If you dream of becoming a civil, mechanical, aerospace, electrical or any kind of engineer, Physics A-Level is quite simply a must-take subject. Physics lays the universal foundations needed for a deep conceptual grasp of how things work in the physical world – from tiny electrons to vast structures like bridges and aircraft.
Read on to find out why physics gives you such an advantage when pursuing an engineering degree or career.
How Can a Physics A-Level Prepare You For A Career in Engineering
The specific applications of physics vary across the different fields of engineering. Depending on the type of engineering you’re interested in studying, physics can serve as a crucial foundation. Below are a few examples.
- Mechanical engineers apply physics concepts like thermodynamics, forces, torque, materials science and mechanics to design and build physical products, machinery and systems.
- Civil engineers use physics principles around mechanics, fluid dynamics and static forces when creating infrastructure like roads, railways, dams and high-rises.
- Aerospace engineers leverage physics topics like aerodynamics, propulsion systems and lightweight composite materials to develop aircraft and spacecraft.
- Electrical engineers rely heavily on an understanding of electrical circuits, electromagnetism, and signal processing.
What soft skills will you gain from studying a Physics A-Level?
As well as giving you the theoretical grounding in key engineering concepts, there are several soft skills that a Physics A-Level can offer you.
Developing problem-solving skills
Engineering is about solving problems, and physics teaches you to do just that, using a logical and analytical approach. You’ll learn to apply mathematical principles to physical problems, creating practical and feasible solutions. This skill is invaluable in engineering, where you’ll often face complex challenges requiring innovative solutions.
Mathematical acumen
Physics and mathematics are inseparable. By studying physics, you enhance your mathematical skills, particularly in areas like calculus and algebra, which are integral to all engineering disciplines. This mathematical acumen is crucial for designing, analysing, and improving engineering systems.
Practical skills and experimentation
Physics A-Level typically involves a lot of practical work, which helps you develop experimental and investigative skills. These skills are crucial in engineering, where testing and experimentation are part of the design process. You learn not just the theory but also how to apply it in a practical, hands-on way.
Critical thinking and analytical skills
The study of physics inherently develops critical thinking and analytical skills. You learn to question, hypothesise, and validate assumptions through scientific methods.
These skills are directly transferable to engineering, where critical analysis and evidence-based decision-making are key to successful project outcomes.
Collaboration and Communication:
Physics, especially at A-Level, often involves collaborative projects and presentations. These activities hone your teamwork and communication skills – essential attributes in the engineering world where projects are typically executed by multidisciplinary teams requiring clear and effective communication.
Giving you a global and environmental perspective:
Modern engineering challenges, such as climate change and renewable energy, require a deep understanding of physics. Studying this subject provides insight into global issues and how engineering can play a role in addressing them, at a time when sustainability and corporate social responsibility considerations are becoming more integral to many engineering projects.
Real-world applications and industry relevance:
Physics A-Level includes learning about real-world applications, making the subject highly relevant to the engineering industry. Whether it’s understanding the physics behind renewable energy sources or the mechanics of a suspension bridge, the practical knowledge you gain is a strong foundation for an engineering career.
How can a Physics A-Level prepare you for studying an engineering degree?
Should you decide that an engineering degree is the right path for you, some of your engineering modules will expand directly on some of the topics you studied during your Physics A-level.
Let’s look at a few examples.
- Applied mechanics & thermodynamics – Using free body diagrams, dynamic simulation and thermodynamic cycles to optimise system designs.
- Electronics & instrumentation – Further exploring semiconductors, OpAmps, logic gates and measurement devices to build circuits and collect/analyse data.
- Materials & manufacturing – Researching material properties and manufacturing techniques to create better structures.
- Fluid systems design – Using Navier-Stokes and mass flow rate equations to size pipe diameters, pressure vessels, and pumps.
You’ll only have a finite number of A-Level options to choose from. But it’s safe to say that studying Physics will train your mind to think like an engineer, helping you to develop crucial technical skills, build your mathematical fluency and hone your scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills.