Physics
There are usually six undergraduates in each year studying Physics at Mansfield.
Physics is a subject which seeks to understand the mechanism behind the workings of elementary particles, atoms, forces and even the Universe itself. The Physics course at Oxford University is designed to help students appreciate the ideas which underpin our understanding of physical processes and take them to the boundaries of current research areas. The Department of Physics is one of the largest in the country and is located very close to the College.
Lectures and laboratory work are organised by the Department of Physics, and take place in one or other of the Physics laboratories (these are just a few minutes walk away from Mansfield, as is the Radcliffe Science Library). The College tutorials are designed to supplement these, and to ensure that students really understand the material presented in lectures and are able to use it. In most of the first three years, students normally have two tutorials or classes a week. When studying the options chosen in the four-year course, students are taught in classes organised by the Physics Department.
Subjects studied at A level or equivalent should be Physics and Mathematics. Further Mathematics and Chemistry are also helpful. Professor Blundell, Dr Sukumar and Professor Biller will be happy to answer any queries prospective applicants may have.
Candidates will be asked to sit the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT). Applicants to Mansfield will also be given two thorough, but friendly, interviews and will also receive an interview at a second college. The main purpose of these interviews is to test the ability to think clearly and to solve problems, rather than the depth of knowledge.