Course Content

Core
1. Measurements and their errors
2. Particles and radiation
3. Waves
4. Mechanics and materials
5. Electricity
6. Further mechanics and thermal physics
7. Fields and their consequences
8. Nuclear Physics

Options
9. Astrophysics
10. Medical physics
11. Engineering physics
12. Turning points in physics
13. Electronics

The Physics A-Level introduces students to the fundamental properties and nature of matter, radiation and quantum phenomena. We will introduce the concept of vectors and develop students’ knowledge and understanding of forces and energy. Materials are studied in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. Students will cover circular and oscillatory motion, building on the key ideas and knowledge covered earlier in the GCSE and A-Level course, and then the properties and applications of waves are considered. The study of electricity develops previous GCSE studies, provides opportunities for practical work and looks into important applications. Gravitational, Electric and Magnetic fields are investigated, including basic electromagnetic induction. In Nuclear Physics we study the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei and how energy is obtained from the nucleus. Students then have the opportunity to study one of the following optional topics to gain a deeper understanding and awareness of a selected branch of physics: Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering, Turning Points or Electronics.

Assessment

There are 3 exams with a combination of theory and practical papers.

Expectations

Minimum of Grade 7 (grade 8’s are highly recommended due to the demanding nature of the course) in all GCSE Science subjects which have been taken whether double award or triple award; plus a minimum of a Grade 7 in Maths.

We require students who study A-Level Physics to also be studying A-Level Maths.

Examination Board: AQA.    Course Number: 7408