The Physical Sciences is led by Professor David Colling and Dr Alexander Richards from Imperial’s Department of Physics. The Department is one of the largest in the UK with an outstanding reputation for excellence in research, undergraduate education and postgraduate training.
This subject will teach you to look at a problem/physical situation – in this case, the phenomena of oscillations – using three different tools:
- The mathematics of calculus
- Performing experiments
- Simulating the situation using a computer
In this intensive subject, you will attend a series of lectures which will provide the fundamental background knowledge that will underpin the week’s work, whilst also experiencing first-hand lecturer-led teaching within a university physics environment. Suggested background reading prior to attending will be provided and is strongly encouraged, to help you grasp the new concepts that will be introduced.
Within Physics (as with a lot of research subjects), data volumes can be very large and as such computational analysis is ubiquitous. In this course you will learn the basics of how to program in the Python programming language, assuming no prior knowledge. You will then be shown how to use these skills within a science/data analysis environment in order to apply them in your experimental data.
In the past, students have:
- Conducted practical experiments, collected and analysed data.
- Encountered new mathematical techniques in a lecture-led teaching session.
- Learned the basics of the Python programming language and created computer simulations.
- Presented the results of their experiment in a group presentation
- Finished the week with a real understanding of oscillations and their importance throughout the natural sciences.
Week one: Sample session outline
This session will start in the laboratory where you will construct a physics simulation of simple oscillations before conducting the final and more challenging experiment.
You will then move to the computer suite to model more complex systems. Within your groups, you will begin to create a presentation of all that you have learnt during the week, ready to be presented to the group in the final session.
Week two: Innovation Challenge
In week two of the programme, you will come together with students from other academic subjects to share expertise and to help solve a real-world challenge.
The Innovation Challenge is led by the Imperial Enterprise Lab, a group of industry experts, and is a chance for you to develop vital skills you will need at university such as presentation, communication and group work.
Meet the teachers
Dr Alexander Richards
Research Associate, Department of Physics.