Board: AQA
Syllabus: Physics A: AS Level (2450), A Level
About the subject
Physics is about finding out how the universe works. Do you know why the sky is blue or why the setting sun is red? Do you want to find out more about black holes and quarks? From Newton’s genius to Einstein’s mysterious world, all will be revealed! Do you want to use your knowledge to build a better world or to explore new worlds? Do you want to work in the medical field and design the black boxes that keep heart patients alive or improve ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques.
Physics is a challenging and often demanding subject, but it is also fun and intellectually rewarding. Students develop their skills in problem solving, mathematics, communication and ICT, which makes Physics an excellent foundation for a surprising number of non-scientific courses at university level as well as courses in pure and applied Science and Engineering. Qualifications in Physics are highly prized by employers for the analytical training they provide. A Physics degree can lead to well paid jobs in Finance as well as in Engineering and Medicine. The mathematical modelling used in Physics can readily be applied in the financial world and software firms.
Learning styles
Lessons will be a mixture of lectures, demonstrations, practical work, problem solving and discussion. Students are encouraged to think for themselves and to contribute to the lessons. Laptops are increasingly being used with computer software and information from the Internet. The Physics Department is well-equipped with enough apparatus to enable students to work individually or in pairs on most of the experiments.
Subject Combinations and Progression
Chemistry and Biology go well with Physics as do Electronics and Design Technology. Maths is the language of Physics and you are strongly advised to continue with this subject although this is not compulsory. Geology, Geography, Art, History are also popular combinations with Physics.
Our students have gone on to study Physics or Physics with just about any subject you can think of from Astronomy to Philosophy. All sorts of Engineering degrees are popular as is Computer Science. Past students have taken advantage of the Erasmus scheme where one year of their university course is spent in another European country with all teaching in the language of that country. Some universities run courses with one year in the USA.
Subject Modules and Assessment:
The A level Physics course consists of six units: (AS) Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity; (AS) Mechanics, Materials and Waves; (AS) Investigative and Practical Skills in AS; (A2) Fields and Further Mechanics; (A2) Nuclear and Thermal Physics together with an option in Astrophysics; (A2) Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Physics.
The Investigative and Practical Skills units in both the AS and A2 involve PSVs (Practical Skills Verification), an EMPA (Externally Marked Practical Assignment). All other units will be assessed by written examination.
Entry requirements
GCSE Core and Additional Science BB preferred and GCSE Mathematics B preferred or GCSE Physics B plus another science subject B preferred and Mathematics B preferred.