AS/A2 LEVELS PHYSICS
Why study Physics? Whether you are interested in the tiniest sub- atomic particles, the sound produced by musical instruments, improving the performance of an athlete or the beginning and end of the Universe, Physics has something for you. Physicists have given us the X-ray machine, the fuel cell, mobile phones, the Hubble space telescope, the microwave oven and the internet. With a knowledge of Physics, you will be able to understand the principles behind these applications and many others. You will also gain some valuable skills such as analysis, problem solving and logical argument which make physicists so highly sought after by employers.
What do I study? The AS course (first year) consists of two examined units, the first assessed January, the second in May or June. Each is worth 40% of the AS marks each. These units cover, among other things, the physics of forces and motion, electrical circuits, materials and light and sound waves.
Students will also gain experience in planning and accurately executing a wide range of practical techniques and of analysing experimental results leading to an assessment of practical and investigative skills worth 20% of the AS marks.
The A2 course deals with topics such as particle physics, communications, electromagnetism and astrophysics.
Where does Physics take me? Physics, often with Maths or a second Science, opens the door to a wide variety of careers including: Engineering, Medical Physics, Aviation, Dentistry, Pharmacy and the energy, water and communications industries. Additionally, the scientific knowledge gained is useful in fields such as Journalism or the Legal Profession, while the skills developed means Physics is sought after in the computing and financial sectors.
What do I need? Students will need to have studied Physics or Double Science (Core and Additional) at GCSE and obtained at least a grade B. A grade B in Maths and C in English are also required. You also need to be determined, resourceful and full of questions.
PSYCHOLOGY
Why study Psychology? Psychology is the study of human behaviour and the mind. As human beings we have a strong desire to understand why we think and behave as we do. For example, why we forget information, how our body responds to stress, why people obey authority figures and why people suffer from serious mental illnesses like Schizophrenia. It is the subject’s relevance to the real world and each of our lives that explains its immense popularity. This relevance is seen in the many practical applications that have derived from Psychology, therapies to help those with mental illnesses and interview techniques to help extract more information from a witness of a crime.
What do I study? Year 1 (AS) The following areas or approaches in Psychology are studied.
Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology: Memory How memory is organised and why we forget. Factors affecting eyewitness testimony.
Developmental Psychology: Early Social Development Why we form attachments and the effects of separation.
Research Methods What research methods are used in Psychology. How an investigation is designed and presented.
Unit 2: Biological Psychology: Stress The body’s response to stress, factors that affect stress and ways of coping and managing stress.
Social Psychology: Social Influence Why we conform and why we obey. How people resist pressures to conform and resist pressures to obey authority.
Individual Differences: Psychopathology (Abnormality) Definitions and approaches and therapies to abnormality.
Year 2 (A2) Unit 3: Topics in Psychology Develop an understanding of the major approaches in Psychology through the study of various topics. These include relationships, eating behaviour and gender.
Unit 4: Psychopathology Understand the characteristics, explanations and therapies for Schizophrenia.
Psychology in Action Addiction
Research Methods Developing your understanding of the scientific method.
There is no coursework in Psychology – assessment is by exams.
Where does Psychology take me? Psychology can be used in conjunction with other A-levels, to gain access to Higher Education. It will be of particular value to students considering careers in Social Work, Teaching, Police, Prison Service and medical- related careers. There are also career opportunities within Psychology itself, e.g. Clinical or Educational Psychology.
What do I need? Students who are successful in Psychology are willing and able to discuss sensitive issues in the classroom in a mature and logical manner. Grade C or above in GCSE English Language is required.
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PALMER’S COLLEGE PROSPECTUS
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