Curriculum Area: Science
Physics AS/A Level
Who is the course for?
Physics students will study the interactions between matter, space, time and energy from the smallest scale of sub-atomic particles to the scale of the entire universe.
Units of study
Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
The AS course is studied by all students in the first year. There are three units as follows:
| Unit 1 | Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity |
| Unit 2 | Mechanics, materials and waves |
| Unit 3 | Investigative and practical skills in AS physics |
Advanced Level (A2)
Students can choose to proceed to the full Advanced Level (A2) in the second year of study and the three further units covered are:
| Unit 4 | Fields and further mechanics |
| Unit 5 | Nuclear physics, thermal physics and an optional topic with astrophysics |
| Unit 6 | Investigative and practical skills in A2 Physics |
Methods of Teaching and Learning
The course is tutored by well qualified staff. The approach is active and practical wherever possible. There is a mix of individual and group work.
Enrichment
University Masterclasses and visiting speakers.
Methods of Assessment
For AS level, there are two examination units, each with a 1 ¼ hour written examination - worth 80% of the total mark. Practical work carried out in the laboratory is assessed to complete the marks for the 1st year.
For A2 students the AS assessment in the first year is worth 50% of the total mark.
There are two further examination units:
Unit 4 is a 1 ¾ hour written examination with multiple choice and short answer questions. It is worth 20% of the final mark.
Unit 5 has a 1 ¾ hour written paper. This is worth 20% of the final mark. There is also a practical element (unit 6), which is assessed in the laboratory and is worth 10% of the final mark.
Resources
Support for students is provided by the Library and Information Centre and within the department, where there is access to a small Physics library, the Internet and a wide range of specialist Physics apparatus.
Progression
An A level qualification in Physics opens up a wide range of career opportunities and higher education courses. These include engineering, medicine, environmental science, materials science, chemistry, control systems electronics, meteorology and physics itself - to name a few!
Entry Requirements
Five GCSE passes at grade C or above including GCSE Physics at grade B or above or GCSE Core and Additional Science grade B or above, plus GCSE Maths at grade B or above. Not GCSE Applied science. Physics students who are not studying AS Mathematics are strongly recommended to take Use of Mathematics(AS) in order to develop further the mathematical skills required for this course.
Charges
There are no specific course charges, although a small charge may be made if external visits are arranged.
What Students Say
"I particularly like the depth that we go into and the challenging aspects of the course."
"We get the chance to talk about the application of Physics to the real world."
"I particularly liked learning Physics through interactive and fun activities"
“All of the information is well explained and I am able to understand it"