What is Physics?
Physics is the study of the physical world around us, it answers the ‘how’?
Natural phenomena like rainbows and gravity are explained. Physics gives pupils an insight into the creation of time, space, the universe and our very own galaxy. Physics is not only the ’how’ of our physical world, it is the ‘because’ as it explores every aspect of matter and how it is thread deeply into our lives. To understand physics is to comprehend the modern world; from the sources of the power we use, how planes fly and the electronics in our phones that we use to facilitate day to day needs; these are but a few examples of the relevance of physics in all of our lives and what it is.
What skills are developed?
- Personal skills: work well with others as well as independently and work off their own initiative for assignments
- Communication: describe and explain concepts by means of written work, discussion and presentation.
- Investigative skills: develop skills for independent practical investigation, internet research. For example: plan, execute and then report on an experiment
- Problem solving skills: develop the confidence to try different approaches to challenging problems
- Mathematics: use mathematics to help explain the physical world
- Analytical: grasp concepts, understand and interpret data from experiments and construct logical answers to both problems and experimental questions
What kind of person does it take?
- Interest in understanding the world around us
- See challenges as a way to stretch themselves
- Good at listening
- Never giving up and showing a growth mind-set
- Setting targets and doing everything to ensure they are met
Horizons – where can this subject take you?
Careers using physics are as wide and varied as the topics covered in the courses. The prospects are exciting!
- A Nuclear Physicist, Astrophysicist, research scientist, data analyst, Geophysicist, Medical radiologist and too many more to list them all here
- Every possible branch of engineering degree course is open to you – these lead to very well paid and highly espected engineering jobs
- For many medicine, veterinarian and dentistry degrees they look for higher physics
- Apprenticeships with companies like Boeing, cisco systems, MJD systems to name a small number
- A large proportion of physics graduates go into the lucrative world of investment banking. It is their risk assessing and problem solving skills looked for here
Further job categories can be found at the Institute of Physics, the NHS and STEM.
Pathways – how can I make progression?
School
- N5 Physics, Higher Physics, Advanced Higher (uptake dependent)
Some knowledge and skills useful in Engineering Science, Chemistry and Maths
College
- Many diverse courses on offer at Moray College
University
Physics courses on offer at university:
Employment and apprenticeships
- MJD systems, RAF Lossiemouth, Electrician Moray
Related subjects Physics works well with:
Maths, Engineering Science, Practical Electronics, Chemistry and Biology
