Physics
Why study A-level Physics?
Undoubtedly, physics is one of the most challenging and prestigious subjects to study at A-level. It offers the opportunity to learn about how everything around you works: everything in your life, on this planet and to the far reaches of the Universe.
- Qualification
- A-level
- Course length
- Two years
- Exam board
- AQA
- Assessment
- Three examsPlus practical endorsement
Course introduction
You will already have come across many of the concepts of physics: forces, energy, waves, radioactivity, electricity and magnetism. At A-level you will start to see how these ideas work together, and begin to grasp some of the universal principles that apply to everything from the smallest atoms to the largest galaxies.
This will be achieved via problem solving (on Isaac Physics and others), mathematical techniques and practical work, all of which will play a pivotal role in your understanding of the course.
- Course Title
Physics
- Examination Board
AQA
- Linear Qualification?
Yes
Course presentation
Entry requirements
Minimum of two Grades at 6 in GCSE combined science (dual award) or Grade 6 in GCSE physics and Grade 6 in either GCSE chemistry of biology. In addition a Grade 6 in GCSE mathematics and a Grade 5 in English language or English literature
Do I need to take Mathematics A Level?
Although there is no compulsion to take A Level Mathematics alongside Physics, there is an advantage to doing so.
- The outcome is consistently better in Physics for those students taking both A Levels.
- There is 10-15% shared content (mechanics)
- Students get a lot of extra practice at algebra, which is even more important in Physics at A Level than GCSE.
Course content
AQA Physics is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the second A-level year. There is no coursework.
Like all sciences, physics is a practical subject and practicals will be carried out throughout the course. These will give you the skills and confidence needed to investigate the way things behave and work. Practical skills will be assessed in the classroom and given a separate endorsement to the A-level grade.
What you will study
Following the AQA Physics specification, the following topics will be studied during the A-level course. Students will study all core content topics and the optional topic currently chosen, which is Astrophysics.
Core Content
- Measurements and their errors: use of SI units and their prefixes; limitation of physical measurements; estimation of physical quantities
- Particles and radiation: particles; electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena
- Waves: progressive and stationary waves; refraction, diffraction and interference
- Mechanics and Materials: force, energy and momentum; materials
- Electricity: current electricity
- 6.1 Further mechanics: periodic motion
6.2 Further mechanics: thermal physics - Fields and their consequences: gravitational fields; electric fields; capacitance; magnetic fields
- Nuclear physics: radioactivity
Option
9. Astrophysics
There are four other available options, that we presently DO NOT choose to study at this school:
- Medical physics
- Engineering physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics
Assessment
A-level – 2 Year Course
Paper 1 (34% of A-level)
Assesses topics 1 to 5 and 6.1
Written exam lasting 2 hours
85 marks
Paper 2 (34% of A-level)
Assesses topics 6.2, 7 and 8
Written exam lasting 2 hours
85 marks
Paper 3 (32% of A-level)
Assesses either topic 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 and practical and data analysis skills
Written exam lasting 2 hours
80 marks
A-level grades are based only on marks from the three written papers.
Practical skills assessed in the classroom will be given a separate endorsement (pass/fail) to the A-level grade.
Future pathways
According to
www.bestcourse4me.com
, the top seven degree courses taken by students who have an A-level in physics are mathematics, physics, mechanical engineering, computer science, economics and business.
Studying A-level Physics offers a wide range of amazing career opportunities, including medical doctors, geophysicist/field seismologist, healthcare scientist, higher education lecturer, radiation protection practitioner, radiologist, research scientist (physical sciences), scientific laboratory technician, meteorologist, structural engineer, acoustic engineer, product/process development scientist and systems developer. You can also move into engineering, astrophysics, chemical physics, medical physics, nanotechnology, renewable energy and more.
Medicine
Almost all UK Universities require you to study Chemistry plus one other science - either Physics or Biology. Check University websites to be sure.
Engineering
If you want to study engineering you should be doing Maths and Physics, some UK Universities will also ask for Further Maths, so you should check their websites to be sure.
Contact the subject team
Ask questions about the course and discuss your choices with us.
Mr N Davies: ndavies@wilmslowhigh.com