But if data from The Guardian is to be believed, physics is becoming more popular among A-level and university students in the UK because—get this—The Big Bang Theory has made it cool again!
We suppose it should not come as a complete surprise that people’s choices in life are based on the stuff they watch on TV, but it still amazes us that a comedy show about two bumbling physicists can get students more interested in the subject.
According to the publication, there was a 10% increase in university acceptance numbers for physics courses when the show first started airing in the UK in 2008–09. And they are still increasing, with admissions this year 17% higher than in 2010. Physics, which until as recently as 2005 was considered a “vulnerable” subject, is now among the ten most popular choices among A-level students.
