Scott

Physics has always been of particular interest to me. It goes beyond being just a subject of study, I feel it is a real passion of mine; and reading up on current affairs comprises a significant portion of my free time. Since my early teens I have been fascinated by the ever developing and evolving nature of the theoretical research, and in my lifetime I have been fortunate enough to witness several major breakthroughs; including the first direct observation of the Tau Neutrino, the isolation of the Higgs Boson, and the first theory of the accelerated early expansion of our universe.

Studying Physics at Bath at an undergraduate level provided the opportunity to study a wide range of diverse physical modules, from core mathematical techniques to quantum theory, and from general relativity to superconductivity. Amongst the diverse array of interesting modules, it was the theoretical and quantum sections that peaked my interest and provided challenging problems that have helped develop my problem solving skills, allowing me to think in an analytical and rational manner; of great importance to many other areas of my undergraduate and postgraduate degree; which I hope to be able to share with budding students.

The placement year of my degree was extremely beneficial. It was spent in the Experimental Science Group of the Vulcan Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxford, and provided important experience into the world beyond education. It was a chance for me to apply what I have learnt in my secondary and undergraduate education to an important practical use. During my year, I was working closely with visiting scientists and PhD students whilst conducting high power laser experiments into novel condensed matter physics and even had the opportunity to work with the Petawatt laser staff on relativistic laser driven electron beam generation.

I have been tutoring now for over 7 years (both freelance and for a tutoring agency), over which I have taught a dozen students across a wide range of levels (from GCSE to final year undergraduate). All my students have seen a significant rise in their confidence and ability; jumping at least two grade boundaries whilst simultaneously gaining more enthusiasm for the subject matter.

Whilst studying for my undergraduate degree in physics in Bath I volunteered for a programme called 'Lab in a Lorry', an organisation I found through the university. They tour the country in a large mobile unit kitted-out with several experiments and interactive demonstrations to bring science and mathematics to pre-GCSE children with the aim of peaking their interest. It is a joint venture of the Institute of Physics and the Schlumberger Foundation. I was able to volunteer several times and was privileged to be able to teach a wide range of age groups, which was vital experience for me as a soft introduction to teaching.

During my time teaching I ran several practical demonstrations for the kids ranging from an introduction to fibre optics and their use in modern medicine and surgery, to an insight into polarisation of electromagnetic radiation and how it alters how we see our Sun. These experiences were extremely fulfilling, and encouraged me to become a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) ambassador whilst on placement in Oxford. This involved running several outreach programmes at local (and not so local) schools, with the intention of making science fun and more relevant to young children. Myself, accompanied by several other placement students, exposed scientific thinking and novel ideas to children of ages 6 to 12. Some of these activities included: telescopic observation of the moon, an insight into the specific electromagnetic dependent appearance of galaxies, the formation of stars and other stellar activities, as well as several other aeronautic and space based demos.