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Physics

View the employability skills

A graduate in physics typically will have the ability to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental physical laws and principles and apply these principles to diverse areas of physics
  • solve problems in physics by identifying the appropriate principles, using science techniques such as special and limiting cases and order-of-magnitude estimates
  • solve problems by making assumptions and approximations explicit
  • identify relevant principles and laws of physics when dealing with problems
  • plan, carry out, analyse and report the results of an experiment or investigation
  • analyse data and evaluate the level of uncertainty in results
  • use mathematics to describe the physical world
  • understanding mathematical modelling and of the role of approximation
  • develop the confidence to try different approaches in tackling challenging problems
  • develop skills of independent investigation
  • communicate well, listen carefully, read demanding texts, and present complex information clearly and concisely.
  • pay attention to detail and manipulate precise and intricate ideas, construct logical arguments and use technical language correctly
  • develop computing and IT skills in a variety of ways, including using appropriate programming languages and packages.
  • work independently, using initiative, planning and organising to meet deadlines, and interact constructively with other people
  • manipulate numerically and present and interpret information graphically
  • produce clear and accurate scientific reports
  • manage own learning
  • use laboratory apparatus and techniques soundly
  • analyse critically the results of an experiment or investigation and draw valid conclusions
  • evaluate the level of uncertainty in experiment results and compare these results with expected outcomes, and evaluate the significance of the results.

Physics is concerned with the observation, understanding and prediction of natural phenomena and the behaviour of man-made systems. It deals with profound questions about the universe and important practical, environmental and technological issues. It involves mathematics and theory, experiment and observations, computing, technology, materials and information theory. Ideas and techniques from physics drive developments in chemistry, computing, engineering, materials science, mathematics, medicine and the life sciences, meteorology and statistics. Physics is both theoretical and practical.

The fundamentals, which all undergraduate students cover to some extent, include electromagnetism, quantum and classical mechanics, statistical physics and thermodynamics, wave phenomena and the properties of matter. Students also study the application of the fundamental principles to particular areas which may include atomic physics, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, materials, plasmas and fluids. Physics graduates are numerate, articulate and eminently employable in a wide range of jobs.

To check the growing range of resources produced by the Subject Centre to support employability and the use of this profile (including the Skills and Attributes map) go to www.physsci.heacademy.ac.uk/Home/Index.aspx.

This profile, produced in 2004, is based on the QAA benchmark to be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/default.asp.


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