Subject Knowledge Enhancement: Physics (28 weeks)

Why study with us?

This is a 14 unit, 28 week Teaching Agency funded course.

Students on this course would already have the basic knowledge of Physics so would not need to study the more basic content covered during the first semester.

The 14 unit Physics Enhancement Course involves studying 28 topics with each topic studied for one week. The topics will be delivered using a variety of teaching and learning strategies including practical work, group activities, peer presentations, peer assessment, e-learning, individual and group written tasks. This structure will support participants in developing their knowledge and understanding of both GCSE and advanced level chemistry as well as the associated scientific processes and skills. There is also some emphasis put on the subject pedagogy (how you teach it) in readiness for the PGCE course.

What can this course lead to?

This course enables you to build your subject knowledge in order to train to teach Secondary Science with a Physics specialism. There are excellent job opportunities in this subject due to their being a national shortage of teachers in this subject.

Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 60 credits Selection criteria

Academic requirements

We ideally require a 2:2 Hons degree including some study of science. Ideally this should be backed up with an A Level grade C or above in Physics or other physical science. Applicants without science in the degree but with a good science GCSE (grade C or above) may also be considered. Applicants with a lower classification in their degree may be considered on a discretionary basis by the course tutor. All applicants must demonstrate in their application and at interview the potential to benefit from the enhancement course.

CRB Enhanced Disclosure

All entrants to the enhancement course must obtain a CRB Enhanced Disclosure with University of Cumbria. Included within this is satisfactory provisional registration with the General Teaching Council.

ITT offer

All entrants must provide evidence that they have a confirmed place on a suitable scheme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) to train as a Chemistry or Physics teacher in order to secure their place on the enhancement course. Acceptable offers include a place on a PGCE Secondary Science course at University of Cumbria or any other University or Higher Education Institution.

Modules

• Experimental Skills
• Electricity
• Waves
• Mechanics
• Quantum and Nuclear Physics
• Astronomy and Cosmology
• Physics Story Line
• Quantum Physics
• Physical Themes and Processes
• Fields
• Nuclear Physics
• Exponential Decay
• Thermal Physics
• Medical Physics
• Physics Beyond the Curriculum

Course summary

The 14 unit Physics Enhancement Course involves studying 28 topics with each topic studied for one week. The topics will be delivered using a variety of teaching and learning strategies including practical work, group activities, peer presentations, peer assessment, e-learning, individual and group written tasks. This structure will support participants in developing their knowledge and understanding of both GCSE and advanced level physics as well as the associated scientific processes and skills. There is also some emphasis put on the subject pedagogy (how you teach it) in readiness for the PGCE course.