The Physics Department is on the first floor in Block D, on the left hand side. It has 5 staff rooms, 3 laboratories, 1 technicians' office and 5 lecture rooms.
The Physics Department is composed of 16 physics lecturers and 2 laboratory officers. Click for a complete list.
It is not recommended that you choose the subject at Advanced or Intermediate Level if you have never studied it before.
However, you are still able to choose it at either level, provided that you go through what was covered at SEC level in your own time.
There is no definite mark required by the college for either level. Although even a Grade 5 is enough, we recommend a Grade 3 or better to do well in the subject at Advanced and Intermediate level.
A Grade 3 in English and Mathematics is also considered an advantage.
You will have lectures, tutorials and practical sessions.
You will have 3 lectures per week during your first-year and 2 lectures per week during your second-year. No hands on practicals will be done at Intermediate level but demonstrations will be conducted.
During the first-year you will cover Physical quantities, Mechanics, Gravitation, Electrostatics, Materials, Waves, Optics, Simple harmonic motion, Waves and Expansion of the Universe.
During the second-year you will cover Quantum, Semiconductors, Electricity, Capacitors, Magnetic fields, Electromagnetism, Heat, Nuclear and Particle Physics.
During the first-year you will cover Physical quantities, Mechanics, Gravitation, Materials, Nuclear Physics, Optics, Simple harmonic motion and Waves.
During the second-year you will cover Electricity, Electromagnetism, Atomic Physics, Heat, Electrostatics and Capacitors.
Usually the lecturers will provide their own notes but as a reference book you may use: Sixth Form College Physics, A.C. Xuereb, Second Edition, Allied Publications (ISBN 9789990914108).
Usually the lecturers will provide their own notes but as a reference book you may use: Intermediate Physics (16-18), Farrell M. P., Fifth Edition, Agenda Publications (ISBN 9789995774967).
The Advanced Level Physics has 3 papers: 2 theory papers and one practical paper. The two theory papers are both 3 hours long whereas the practical paper is 2 hours long.
Paper I assesses candidates on the following topics: Physical quantities, Mechanics, Materials, Electric Currents, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics. The paper is divided into 2 sections: Section A consists of 8 compulsory short questions while Section B consists of a choice of 4 questions out of 7 longer structured questions.
Paper II assesses candidates on the following topics: Thermal Physics, Fields and Vibrations and Waves. The paper is divided into 2 sections: Section A consists of 8 compulsory short questions while Section B consists of a choice of 4 questions out of 7 longer structured questions.
Paper III consists of designing an experiment. This will consist of one experiment in which you will take readings, and discuss the data obtained. If the situation remains as is at present, you will be given results and you will be required to analyse the data only.
The Intermediate Level Physics is composed of 1 paper which is 3 hours long. It is divided into 3 sections: Section A: ranges between 8 and 10 short compulsory questions, Section B: 1 compulsory data analysis and Section C:a choice of 2 questions out of 4 long structured questions.
Yes. Students studying Physics at Advanced or Intermediate Level can join:
A weekend workshop organised by the Physics Department. Those interested will be chosen on a first-come first-serve basis. During this weekend you will be able to apply Physics concepts to everyday life situations and get to know the staff better. Send an email to the subject coordinator for more information.
A Seismic Group: Seismic activities and talks will be organised for this group. Send an email to the unit coordinator for more information.
A Stargazing Group: Stargazing activities and talks will be organised for this group. Send an email to the unit coordinator for more information.
There is also the possibility to do the SOK project with the seismic group or the stargazing group should you choose to become members.
Advanced level physics is required for the following courses:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Built Environment
Bachelor of Arts in Early childhood education
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Certificate in Engineering Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology(Honours) (Computing and Business)
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Honours) (Software Development)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmaceutical Science
Higher diploma in Aviation
Diploma in Aviation Maintenance
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking and Finance
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics
Intermediate level physics is required for the following courses:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied food and Nutritional Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Podiatry
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Earth Systems
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computational Physics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Physics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry and Physics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry with Materials
A choice between Advanced or Intermediate level is required for the following courses:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science Education and Communication
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics, Medical Physics and Radiation Protection
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Computing Engineering)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theology with a subsidiary area
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in dental surgery
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geosciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geosciences and Physics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics and Statistics and Operational Research
