The Value of Physics

For a moment, let us put to one side the value of Physics as a science in its own right that describes the natural world. By studying Physics we pick up skills that flow over into other subjects. A course in Physics teaches us problem solving techniques and ways of thinking that can be applied in other areas. Physics teaches us how to collect and analyse data and then how to explain our measurements in terms of fundamental laws. Physics is highly rated as a "facilitating" subject by the major universities. Many university courses require particular subjects to be studied in the final years of secondary schooling. These are the facilitating subjects. The top 24 universities in the UK, known as the Russell group, publish a document called Informed Choices, giving information for UK university entry. This document states that the top three facilitating subjects in preparation for university study are Mathematics/Further Mathematics, English Literature and Physics.