What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills that you will have developed in GCSE or IGCSE Science. Students are expected to have achieved at least a Grade C in Physics or C’s in Science and Additional Science.
It will be very helpful to have at least a grade B in GCSE Mathematics as numerical and mathematical skills are very important in Physics.
What will I learn on this AS/A2 Level course?
Physics at this level aims to:
- develop a student’s enjoyment of, and interest in Physics
- develop essential knowledge and understanding in Physics
- appreciate how Physics is used in present day society
- show how Physics links with social, philosophical, economic, industrial, environmental and ethical matters
- understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles
- study how scientific models develop and how ideas in science have changed
What kind of student is this qualification suitable for?
Physics at this level is suitable for students who:
- have an interest in, and enjoy Physics
- want to find out about how things in the physical universe work
- have a strong mathematical ability and enjoy problem solving
- enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative logical thinking
- want to use Physics to support other qualifications or progress towards further studies
What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?
AS Level consists of three units: |
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Unit 1: Mechanics |
Unit 2: Waves |
Unit 3: Practical experiment based on a Visit or a Case-Study. |
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A2 Level consists of the AS units plus three units: |
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Unit 4: Further Mechanics |
Unit 5: Thermal Energy |
Unit 6: Practical experiment |
The areas studied cover a broad range of both traditional and modern Physics topics. We study from the tiniest parts of the atom right out to the theories about the Universe as a whole. We use a variety of contexts such as engineering, medicine, technology, music, sport, transport and industry. Practical experimental work forms a large part of what we do in the classroom. You will need to reinforce what you learn in class by studying the concepts carefully to ensure you gain the maximum understanding. Much of our work in Physics involves manipulating formulae and doing calculations. You will need to have a high level of ability with numbers and an attention to detail to succeed. You will need to be capable of thinking logically and you should enjoy solving problems and puzzles.
How can I develop my full range of skills by doing this qualification?
Examples of Key Skills that you will develop through studying Physics
- taking part in discussions about investigations or issues
- preparing written documents for your practical work
- researching from books, CD-ROMs and the Internet
Application of Number:
- planning to collect results from your experiments and investigations and analysing them
- carrying out calculations to solve theoretical problems
- interpreting the results from experiments
Information Technology:
- designing a spreadsheet (in MS Excel) to simulate or model real physical situations such as projectile paths
- using ‘Absorb Physics’ and ‘Crocodile Physics’ software for learning/revision/virtual experiments
- using state-of-the-art data logging hardware
- designing a spreadsheet to support your experiments and show trends and patterns in your data
Working with Others:
- planning, implementing and reviewing experiments and presentations in small teams
Problem solving:
- planning investigations into some aspect of Physics to answer a question
- learning to attack problems from more than one angle
- learning how to evaluate your methods and thus improve them
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Physics is a highly respected A level qualification. It is a required qualification for Physics and Engineering courses. It is highly valued for entry to study Medicine, and for any other Science degree. It is valuable for those that wish to go into Business, Economics, Finance or any other career in which numeracy matters.