Graham MacKerron is pictured with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) in the honours physics teaching lab.  Parts of this technology formed a key component of the "proposal" generated by his team in the final assignment of the "Transferable Skills for Physicists" course.  He says:

As a keen physicist, I took a great deal of time and effort deciding on which university to study physics at for the next four years of my life. With a modern department incorporating flexible courses, a high standard of student accommodation and a lively, picturesque location, St. Andrews emerged as my university of choice.

I came from an A level based background and I found the direct entry into second year a comfortable transition thanks to supportive and helpful lecturers.  Best of all the courses are cleverly designed so that final grades do not always depend on one big final exam because continuous assessment questions and practical lab work contribute.  This is great because it can help keep you motivated throughout the year.  A particularly exciting module on offer is ‘Transferable Skills for Physicists' which enhances those abilities that are sometimes neglected by other physics courses.  It even involves a weekend trip to the Scottish countryside!

First posted BDS 9.5.04