Physics
Course Overview
Physics helps you to understand the fundamental laws that describe mathematically how the earth and the entire universe operate. Understanding these laws allow us to design and develop new technologies which improve our daily lives. The course appeals to students who enjoy a challenge, who are confident in their maths skills, and those who like to see the bigger scientific picture and make links to other sciences. The course begins by building on knowledge learnt at GCSE and progresses onto contemporary topics such as Medical physics and the existence of dark matter and energy. In the modern world, an understanding of Physics empowers you to form educated opinions about current issues such as global warming, climate change, alternative energy, nuclear power and treatment of nuclear waste.
Examination Board:
OCR
Entry Requirements:
Grade 6 in Physics/6-6 in Combined Science and Maths. You must have the required qualifications for the Advanced Pathway.
Course Level:
A Level – Level 3
Assessment Objectives
Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics –
Practical skills assessed in a written examination, Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement.
Module 2: Foundations in physics – Physical quantities and units, Making measurements and analysing data, Nature of quantities.
Module 3: Forces and motion – Motion, Forces in action, Work, energy and power, Materials, Newton’s laws of motion and momentum.
Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons – Charge and current, Energy, power and resistance, Electrical circuits, Waves,
Quantum physics.
Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics – Thermal
physics, Circular motion, Oscillations, Gravitational fields, Astrophysics and cosmology.
Module 6: Particles and medical physics – Capacitors, Electric fields, Electromagnetism, Nuclear and particle physics, Medical imaging.
What skills will I develop?
| Analytical skills | |
| Problem solving | |
| Practical skills | |
| Scientific enquiry |
How will I be assessed?
As with Biology and Chemistry, Physics is taught as a linear course that is assessed by examinations in June at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1: Modelling physics – Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
Examination – 2 hours and 15 mins – 37% of the overall A Level Marks
Paper 2: Exploring Physics – Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
Examination – 2 hours and 15 mins – 37% of the overall A Level Marks
Paper 3: Unified Physics Any content and any practical skills.
Examination – 1 hours and 30 mins – 26% of the overall A Level marks
Progression Routes
Physics is highly regarded and considered a ‘facilitating subject‘ for the top universities in the country, regardless of the degree that you wish to study. It provides an excellent grounding for those wishing to progress onto Law and other traditional ‘humanities‘ subjects but also for Medicine and Veterinary Science as well as Business or Management.
Physics is a good choice for students looking to progress into careers such as Engineering, Electronics, Education, IT and Software Design, Medicine, Domestic Energy Supply, Dentistry and Veterinary Science.