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2023 programme information

Programme dates: 3 July - 15 July or 7 August - 19 August

Programme fee: £5,825

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This subject focuses on the physics and mathematics of a central concept in the physical sciences where you will learn to look at a problem or physical situation using three different tools: the mathematics of calculus; performing experiments; and simulating the situation using a computer.  
  
You will then combine your newly honed programming skills with theoretical knowledge to complete a team-based project. 

You will: 

  • Conduct practical experiments, collect and analyse data. 
  • Encounter new mathematical techniques in a lecture-led teaching session 
  • Learn the basics of the Python programming language and create computer simulations. 
  • Present the results of your experiment as a group. 
  • Finish the week with a real understanding of oscillations and their importance throughout the natural sciences. 

Download a SAMPLE Physics timetable

Session outline

2023 programme content is still being finalised. During the 2022 programme, students participated in the following sessions.

Physics session outline

Day one

Students revised key physics themes before moving on to proper mathematical formalisms required to understand the physics of oscillators and simple harmonic motions. They then moved on to practical experiments in the lab.

Day two

Based in a computer suite, students were taught the basics of computer programming and the Python programming language during an interactive session. They were then introduced to some of the powerful mathematical and scientific libraries that can be used in Python and common physics related tasks that use them. 

Day three

Students created a computer model simulating the real physics of oscillators including real world effects such as damping and coupling between oscillators: 

  • Use Python to fit the data collected on the first day. 
  • Simulate a driven oscillator and a resonance curve. 
  • Compare the simulation to the actual results. 

Day four

On the final day students worked in groups to prepare a short presentation based on the work of the previous days. 

Oscillation experiment

Group oscillation experiment

Group programming session

Group programming session

Group discussion

Group planning discussion with help from student mentors

Group data review

The team reviewing the experiment data