Physics

Physics is a science whose aim is to discover, and explore the implications, of the fundamental rules which govern all interactions within the Universe.

LMH has a keen and lively group of Physics students, and the College and its Tutors offer a friendly and supportive environment to its undergraduates in this subject. The college is just across the University Park from the Physics Lecture facilities. The College location is ideal for students who wish to be close to Oxford proper, but would prefer less of the city noise and interruptions during their studies. Physics is a challenging and fascinating subject, so one important goal of the tutors and other students in the College is to understand as much as we can about our Universe. 

A*AA – this should either be A*A in Physics and Mathematics (with the A* in either Physics or Mathematics) plus any other A; or an A* in Further Mathematics with AA in Mathematics and Physics. More information on other requirements, how to apply, and a typical week can be found here and here. Visit the website of the Department of Physics.

Former LMH students have gone on to graduate positions and earned doctorates in fields within physics such as plasma physics, accelerator physics, particle physics, and climate science. The field of physics within the medical sciences has been growing and LMH graduates have taken positions here as well. Many others have taken roles in the investment banking sector in London and throughout the world. Physics teachers at the secondary school level both in the public and private sector are in high demand and LMH graduates are teachers as well as taking up law.  Engineering companies and defence companies are almost always on the look-out for physicists and LMH graduates have taken roles in these areas.  

Physics and Philosophy

Studying physics here at LMH is quite simply amazing. Lectures are delivered by some of the best physicists in the world – some of them have literally written the textbook for their course! As well as lectures, I regularly spend days in the underground labs. These days are a chance to “hone techniques and develop skills” but I look at it as a chance to play with lasers, soldering irons and some other pretty cool kit! There are two main things that I’ve found at LMH doing physics that I didn’t expect or realise would happen. The first is that we are taught how to write computer code for simulations in a ridiculously short time; I went from knowing nothing about programming to coding a rocket’s flight path to the moon in less than three months!  The other thing (and by far the most important) is tutorials.  Two or three times a week, I get the opportunity to sit down in a pair with an Oxford tutor, all from different areas (one works at CERN, another plays with telescopes) and discuss OUR work and learn more about physics.... I mean for a science geek, how cool is that!?

Alex Savin