CGC Oakgrove Ebook 3.0

Physics

What kind of person do I need to be? You will need to have a flair for subjects like maths, science, technology and ICT. Having a creative approach to problem solving will be an advantage, as will good powers of observation, attention to detail and the ability to analyse large amounts of data. Being methodical and logical in your approach to work will also be a necessary requirement. Depending on your job role you may need to manage projects, budgets and people; interpret technical drawings, produce scientific repor ts, use computer aided design software, maintain an awareness of legal regulations and in some instances provide medical care. How do I get there? To work successfully in physics you will need a relevant degree and may need to study for a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc, MPhil or PhD. For some career paths your degree will need to be recognised by a professional body. Technical routes are also available through foundation degrees and Higher National Diploma courses. Alternatively, if you are keen to work in a scientific suppor t role you could study for a Diploma in Applied Sciences or Laboratory Science. Apprenticeships and other on the job training oppor tunities offer an alternative progression route. A good star ting point for apprenticeships is to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs including English, mathematics and science at grade 5 or above.

What skills will I learn? Studying physics will help you to improve your critical thinking and problem solving skills. You’ll learn how to conduct experiments, apply mathematical formulae, analyse results and draw a conclusion. Physics will give you an insight into the laws that govern the physical world and develop your ability to communicate complex ideas. You’ll find that the skills acquired in working with physics cross over into other science disciplines such as biology and chemistry. In a diverse range of job roles you could be designing and developing engineering systems, producing lighting effects for the enter tainment industry, managing water resources, predicting weather patterns or using technical equipment in a health care setting.