Physics, Material Science and Engineering Science at Oxford What is physics?

Undergraduate courses “An unmatched opportunity to be tutored by the leading experts in your field” (Deyan, student)

The courses Degree courses: 4 years Joint course: 4 years MPhys: Physics MEng: Material Science MEng: Engineering Joint course: 4 years MMathsPhys: Maths & Phys 4 years MPhysPhil: Physics & Philosophy 4 years Courses interchangeable until start of 3rd year (therefore it is best to apply for the 4 year course) Typically 2 permanent academics per college Tutorials - daily contact with leaders in their field Each college admits around 6 Physics students per year Typically two tutorials per week, with one other student All lectures and practical work is carried out in the Physics Department % of BA and MPhys A broad curriculum which covers all areas of physics. Accredited by IoP Mathematically grounded Choice and specialism http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?o=Satisfaction&s=Physics+%26+Astronomy

A day in the life of… 9-12am: Lectures 12-1pm: Lunch 1-3pm: Self study – work for a tutorial, revision, reading 3-4pm: Tutorial or small class 4-6pm: Self study 6-7pm: Sport or society 7-8pm: Dinner 8pm until late: Social activities Alternative day: Undergraduate labs Lectures Lectures; subject content (difference in amount of lectures between subjects. Talk about the content (so reflects core rubric of syllabus)) – building blocks, relevant, ground-breaking Tutorials and classes Tutorials and classes (importance of tutorials in daily academic life - Give examples of what a tutorial might include – interactive discussion of essays, problems or assignments set in previous tutorial – developing ideas, problem solving and arguments Laboratory work, fieldwork, projects and essays Laboratory work and fieldwork (Division of time for science students to spend doing lab work – two ½ days a week) – relevant to industry and research. Fieldwork - Examples from geography and biological sciences etc. Experienced tutors Experienced Tutors – teaching and developing skills Independent learning Independent learning - further reading. Assessment Assessment – testing ability and progress milestones Extensive resources Extensive resources (Chance to elaborate on the very extensive intellectual and material resources at a student’s disposal in Oxford. E.g. 2 billion pounds of scientific equipment, 100 libraries, 11 million books plus other fun facts of your own!) – access to books, computing, academics, lab equipment, interesting projects

Lectures Practical work The Department and Colleges There are 30 undergraduate colleges The college to which you apply is not necessarily where you will end up College Tutorials Classes Accommodation Department Lectures Practical work If you apply to a college that doesn’t offer your chosen course, your application will fail immediately. (This cannot happen with an Open application) As your college will offer you your “home” for 4 years, you might prefer to choose one you would really like to live in. ( e.g. old/new, big/small, noisy/quiet, central/outlying) Don’t try to choose by “academic excellence”, as most teaching is done centrally and you may even have tutorials at another college if that is where the subject expert for that topic is based.

Admissions Information specific to admissions for Physics and Materials Science at Oxford

Admissions process ~1400 UCAS application By 15 October 2018 Everyone gets the grades We are not too concerned about your forth A-level – quality over quantity! FP1 Further Pure Mathematics Further Pure FP2 Further Pure Mathematics FP3 Further Pure Mathematics

Other qualifications are also welcome Admissions process UCAS application By 15 October 2018 ~1400 A* A A Physics and Maths Everyone gets the grades We are not too concerned about your forth A-level – quality over quantity! FP1 Further Pure Mathematics Further Pure FP2 Further Pure Mathematics FP3 Further Pure Mathematics Other qualifications are also welcome

Admissions process ~1400 ~500 UCAS application By 15 October 2018 Physics Aptitude Test 31 October 2018 ~500 The continued strong interest in the PHYS2 scheme for Materials means that this will be offered again for this year, despite the increasing numbers of students applying directly to Materials Science. The requirements for selection for interview are demanding and students must have demonstrated an interest in Materials, or Materials-related aspects of Physics, in their UCAS application. The application deadline: All candidates must do an aptitude test in Physics and Maths (the PAT). Interviews occur around the second week in December.

Admissions process ~1400 ~500 ~200 UCAS application By 15 October 2018 Physics Aptitude Test 31 October 2018 ~500 Interviews (3-5) December 2018 The continued strong interest in the PHYS2 scheme for Materials means that this will be offered again for this year, despite the increasing numbers of students applying directly to Materials Science. The requirements for selection for interview are demanding and students must have demonstrated an interest in Materials, or Materials-related aspects of Physics, in their UCAS application. The application deadline: All candidates must do an aptitude test in Physics and Maths (the PAT). Interviews occur around the second week in December. ~200

Admissions process ~1400 ~500 ~200 UCAS application By 15 October 2018 Physics Aptitude Test 31 October 2018 ~500 Interviews (3-5) December 2018 The continued strong interest in the PHYS2 scheme for Materials means that this will be offered again for this year, despite the increasing numbers of students applying directly to Materials Science. The requirements for selection for interview are demanding and students must have demonstrated an interest in Materials, or Materials-related aspects of Physics, in their UCAS application. The application deadline: All candidates must do an aptitude test in Physics and Maths (the PAT). Interviews occur around the second week in December. ~200 Exam results July 2019

What tutors are looking for? Motivation, knowledge and skills UCAS application Personal statement School reference Academic record e.g.: GCSE results AS results A2 predicted results Physics Admission Test Performance in test Interviews Problem solving skills Independent thinking A genuine interest and commitment to your chosen subject Your potential and motivation to do well at Oxford! Apply – what is the worst that can happen: End up at another world class university studying physics. Selected on your ability and skills – our students deserve to be there – or with materials slide Fresh in mind – why you want to study the course, what you enjoy/interest you in UCAS Reading outside of the curriculum – more broadly, widen your knowledge and thinking