Pre-university sciences
Physics
Pre-university physics deals with forces, energy, electricity, waves and radiation. For a psychiatrist it matters mainly through how nerves carry electrical signals and how brain scans and treatments such as ECT and rTMS work.
Depth by stage, Pre-U → Consultant (details)
What is it?
Physics at school and pre-university level covers mechanics (forces and motion), energy, electricity and circuits, magnetism, waves and light, and atomic and nuclear physics.
Many medical programmes accept either physics or mathematics as the third science alongside biology and chemistry, so not every medical student takes physics to pre-university level. Requirements vary by university.
Physics reappears in medicine in physiology (pressure, flow and electrical signals), radiology (X-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound) and in some treatments.
Why does a psychiatrist need it?
Nerve cells work by electrical signals, and an EEG records the brain's electrical activity. Electroconvulsive therapy uses a controlled electrical current, and rTMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. MRI and CT scans, used to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms, are applied physics. A basic grasp makes these much easier to understand and explain to patients.
What level is expected at each stage?
Scale: 1. Aware → 2. Understands → 3. Applies → 4. Masters / Teaches. What the levels mean.
- Pre-UAppliesWorks through physics problems confidently if taken as a pre-university subject.
- Pre-clinicalAwareAware of physics underlying physiology: membrane potentials, pressure and flow, optics of the eye.
- ClinicalAwareAware of imaging physics when learning radiology.
- HousemanshipAwareBackground only.
- Medical officerAwareBackground only.
- Psych traineeAwareAware of the principles behind EEG, ECT dosing, rTMS and neuroimaging.
- Specialist / consultantAwareBackground knowledge used when explaining ECT or rTMS to patients.
What are the key topics?
Mechanics and energy
- Forces, motion and Newton's laws
- Work, energy and power
- Pressure in fluids (link to blood pressure)
- Elasticity and materials (outline)
Electricity and magnetism
- Charge, current, voltage and resistance
- Capacitors (link to cell membranes)
- Electromagnetism and induction (the basis of rTMS and MRI)
- Alternating current and safety
Waves, light and sound
- Wave properties, frequency and wavelength
- Sound and ultrasound
- Lenses and the eye
- The electromagnetic spectrum
Atomic and nuclear physics
- Atomic structure and radioactivity
- Ionising radiation and its hazards
- Half-life (a concept later reused in pharmacology)
- Principles of X-ray imaging
How is it learned and assessed?
- Lectures, problem-solving tutorials and laboratory practicals
- SPM Physics, then matriculation, foundation, STPM or A-level Physics examinations, if taken
Typical textbooks and resources
- Ministry of Education SPM Physics textbooks
- STPM Physics reference books from Malaysian publishers
- Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics coursebook — Cambridge University Press
- Physics for the IB Diploma or similar texts — for foundation students
Titles are widely used examples; editions change. Use university libraries or legitimate purchases.
Common questions
Do I need physics to study medicine in Malaysia?
It depends on the university and programme. Many require biology and chemistry plus either physics or mathematics. Check the current entry requirements of each university and the Malaysian Medical Council minimums.
Where does physics appear in psychiatry?
Mainly in EEG, brain imaging (CT and MRI), electroconvulsive therapy and rTMS. Psychiatrists need to understand the principles, not do the calculations.