PHYSICS
The Physics A Level course offers students the opportunity to lay the groundwork for future studies at university – for example, in science and engineering. There is a good coverage of a range of physics topics such as quantum phenomena, waves, mechanics, electricity, fields, radioactivity and thermal physics. Physics enables you to understand the key concepts behind everyday things, for example, building structures such as bridges or looking at the electronic components used within modern technology. The study of A Level Physics complements significantly with the study of A Level Further Mathematics, and we expect a high number of our students to study this combination.
Course content
Measurements and their errors
This is a continuing study for a student of physics. It comprises a working knowledge of the fundamental units of measurement, the nature of errors in practical work and their numerical treatment.
Particles and radiation
An introduction into the fundamental properties of matter, electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena.
Waves
GSCE studies of wave phenomena are extended through a development of knowledge of the characteristics, properties and applications of progressive and stationary waves.
Mechanics and materials
This comprises an extension of the study of forces, energy and momentum from GCSE level, along with bulk properties and tensile strength.
Electricity
This builds and develops upon GCSE studies and lays the groundwork for later study of electrical applications.
Further mechanics and thermal physics
The earlier study of mechanics is further advanced through consideration of circular motion and simple harmonic motion. Thermal properties, the nature of ideal gases and molecular kinetic theory are introduced and studied in depth.
Fields and their consequences
Fields is one of the great unifying ideas in physics and here it is developed in detail. The ideas of gravitational, electrostatic and magnetic fields are studied, and unifying links to other earlier parts of the course are emphasised here.
Nuclear physics
This builds on the earlier work done on particles and radiation that link to the properties of the nucleus and the production of nuclear power.
Additional option choice
One of five option choices are studied –
- Astrophysics
- Medical physics
- Engineering physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics
An A Level in Physics is a valuable one. It can lead to university degrees in physics, mathematics, engineering and many more subjects. It shows a high level of numeracy, logic and reasoning, and is desirable for universities and employers. Physics can lead to careers not just in science but in many other industries.
