Physics learners at Solihull Sixth Form College received an expert analysis of particle physics recently thanks to a visiting expert from the University of Birmingham.
Professor Nigel Watson visited the College to meet with Year 12 Physics students and delivered a workshop on particle physics, which saw budding physicists delving into the way particles react with each other through particle acceleration in the Large Hadron Collider, as well as how they affect their surroundings with radiation. They also received advice about applying for university, as Professor Watson is an Admissions Tutor at the University of Birmingham.
As well as hearing what Professor Watson had to say, our physicists also had the opportunity to detect particles themselves, thanks to an experiment that Professor Watson set up.
Physics teacher Rick Homer was in the session and he commented:
“We are really grateful to Professor Watson for giving up his valuable time to come and talk to our young people. His presentation built on what learners have been studying in the classroom and took their understanding to the next level. The questions that our learners asked really pushed the boundaries of Professor Watson’s knowledge and he was delighted with the students that attended and asked these types of questions.”
The A level Physics syllabus covers Particles and Quantum Phenomena, Waves and Oscillations, Electromagnetism, Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and Astrophysics, amongst other topics.
25 June 2024