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Head of Physics: Mrs. Susan Mighall
Exam Board: Edexcel
What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?
The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and process skills that you achieved in GCSE Science. You will need at least a GCSE grade B in Physics or Additional Science (or equivalent). You should also have at least a grade B in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) as numerical and mathematical skills are important in physics. Communication is also important as you will need to be able to communicate effectively, carry out research and critically think about problems.
What will I learn?
Unit 1: Physics on the go
This unit leads on from your GCSE studies.
You will learn about motion, forces, energy, power, flow of liquids, viscosity and properties of materials. Applications that use these concepts include sports, the production of sweets and biscuits, and spare-part surgery.
Unit 2: Physics at work
The physics content of this unit is related to applications that include medical physics, music, technology in space and solar cells.
You will learn about waves including standing waves, refraction, polarisation, diffraction and the nature of light. You will also learn about electric circuits, resistivity, thermistors, emf and internal resistance.
Unit 4: Physics on the move
The physics content of this unit is related to applications that include transport, communications and display techniques. It is also related to exciting, current research in the field of particle physics.
You will learn about momentum, circular motion, electric and magnetic fields, evidence for a nuclear atom, particle accelerators, particle detectors and different types of sub-atomic particles.
Unit 5: Physics from creation to collapse
The physics content of this unit is related to applications that include the construction of buildings in earthquake zones and a detailed exploration of astrophysics and cosmology.
You will learn about thermal energy, radioactive decay, simple harmonic motion, resonance, gravitation, the life cycle of stars, fission, fusion and the fate of the universe.
While studying these units you will develop practical skills that include planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions. You will also gain an appreciation of how scientific models are developed and evolve, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings, and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions. Two other units (3: Exploring physics and 6: Experimental physics) are not shown in the above table because they are practical assessments that are based on the skills you will develop while you are studying the above units.
Is this the right subject for me?
AS Physics is suitable if you:
- want to progress to the full A-level
- want a grounding in a relevant worthwhile qualification of recognised value
- want to broaden your educational experience before making a decision about which A-levels to take
- are taking A-levels in the other Sciences and/or Mathematics or other relevant courses such as Design and Technology and want to take another course that will support your studies.
A2 Physics is suitable if you:
- have an interest in, and enjoy, physics
- want to find out about how things work in the physical world
- enjoy applying your mind to solving problems
- enjoy carrying out investigations by the application of imaginative, logical thinking
- want to use physics to move on to further studies in Higher Education, support other qualifications or enter physics-based employment.
How will I be assessed?
AS
For Units 1 and 2 you will do a written paper that lasts for 80 minutes. The papers will contain objective questions, short questions and longer questions. For Unit 3 you will do an experiment that is based on either a physics-based visit or a case study of a practical application of physics. You will use the skills that you have gained while studying the AS to plan an experiment, do the experiment to obtain data, analyse the data and produce conclusions.
A2
For Units 4 and 5 you will do a written paper that lasts for 95 minutes. The papers will contain objective questions, short questions and longer questions. For Unit 6 you will use the skills that you have gained to plan an experiment, do an experiment to obtain data, analyse the data and produce conclusions.
What can I do after I’ve completed the course?
Physics leads on to a wide range of courses and careers. You could use Physics to support other qualifications or move on to further studies or employment, including:
- a BTEC Higher National (HNC and HND) or a degree course such as Physics, the Sciences, Medicine, Metrology, Engineering (including Chemical Engineering) and related programmes
- employment in the area of, for example, radiography or biotechnology.
In fact, Physics is recognised as an entry qualification for a wide range of Higher Education courses and employment opportunities.
Next steps!
You could:
- Visit the Learning Physics website for further information on careers in physics
- Discuss the possibility of studying this subject with your Physics or Science teacher(s)
- Visit your careers office to find out more about careers and Higher Education courses that need GCE Physics
- Order free physics careers booklets from the Institute of Physics website
- Visit the Edexcel website to obtain a full copy of the Edexcel GCE in Physics specification.
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