A pathway from foundations to application
This self-directed pathway organises physics into four connected stages. It is a subject exploration resource rather than an accredited programme specification. Work through the stages at a pace that allows time for reading, practice and reflection.
1. Classical mechanics
Focus on classical mechanics as a way to understand the mathematical description and experimental study of nature. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to classical mechanics. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how classical mechanics connects with electromagnetism. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
2. Electromagnetism
Focus on electromagnetism as a way to understand the mathematical description and experimental study of nature. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to electromagnetism. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how electromagnetism connects with quantum foundations. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
3. Quantum foundations
Focus on quantum foundations as a way to understand the mathematical description and experimental study of nature. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to quantum foundations. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how quantum foundations connects with experimental methods. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
4. Experimental methods
Focus on experimental methods as a way to understand the mathematical description and experimental study of nature. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to experimental methods. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how experimental methods connects with classical mechanics. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.