career.”
More physics personal statement examples
Typical university questions
Why do you want to study physics?
Answers
- From a early age I have been fascinated by the wonders of the natural world and for me physics is a subject that allows me to understand and explore this interest.
- It will help me to develop a vast array of transferable skills such as; attention to detail, constructing logical arguments, delegating responsibility and report writing.
- It offers excellent career opportunities to graduates.
- I have chosen to study physics because I consider it to be a pure subject that always gets to the heart of the matter.
- The knowledge and skills gained on the degree course are valued by many industries and employers.
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