Physics AS/A2

Physics AS/A2
What makes the sky blue, sunsets red and rainbows multicoloured?
Can electrons be in two places at once and if they can, why cant we?
How do CD and DVD players and PCs and iPods... work?

In A level Physics, you will study the general rules which underlie all Science. There are surprisingly few of them and together they govern the behaviour of everything that is physical.

You will have the chance to gain confidence in handling technical equipment. Physics is a practical subject: the only way to really understand how objects behave is to experiment and observe.

The Orion Nebula photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope. The A2 unit Reach for the Stars considers how the behaviour of individual particles creates the overall properties of huge gas clouds.

What will I study on this course?
The teaching units contain all the core physics of more traditional courses, but are based around modern applications.

AS Level

• Sports Performance
• Materials e.g. body spare parts
• Playing and Recording Music
• Powering a Satellite
• Physics in Archaeology

A2 Level

• Rail transport
• Communications
• Particle physics
• Earthquakes and Building Design
• Astrophysics

How is this course assessed?
Both AS and A2 are assessed through examinations (80%) and coursework (20%). There are two modular exams per year, usually in January and May/June, each worth 40% of the total for that year. Coursework in both years consists primarily of an individual practical exercise in examination conditions. The AS coursework also includes a short preliminary essay, normally set as homework.
What kind of student will do well on this course?
You will enjoy this course and be successful if you:

• have wide interests (its a big subject!)
• like to have a go at practically anything...
• ... and arent put off by a setback
• like maths and logical reasoning
• always want to know WHY?!?!
• enjoy science programmes on TV

Exam Board and Specification:
EdexcelSalters Horners (SHAP) specifications