AS/A2

Physics A-Level is a highly regarded subject and develops many high order skills which are sought after by higher and further education and employers. It provides a basis for the further study, at tertiary level, of Physics and related subjects such as Applied Mathematics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Engineering (including its Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical branches), Geophysics and Materials Science. An A Level or AS award is relevant to tertiary level study in subjects such as Chemistry, Computer Science, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Mineralogy, Crystallography and Ophthalmic Optics. For those progressing directly into employment, an A Level or AS award provides a basis for work in the fields of Science, Engineering, Medicine, Communications, Computers and Information Technology. It is also relevant to areas of commerce and branches of the public service in which problem-solving and practical skills are valued. This specification contributes to an understanding of spiritual, moral and cultural issues by introducing students to aspects both of the vastness and the smallness of our universe. They will meet Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion (Module A2 2) which signalled the departure from a geocentric to a heliocentric planetary system and a revolution in the relationship between the Church and Science. They will also learn about ways of probing matter which led to the discovery of the fundamental particles of nature (Module A2 2), foreshadowed by Aristotle more than two millennia ago. This specification contributes to environmental education through its study of energy issues (Modules AS 1 and A2 1), including the generation and transmission of electricity; the release of energy by nuclear fission and fusion (Module A2 1).

This specification has been designed to be as free as possible from ethnic, gender, religious, political or other forms of bias.

 AIMS

AS and A Level courses based on this specification should encourage students to:

*     develop essential knowledge and understanding in Physics and, where appropriate, the applications                 of

     Physics and the skills required in new and changing situations

*     develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment

*     appreciate how Physics has developed and is used in present day society

*     show the importance of Physics as a human endeavour which interacts with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters

*     sustain and develop their enjoyment of and interest in Physics.

Specification Structure

This specification adopts a modular structure and candidates are required to study THREE teaching and learning modules for the AS course and SIX modules for the full A Level course. All modules are compulsory. The modules are listed below:

AS   3 MODULES                                                                               

AS1        Forces, Energy and Electricity

AS2        Waves, Photons and Astronomy

AS3        Practical Techniques

 A2 3 MODULES

 A2 1       Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion,

Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics

A2 2       Fields, Capacitors and Particle Physics

A2 3       Practical Techniques and Data Analysis

A knowledge of the subject matter of the AS modules is a prerequisite to the study of the A2 modules.

Student Requirements

Pupils are required to have a MINIMUM of a Grade B pass at GCSE in Physics (if taken as a single science at GCSE) or Grade AB at GCSE in Double Award Science*. However, it is strongly recommended that pupils taking Physics to A level from a Double Award Science base have Grade AA at GCSE. In addition, pupils studying Physics are required to have AT LEAST a Grade B pass in Mathematics and, given the mathematical content of the course, a Grade A pass is recommended. It is advantageous to study Mathematics at A level alongside Physics.