Certificate in Physics
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Description
Physics is perhaps the most exciting intellectual adventure of our age – discoveries being made now will change your life, and learning physics will change the way you think about the world. The Certificate in Physics offers a good basic foundation from which you can progress to a diploma or an honours degree. It provides a wide-ranging introduction to physics and its applications, covering classical mechanics; thermal physics and fluids; fields, waves and electromagnetism; relativity; and quantum physics – setting many of them in their historical context. This certificate course also gives you a fascinating introduction to experimental physics.
Fees and facts
Key facts
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Flexible, part-time study through distance learning.
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OU Certificate
OU Certificate
undergraduate.qualification.S20,qualification,,certificate,1 OU Certificates are specially designed Open University qualifications focusing either on a particular job or profession, or academic study. For example The Open University's Certificate in Supporting Learning in Primary Schools is designed for teaching assistants and other kinds of classroom support staff, including volunteers. Not all OU Certificates are entry level qualifications. You can use an OU Certificate to: - enhance or progress your current career,
- gain a greater knowledge and understanding of a subject you are interested in.
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Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification. However, this is a Level 2 certificate. You should ensure that you have adequate study skills, such as gained from Level 1 study or its equivalent, before you begin.
Career relevance and employability
The Certificate in Physics would be useful, for example, if you are required to teach secondary school physics but your background is in another area of science. This certificate course is endorsed by the Institute of Physics as providing sufficient content to support the teaching of secondary school physics to A-level. It is also endorsed by the Institute as providing sufficient content for those seeking to be physics specialists on entry to PGCE studies.
There’s more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Choose a pathway and register
Pathways allow you to specialise or choose particular topics that interest you. You will need to choose a pathway before registering.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
You cannot count credit for study you have already completed elsewhere towards this qualification.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Certificate in Physics.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the following regulations:
These regulations are also available on our Essential Documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a Microsoft Windows (new since 2007),
Apple Mac (OS X 10.6 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate. However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you
will need additional software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be made available when you
register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer developments and the way we teach.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities
we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move.
As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed
feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online
tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.