What you will study
Topic 1: Motion in space
First, you’ll explore the fundamental physics topic of force and motion, uncovering how objects move and interact. You’ll learn to model and predict motion, describe the effects of different forces, and understand mechanical processes from football kicks to planetary orbits.
Topic 2: Particle collisions
Equipped with an understanding of force and motion, you’ll next examine what happens when objects collide. Using conservation laws, you’ll describe complex mechanical processes and, with an introduction to relativity, understand how these interactions can change at incredibly high speeds, such as in particle accelerators.
Topic 3: Thermal and statistical mechanics
The third topic takes your understanding of the motion of single particles and interactions between a few particles and looks at the collective behaviour of many particles. Using a theoretical ‘ideal’ gas as a model, you’ll encounter the four laws of thermodynamics and understand their application in familiar devices, from engines to refrigerators and heat pumps.
Topic 4: Force fields
You’ll next investigate the mysterious concepts of forces and fields. Gravity, electricity and magnetism all act at a distance, moving objects without contact – learn how to visualise these unseen actors and understand how and why they work.
Topic 5: Waves and interference
Similar to fields, waves emanate out from their point of origin. You’ll learn about different wave types, how they interact, and how they can be harnessed and applied in the real world, from musical instruments to retinal scanners.
Topic 6: Quantum physics
The world around us is classical and certain, but it’s built of microscopic quantum building blocks that are fundamentally unpredictable. In this topic, you’ll explore this inherent quantum uncertainty and the blurring between particle and wave objects, particularly the photon, a particle of light, and investigate how this interacts with matter.
Vocational relevance
You’ll develop transferable skills and competencies in communication, digital literacy, numeracy and problem-solving, plus build personal attributes and behaviours, including initiative, resilience, self-confidence and self-management. Problem-solving abilities in physical sciences and mathematical and communication skills are advantageous in roles requiring a precise and quantitative approach.