In Physics we study the universe from the largest to the smallest scales, we seek to understand why the universe behaves as it does, and we use our understanding to develop scientific and technological applications. In Philosophy of Physics we study conceptual questions that arise in physics, which are not (yet) amenable to experimental resolution.
Subject Intake: Eight, typically including two to study Physics & Philosophy
Course Duration: Three or Four Years
College Lecturers
Physics undergraduates at Merton are taught by active researchers who are passionate about teaching and communicating their research to students. The College has three full-time Tutors in Physics, several internationally-recognized professorial fellows, who also teach our students, and typically two or three college lecturers. It has two full-time Tutors in Philosophy, one of whom is a Philosopher of Physics.
Teaching in the Physics course takes a variety of formats, according to what tutors and students judge to be most effective. We give physics classes, in which the whole year group meet to discuss problems and we hold tutorials, which is an opportunity for one or two students to discuss conceptual difficulties. Students are encouraged to think critically, to make connections between different areas of physics, and to use tutorials and classes to develop a deep understanding of all aspects of the subject.
Graduate mentors are available to provide additional help and support with the development of academic skills and all aspects of the course.
Merton has a large and vibrant Physics and Physics & Philosophy community, with typically 30 undergraduates and a similar number of graduate students in residence at any one time.
Our team of three full-time Physics Tutors and two permanent lecturers offers a wealth of teaching (and research) experience. Together with some very able graduates we are able to provide tutorials in college for essentially the entire course.
Merton has a specialist Philosophy of Physics Tutor and we encourage students to consider applying for this course. We work hard to ensure that Physics and Philosophy students are firmly embedded in the cohorts of both Physics and Philosophy.
High achievement: we put a lot of effort into helping our students to understand physics, and we expect undergraduates to work hard. As a result, we usually have a high proportion of our physicists students achieving a first-class degrees.
A stimulating intellectual culture: we encourage our students to develop broad intellectual interests. As part of this endeavour, Merton hosts the termly Ockham Lecture by a special guest speaker. We also encourage undergraduates and graduate students to interact in a meaningful way, not least through our graduate mentor programme, which offers an opportunity for the latter to pass on valuable experience to the former.
Many of our students take advantage of summer research opportunities, both in Oxford and elsewhere, supported by a competitive scheme of student bursaries and subsidised vacation residence.
Oxford is the global leader in Philosophy of Physics, in which Merton has a fellow.
Our physics undergraduates develop a wide range of skills including mathematical modelling, computing, analytic and experimental techniques, communication, and problem-solving. They are highly regarded by employers in industry, the civil service, academia and beyond. Many recent Physics graduates have moved into postgraduate degrees; others have taken up careers in fields as disparate as renewable energy, international development, computing, management consultancy and finance.
Tutor in Physics, Professor of Atomic & Laser Physics
Tutor in Physics, Professor of Theoretical Physics
Tutor in Physics, Professor of Particle Physics
Professorial Fellow in Quantum Physics and Cryptography
Bodley Fellow, Non-stipendiary Lecturer in Physics