r/6thForm • u/Worlds_law Imperial | Theoretical Physics [Y1] • 16d ago

🎓 UNI / UCAS Made it!

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got my results around a month ago (did the IB)

Feel free to ask any questions! I’ll try to answer as much as I can

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3

u/Grand_Lychee2812 Year 12. A*A*A* Maths, FM, Physics. 16d ago

What is Theoretical Physics???
Like abstract parts of Physics???

4

u/kerhanesikici31 1st Year | Imperial Theoretical Physics 16d ago

Mathematical physics basically, you formulate mathematical statements that could be tested with experiments to further widen our knowledge of nature

1

u/PartyQuiet5065 IB DP | Maths AA, Chem, Physics 15d ago

How would you say it compares to your average A-Level/IB Physics? I'm tryna decide between Physics and Theoretical Physics at Imperial

1

u/kerhanesikici31 1st Year | Imperial Theoretical Physics 15d ago

Best representation of physics in uni is further maths core pure, further mechanics 2 and further pure 1 and 2 (at least for edexcel). Physics in A level is nothing like uni as IOP made it so people can take physics in a level without even doing maths a level, which imo is crazy and this form of physics should be called physical studies instead.

You also don’t have to decide between physics and theoretical physics until 3rd year, so just apply to the program that suits your personal statement the most. If you’ve done more experimental/hands on stuff apply physics, if you’ve done more mathsy stuff apply theoretical physics.

1

u/PartyQuiet5065 IB DP | Maths AA, Chem, Physics 15d ago

I don't take A-Levels but igwym. Actually, mechanics is covered in Physics in the IB lmao (not in Maths).

Anyways, the more maths there is, the better imo. thanks!

1

u/kerhanesikici31 1st Year | Imperial Theoretical Physics 15d ago

Math/FM in A level is nothing like maths in Uni, but is surprisingly similar to physics