Why study physics at A-level?
Physics is perhaps the most basic of the sciences as its discoveries and principles have profound implications for all the other sciences, and hence it has a major effect on our lives. The understanding of it allows us to apply our knowledge to the improvement of the world we live in. All of modern technology has been developed by people who have built upon the knowledge of physicists. Nuclear power, electronics, communications, computers, artificial fabrics, lasers, motor cars - all these would not exist if physicists had not made their discoveries over many generations. Physicists are needed to make the major discoveries that are of interest both to themselves and to the future of engineering and technology.
Physics explores questions like: How did the universe begin? How will it end? What is a black hole? Is time travel possible? If you have an enquiring mind, always asking why things happen, then physics will help you find the answers. It forms the basis of most modern technologies and holds the future to global well being.
Typical careers for physicists
The career opportunities available are as vast as the subject itself due, in part, to the transferable skills gained whilst studying physics. It is these transferable skills that make the difference between an employee who is merely satisfactory and one who will significantly improve the performance of the organisation concerned. Employers see a physics qualification as an indication of someone who will immediately be an asset to the organisation.
Over half of all physicists work in Research and Development, Engineering, and Information Technology. Some physicists work on problems at the frontiers of knowledge; others tackle the challenging problems which arise in the application of physical ideas to industrial and engineering problems - offering personal satisfaction as great as that from work in 'frontier' physics. Physicists are found working in research and development, medicine, astronomy, meteorology and, of course, teaching.
If you have an enquiring mind, enjoy a challenge and like solving problems, give yourself the best chance by studying physics - the subject of the future. From the smallest part of the human body to the great clusters of galaxies, physics helps us understand how our world works. The applications, like the career opportunities, are infinite. Employers today actively seek out people who can prove their ability to think logically, understand complex ideas and apply them to the real world. Whether you want to pursue a career in science, the media, education, business or a host of other fields, physics can help give you the edge.
Physics is at the heart of everything and is a highly rewarding discipline to study at school. A-level physics is a very respected and valued qualification for whatever you decide to do after leaving college. A-level physics is suitable for students who:
- have an interest in, and enjoy physics;
- want to find out about how things in the physical world work;
- enjoy applying their mind to solving problems;
- enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative, logical thinking.
Useful physics resources
- The Institute of Physics: The website of the voice of British physicists.
