Ken Dobson

The A to B of quantum physics

The authors describe the way in which quantum physics is introduced in the new AS (Advanced Subsidiary) course Advancing Physics. It is based on the sum over many paths approach developed by Richard Feynman and described at an appropriate level in his book, from which the following quotation is drawn.

Should A-level physics go modular?

There is currently great interest in and demand for modular courses and assessment systems in A-level science and GNVQ science. Modular systems have many advantages but at present are largely nullified by absurdly restrictive bureaucratic regulations in the UK.

What goes up and what goes across

Plotting graphs is getting to be a victim of the latest political correctness in science. Quite respectable authors (like me!) have been criticized for putting the wrong variable on the right axis, or vice versa, so to speak.