Think like a physicist, solve problems like a physicist - this course will challenge your understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. Why do we actually value the science of physics? One major reason is because of the way that it teaches us to think and analyse any situation or conundrum. Often we think we understand the laws of physics, Newton’s Laws of Motion are not after all rocket science, but are you ready to put that to the test and challenge your understanding?
The course will build upon the concepts from the giants of physics, Newton and Einstein to name just two, and through the application of mathematics challenge you to solve a variety of problems in quantum mechanics and special relativity. The focus and aim is not learning but understanding and thinking, analysis and logic.
The problems that we will be solving increase in difficulty and are supported by an online learning platform called isaacphysics.org (the course will be supported and conducted using a variety of online tools). Isaac Physics is host to over 400 physics problems as well as challenges and extraordinary problems that we will work on and discuss during the course. To support and facilitate the physics Isaac also contains practice mathematics questions which students will also be encouraged to engage with before and during the course.
Each session will open with a short introduction to the ideas of the session but the most of the time will be spent working in groups and with the lecturer to solve problems – this course is about learning by doing NOT learning by listening. The ultimate outcome is that you will boost your confidence and problem solving skills in physics and mathematics through a series of curious puzzles.
What our students say
"Dr Jardine-Wright is very good at explaining things..and helped our development of problem solving and quantitative reasoning skills. I can't believe I have done an experiment in Cavendish laboratory!"
