Physics Enhancement Course

This course is designed for graduates with Science or Science related degrees who wish to receive Physics training to enable them to become confident teachers of Physics in secondary schools.

The training Programme is innovative and designed to be enjoyable and relevant to Physics in society. Course tutors are all excellent practitioners, experienced in the delivery of Physics education.

The course will consist of taught sessions, practical and investigative sessions, seminars, presentations, field study, school visits, self-study units and extra mural activities. Assessment will be by formative informal assessment within workshops, report by Course Leaders and by formal written assessment.

The Keele Science Education Subject Area has two fully equipped laboratories, each with interactive whiteboards. There is a well-appointed computer lab next door to the laboratories and transition is often made between these rooms during teaching sessions. In addition to this the School of Physics and Chemistry has a number of well-equipped laboratories. There is much cutting-edge research within this Department and rich resources in terms of physics equipment. The Department is active in astrophysics research and has its own observatory.

The core of the Programme consists of twelve modules:

• Mechanics
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Molecular Theory
• Fields and Waves
• Atomic, Nuclear and Fundamental Particle Physics
• Quanta and Relativity
• Astronomy and Cosmology
• Mathematics
• Applied Physics and Technology
• School Physics Experiences
• Physics Contexts
• Basic Physics Skills and Investigations

Upon successful completion of all twelve modules, participants will be awarded a 'Certificate in Higher Education' as evidence of achievement on the Physics Enhancement Course.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience the work of the physicist in schools and work alongside some innovative physics departments.

Participants will be expected to take part in seminars on Physics in wider contexts e.g. media, environment, war, the music industry in order to gain perspective on the relevance of Physics in society. There will also be fieldwork, trips and visits, which will help to place Physics in wider world contexts.

Pastoral support will be provided in weekly tutorial groups.