Physics
Examination Board: AQA
What is the content of the course?
AS-level. There are three compulsory units which contain the basic underlying principles of the subject and investigative skills.
Unit 1 - Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity
Unit 2 - Mechanics, Materials and Waves
Unit 3 - Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics
A2-level. There are two compulsory units which develop the basic modules and then an optional module which shows how the basic principles are applied. At the moment we teach the medical physics option but others could be available depending upon the interests of the students. These include Astrophysics, Applied Physics and Turning Points in Physics.
Unit 4 - Fields and Further Mechanics
Unit 5 - Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and the Optional Topic
Unit 6 - Investigative Skills in A2 Physics
The course provides a sound foundation for further study and encourages students to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics, and understanding of how science works, an awareness of advances in technology, a recognition of the value of physics in society and reflects new and exciting modern developments in physics. Students carry out experimental and investigative activities in order to develop their practical skills.
What skills will I need?
The specification is designed to provide a seamless transition to A-level for students from their previous studies. It follows on from the GCSE course in physics and from the physics component of dual award science. For the able student, it is possible to follow on from single award science.
Mathematical competence as indicated by a good grade at GCSE is a useful asset. For students not studying A-level mathematics, the relevant mathematical techniques will be covered in lessons. The specification is clearly designed with such candidates in mind and questions in which the main interest is in the mathematical process are not usually set.
Method of Assessment
AS level
Unit 1 - Written paper 1 hour 15 minutes 40% of AS marks, 20% of A-level marks.
Unit 2 - Written paper 1 hour 15 minutes 40% of AS marks, 20% of A-level marks.
Unit 3 - Internal Assessment, 20% of AS marks, 10% of A-level marks.
A2-level
Unit 4 - Written paper, 1 hour 45 minutes, 20% of total A-level marks.
Unit 5 - Written paper, 1 hour 45 minutes, 20% of total A-level marks.
Unit 3 -Internal Assessment, 10% of total A-level marks.
Complementary subjects?
Physics can be studied alongside other subjects at A-level. It can be complemented by and complement the other science subjects. Also, it could stand alone with any combination of subjects.
What Higher Education courses are available?
The A-level course is designed not only for those who wish to go on to further study of Physics, but also those who are thinking of pursuing careers in other pure or applied science, medicine, dentistry, ophthalmics, engineering, archaeology, geology, or any other subject where a knowledge of physics is needed or is extremely useful. For those wishing to pursue a medical career, the medical physics option is particularly helpful. Some courses do not specify particular A-levels and physics signifies a good level of intellectual achievement.
Career Prospects
There are an endless number of careers open to those with a qualification in physics or a science related subject. These range from accountancy, design technology, the law, computing and medicine, to town planning, in addition to the more obvious careers in science research and teaching. Physics keeps the doors open to all sorts of exciting and interesting careers. For many jobs, some knowledge of physics is extremely useful.
Related extracurricular activities
The A-level students attend the Christmas Lecture in the physics department at Durham University. As part of the medical physics option, there is often a visit to a local hospital to experience the work of the medical physics department. There is also the opportunity to contribute to extracurricular activities within the science department.