Physics

A Level Physics - Subject Code: AS 5456 / A2 6456

Why is Physics important?

Physics influences everything from cancer treatment, computers and mobile phones to sportswear, renewable energy and weather-forecasting.

Why study Physics?

Learning to understand and contribute to the latest discoveries in science can be very satisfying. Physics can open doors to a wider range of careers than almost any other subject.

Physics doesn’t just lead to working in a research laboratory. Physicists –

design computer games;
invent life-saving medical equipment;
make the latest cars the safest ever;
model financial markets.

Studying Physics gives you important transferable skills, such as:

you learn to think logically and solve problems;
you become experienced in computing;
you learn to communicate and work as part of a team.

In the UK, graduates in Physics-related degrees have bursaries available.

The Institute of Engineers offer scholarships which include:

a bursary of £2000 per annum;
an allowance towards study expenses;
payment of tuition fees (currently worth £3000 per annum);
vacation training and work placement in a major company.

The Institute of Physics offer bursaries of £1000 per annum to study Physics. Having Physics as a subject will be of benefit to you in accessing these bursaries.

The course links direct practical experience with ideas, encouraging creative and critical thought.

AS Modules

Module 1 - Foundation Physics

Scalars and Vectors, Kinematics, Energy Concepts, Current Electricity, DC Circuits, Information and Communication.

Module 2 - Waves and Nuclear Physics

Waves, Diffraction and Interference, Spectra, Radioactivity, Physics of Particles, Information and Communication.

Module 3 - Experimental Work

Planning, Implementing, Analysing Evidence and Drawing Conclusions, Evaluating Evidence and Procedures, Linking Experiment and Theory.

A2 Modules

Module 4 - Further Physics

Circular motion, Oscillations, Work and Energy, Molecular Kinetic Theory, Heating and Working, Capacitance and Exponential Decay, Momentum Concepts, Quantum Phenomena.

Module 5 - Fields and Their Applications

Electric and Gravitational Fields, Magnetic Fields, Nuclear Energy, Particle Accelerators and Detectors, Exponential Decay.

Module 6 - Experimental Work

Same as Module 3, but set in a more advanced context.

Assessment

Unit	Module	Assessment	Weighting %
AS Unit 1	Written Exam	1.5 hours	17.5
AS Unit 2	Written Exam	1.5 hours	17.5
AS Unit 3	Practical Exam	2 hours	15
A2 Unit 4	Written Exam	1.5 hours	15
A2 Unit 5	Written exam with synoptic element	2 hours	20
A2 Unit 6	Practical Exercises	3 hours	15