Physics

 

Physics is a key part of Science and Technology and deals with why things behave as they do. It is concerned with things that vary in size from atoms to galaxies and tries to answer the questions - 'How does it work?' and 'Why does it work?' At its most fundamental, Physics concerns itself with the laws and phenomena that govern nature itself. Physicists and Engineers have a career choice that offers a wide range of careers with skills that are massively in demand. The problem solving and analytical skills are needed to solve the issues that are of a concern to society. Engineers have to solve problems to make something easier or quicker, this is always needed and as a result a well qualified Physicist or Engineer can become very well paid.

 

Studying A Level Physics improves your:

 

 Mathematical ability, as physicists have to describe events in mathematical terms.

 Practical ability, as you will have to design and use apparatus.

 Powers of observation, as you will be expected to look at events objectively and record your observations accurately.

 Analytical skills, as you will be constantly making inferences and conclusions from data.

 Abstract thinking, you will learn to think outside the box which is counter intuitive to many.

 

What will I study?

 

The course we follow is OCR Physics A.

 

For AS you will study

 

Mechanics Motion, Forces in Action, Work and Energy

Electrons, Waves and photons Electric current, Resistance, DC Circuits, Waves, Quantum Physics

 

Each of these modules builds upon the knowledge and understanding gained at GCSE whilst introducing new topics such as Quantum Physics.

 

For A2 you will study

 

The Newtonian World

Newton’s Laws and Momentum, Circular Motion and Oscillations, Thermal Physics

Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics

Electric and Magnetic Fields, Capacitors and Exponential Decay, Nuclear Physics, Medical Imaging, Modelling the Universe 

 

How will I be assessed?

 

The AS modules are assessed by means of written examinations. The Mechanics exam is an hour long and worth 30% of the AS award (15% of full A2) The Electrons, Waves and Photons exam is an hour and 45 minutes and counts towards 50% of the AS (25% of A2). In addition, practical skills are internally assessed under controlled conditions and make up the final 20% of the AS qualification (10% of A2). The assessment for the Physics A2 course is made up of two written papers, The Newtonian World worth 15% and Fields, Particles and Frontiers worth 25% of the full A2 Physics qualification. Practical skills will be assessed in the same way as AS and are worth 10% of the full A2.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Route 1 – Grade B (or at least BB from Core and Additional Science), Grade B in Mathematics

Route 2 – Grade B (or at least BB from Core and Additional Science), Grade B in Mathematics

Route 3 – Not available

Route 4 – Not available

 

Career Opportunities

 

You may be interested in this subject if you are considering further study in Physics or Natural Science and also any related physics course such as Astrophysics, Medicine, different types of Engineering, Radiography and Dentistry.

 

Physics is a demanding subject and is therefore highly regarded. It opens the door to a wide range of careers as Physics develops many transferable skills that are valued by employers beyond scientific vocations. The study of Physics combines well with Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry at A Level, as well as Technology, ICT and Geography.