Faculty of Science

Physics

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Guide to A Level Physics (Edexcel)

Minimum recommended entry requirements:
Grade B in GCSE Double Science and Grade B in GCSE Mathematics at the Higher Level.

Physics will teach you how to communicate effectively, how to research and think critically about problems. You will learn theory and how to apply it, and develop relevant practical skills throughout the course.

A Level Physics is suitable for students who:

have an interest in and enjoy Physics
want to find out about how things work
enjoy applying their minds to solve problems
enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative, logical thinking
want to use Physics to support other qualifications or further studies

AS Level Physics is also suitable for students who:

want to go on to the full A Level
want a relevant worthwhile qualification
want to broaden their educational experience before making a decision about which A Levels to take
are taking A Levels in the other Sciences or Mathematics.

Studying Physics can lead to a wide range of courses and careers in such areas as Physics and Astrophysics, Medicine, all branches of Engineering, Radiography, Biotechnology, Management and Finance.

It is not necessary to take A Level Mathematics in order to study Physics at A Level unless you are considering Physics, a Physical Science or Engineering at University when Mathematics will be required. Physics overlaps with some topics in Chemistry and both subjects should be taken if you wish to go on to study a Physical Science.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

Unit 1

Mechanics and Radioactivity. This unit leads on from GCSE and includes forces, motion, mechanical energy, radioactive decay and the nuclear atom.

Unit 2

Electricity and Thermal Physics. This unit includes electric current, electrical circuits, heat and conservation of energy.

Unit 3

(a) Topics.

You will study one topic which is chosen from: Astrophysics, Solid Materials, Nuclear and Particle Physics or Medical Physics. The topic studied is generally that which gains a majority vote from the teaching group.

(b) Practical Test.

There will be a short practical test on knowledge and techniques learned throughout the course.

Advanced Level (A2)

Unit 4

Waves and Our Universe. This unit includes circular motion, oscillations, waves, quantum phenomenon and the expanding Universe.

Unit 5

(a) Fields and Forces.

This part of the unit covers gravitational, electrical and magnetic fields.

(b) Practical Test.

Unit 6

Synthesis.

In this unit you will learn to draw together knowledge, understanding and skills from all the other units. The examination consists of a passage analysis and long, structured questions based on the whole specification.

There is no coursework in Physics contributing to the final grade.

This Physics course enables students to acquire evidence relevant to all areas of the Key Skills Qualification: there are opportunities to make presentations and use ICT for research, report writing and analysing and interpreting experimental data.

We try to arrange opportunities for extra-curricular visits which support learning Physics at Advanced Level. In the past these have included going to lectures at the University of Kent, The Royal Observatory at Greenwich for an Astrophysics study day, MAGNOX and Littlebrook power station in Dartford and conferences in London.

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