AS/A2 Physics

AS/A2 Physics
The course is designed to enable you to:
· Apply your knowledge and understanding to new situations
· Develop an understanding of the links between theory and experiment
· Develop practical skills in the laboratory
· Use mathematics to solve problems
· Appreciate how physics has shaped the world around us
Is it for me?
The course suits those with an interest in physics, who enjoy practical and investigative work by applying logical thinking. You should enjoy solving problems and relating them to real life and want to learn about the fundamental nature of science. Assessment is predominantly exam based.
What's involved?
Mechanics
This unit is the foundation of your AS studies. It builds on your knowledge of physics from GCSE and takes it much further. We explore how forces affect the motion of objects. You use the language of mathematics to solve problems in dynamics and kinematics. We also look at how solids deform under the stress and the physics of car safety, including GPS.
Electrons, Waves and Photons
This unit also builds on your GCSE physics knowledge of electrical circuits. We look at how circuits can be used to monitor physical changes. We also look at magnetic fields and the forces they exert on electrical currents. We also explore the exciting world of quantum physics. We analyse how electromagnetic waves interact with matter and the strange behaviour of electrons when they travel through space. This unit also develops your basic understanding of wave properties likediffractionandinterference. We look at different types of waves, includingstationarywaves. In this unit we also determine the speed and wavelength of waves using novel techniques.
Practical Skills in Physics 1
This is a practically assessed unit. You will be assessed on three supervised tasks - qualitative, quantitative and evaluative. The skills required for this unit are developed through laboratory work.
The Newtonian World
This unit covers a lot of ground and the ideas from various topics are all inter-linked (which makes it very different from the AS course). The earlier topics are linked to mechanics and the material covered in Unit 1. We study the following topics in great depth: mechanics, circular motion, gravitational fields, planetary and satellite motion, oscillations and thermal physics. The topics require good understanding and application of mathematics.
Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics
In this exciting unit where we explore the fascinating topics of: electric fields, nuclear physics and particle physics. You have the opportunity to explore how ideas of physics have revolutionised the treatment of patients in hospitals. We study the physics of ultrasound, X-rays, CAT scans, MRI scans, PET scans and Doppler Effect. Physicists have been at the forefront of exploring space, so it is not surprising that we study the creation of stellar systems and the fate of stars. We also closely examine fundamental questions such as 'What is the fate of our universe?' Physicists do have a habit of asking the right questions ....
Practical Skills in Physics 2
This is a practically assessed unit. You will be assessed on three supervised tasks - qualitative, quantitative and evaluative. The skills required for this unit are developed through laboratory work.
Progression
You could follow a related degree in, for example, Physics, Astrophysics, Engineering or enter a job in which physics plays an important role such as Physicist, Astronomer or Teacher for example.