Full name of specification
A Level Physics
Exam board specification link
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408
Why study this course?
A level Physics links together the academic rigour coupled with a truly experimental approach. It teaches students to problem solve as well as develop clear understanding, and is an ideal stepping stone to further progression in physics or into many linked industries.
What can you expect from this course?
From A Level Physics you can expect to have your understanding continually challenged and your problems solving and maths continually stretched. After the qualification you will be able to answer the big questions such as:
- Why is gravity so weird?
- What is stuff actually made of?
- Where does energy come from?
- Are waves sometimes particles?
- How can you lose volts?
What material should we make things out of?
How is it assessed?
There are three externally assessed exams at the end of the course. Paper 1 which focuses on the content delivered in Y12, Paper 2 which focuses on the content delivered in Y13, and a Paper 3 which include a focus on core practical investigations as well as the content from the optional unit.
What are the entry requirements?
Level 6+ at GCSE in Mathematics, and a level 6+ in GCSE physics or synergy science
What can I do after completing this qualification?
There are many routes that can be taken after studying A level physics. These include apprenticeships, degree level apprenticeships or degree level qualifications and beyond.
Some examples of careers founded on physics principles are
Acoustic consultant
Astronomer
Clinical scientist, medical physics
Geophysicist
Higher education lecturer
Metallurgist
Meteorologist
Nanotechnologist
Radiation protection practitioner
Research scientist (physical sciences)
Secondary school teacher
Sound engineer
Technical author
What will I study?
Year 12 units
Measurements and their errors
Particles and radiation
Waves
Mechanics and materials
Electricity
Year 13 units
Further mechanics and thermal physics
Fields and their consequences
Nuclear physics
Optional units
Astrophysics (A-level only) 45
Medical physics (A-level only) 49
Engineering physics (A-level only) 54
Turning points in physics (A-level only) 58
Electronics (A-level only)
Additional activities within this subject
Within this qualification we aim to create a series of real-world projects and EPQ offerings, tied to our employer partners businesses. We will aim to give each learner the skills that will help them adapt the challenges or working in a real life industrial environment
Wider Reading list
A Brief History of Time – Stephen Hawking
Universe in a Nutshell – Stephen Hawking
Why does E=mc2 ? – Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw
Does God Play Dice? – Ian Stewart
Feynman Lectures In Physics (Vol I-III) – Richard Feynman
You may also enjoy studying
A-level Physics, A-Level Maths, A-Level chemistry, BTEC applied science
Teachers
Mr Howard
Mr Evans