Physics

Overview
This course is designed to cover a wide range of physics topics and to develop an interest and enthusiasm for the subject. A variety of teaching methods are used, with a strong emphasis on practical work. Learning is supported by study guides. Please note students wishing to study this subject must also take AS level Mathematics with Mechanics in their first year - this is because Mathematics greatly assists study in this subject and is often required for university study of this subject.

Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity – investigates wave-particle duality, quantisation and the standard model of particle physics, along with basic electricity, electrical components and circuits.
Unit 2: Mechanics, Materials and Waves – investigates forces and motion (including Newton’s laws and projectile motion), energy and power, the properties of materials (density, elasticity, etc.) and waves (basic properties, refraction, diffraction and interference).
Unit 3: Practical Skills – a set of specified practicals plus an Externally Marked Practical Assessment (EMPA), assessing the student’s ability to select and use equipment, make observations and measurements, process data, and analyse & evaluate results .

A2 Level
Unit 4: Fields and Further Mechanics - develops the work of Unit 2 into the topics of momentum, circular motion and simple harmonic motion, and investigates the effects of gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, including capacitance and electromagnetic induction.
Unit 5: Nuclear and Thermal Physics plus Astrophysics – this develops the work of Unit 1 into the topics of probing the nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear instability and nuclear energy, and investigates the thermal properties of materials, ideal gases and the kinetic theory of gases. Astrophysics includes the design of telescopes, optical and non-optical astronomy, the physics of stars and cosmology.
Unit 6: Practical Skills – a set of specified practicals plus an Externally Marked Practical Assessment (EMPA), assessing the student’s ability to select and use equipment, make observations and measurements, process data, and analyse and evaluate results.

Assessment
Coursework (1 EMPA at AS and 1 at A2 – 20%)
Examination (80%)
Examining Board – AQA (Specification A)

Special Entry Requirements
B grade or above in GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Physics and a B grade or above in GCSE Mathematics. Please note students wishing to study AS level Physics must also take AS level Mathematics with Mechanics in their first year - this is because Mathematics greatly assists study in this subject and is often required for university study of this subject.

Prohibited Options
None.

Career and Progression Opportunities
Physics is a useful qualification for many university courses or career paths, particularly within the physical sciences, and is directly applicable to those involving engineering and technology. The skills it develops are also valued within a wide range of other careers, such as the financial industry .

Teaching Methods
As would be expected with this subject, there is a strong practical bias, with theory being supported by both ‘hands on’ experimentation and demonstrations. In addition to this, use is made of IT to log data from experiments, analyse results using spreadsheets and investigate the theory involved via simulation software. The paper-based study guides are supplemented by on-line materials and computer-based presentations.
 
Complementary Subjects or Enrichment Courses
Physics students may take part in the Engineering Education Scheme in England, in which students undertake project work with the support of local engineering companies.

Other information
Physics complements the study of both Mathematics and Chemistry and works successfully with Computing courses .

This information is correct for September 2012 entry.