Full Two Year A-level Course
A LEVEL IN PHYSICS Why study A-level Physics?
Mr N Todd
The aim of the course is to demonstrate the importance of physics as a human endeavour that interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters. You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of physics so that you can utilise this experience in the everyday world. You will develop your experimental skills and be able to relate the link between theory and experimentation are made. Successful completion of this course will allow you to continue your education in a number of university courses including; BSc Physics, and BSc in an engineering discipline, this may include medical physics, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirements are two Grade As in core science or additional science, or a Grade A in physics as part of the Triple Science programme. Grade B or above in GCSE Mathematics is also required.
It is recommended that AS Mathematics is also taken (please see the entry requirements for
that subject).
A qualification in physics is still held in high regard. You should be aware that it is not an easy course to follow but, if successful, will give access to a number of career opportunities and universities.
Candidates follow the AQA course which requires 8 hours of study per fortnight, and 2 hrs of homework.
Subject in Year 12 The Year 12 component consists of five units, which are
studied over the year. Unit 1 - Measurements and their Errors
This unit will give you a working knowledge of the fundamental base units and measurements. At the same time showing that
practical work is underpinned by an awareness of the nature of measurement errors and of their numerical treatment.
Unit 2 - Particles and Radiation This unit starts with the simple model of the atom and finishes with
the interaction of quarks and anti-quarks. Unit 3 - Waves
This unit develops knowledge of the characteristics, properties and
application of waves. Unit 4 - Mechanics and Materials
This unit considers the ideas of forces, energy and momentum in terms
of material properties. Unit 5 - Electricity
This unit looks at the basics of electricity including resistance and resistivity. A-level Assessment
x3 2 hr written exams which will include objective questions and written answers.
Papers 1 and 2 are worth 34% each and paper 3 is worth 32% of A-level mark.
A further 6 practical lessons are carried out and the knowledge and skills gained from these will be tested as part of paper 3.
42 Subject at A-level
The two year course consists of all the year 12 units with an additional four units.
Unit 6 - Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
This unit covers circular motion and simple harmonic motion; it also covers the thermal properties of materials.
Unit 7 - Fields
This unit covers the ideas of gravitational, electrostatic and magnetic field theory.
Unit 8 - Nuclear Physics
This unit looks at the properties of the nucleus and relates it to the production of nuclear power and it considers the impact this has on society.
Unit 9
This final unit will be chosen by the group from the following options; astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics, turning points in physics and electronics.
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