Physics in Society

Overview

Physics in Society gives students the opportunity to explore elements of physics that are often passed over in other modules. Students will learn about the development of physics over the course of history, and the philosophical ideas that permeate the subject. The module also covers the ethics of physics, the importance of science communication and technological developments.

The module also gives students the opportunity to work on a digital media project in a group, communicating an aspect of physics in an accessible way such as a website or application. Previous topics students have based projects on include:

• The physics of climate change
• Physics in sport
• Physics and energy
• Medical physics
• Physics at the movies and in science fiction
• Physics and music
• Financial physics
• Interpretations of quantum mechanics
• Physics and warfare
• Physics and data science
• Physics in peace and diplomacy

Course Aims:

• To give students an insight into the history, philosophy, communication, and ethics of physics.
• To provide experience of a research-led project in physics.
• To give students experience in communicating physics using modern digital media.

Course Details:

Term 1:

• 18 Lectures on the history and philosophy of physics, physics communication, and ethics.
• Project topic is chosen, and project groups are allocated.
• Formative written assignment on lecture content.

Term 2:

• Summative written assignment on lecture content.
• Digital Media Project is planned, executed, and submitted by each group.

Assessment:

There are two different forms of assessment:

• Written Assignment: An online written assignment on the content of the Michaelmas lecture course. Unlike exams in many other modules there is no set answer, and students are encouraged to reflect on the questions and answer with a compelling argument backed up by historical evidence and a philosophical basis.
• Digital Media Project: A group assessment of the project output plus an assessment of each student's personal contribution via a short individual interview, guided by peer assessment. The interview places particular emphasis on the student's self-directed learning.