Physics AS/A Level

PHYSICS AS/A LEVEL

Examination Board: OCR Syllabus AS H158 A2 H558

PHA2

How long is the course?
The course is divided in to AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 units over two years to make up a full A level. To progress onto A2 a D grade or above must be obtained at AS.

Cost:
The course book for each year is approximately £20.

Is there an interview?
Yes

What can I progress to?
Physics AS and A2 are highly regarded qualifications. It indicates an ability to handle sophisticated concepts and think logically. Physics develops skills and knowledge that are important to many fields of work and study. It is specifically important for anybody interested in a career in medicine, computing, science, engineering, or any other pursuit where the ability to think intelligently and critically is important.

Possible subject combinations
The course will combine well with a variety of Advanced Level courses, particularly Mathematics, other sciences and Computing. It is also a valuable subject combined with non science AS's to show a range of ability.

Extra Curricular Activities
All students can add to their main programme of study by taking part in a wide range of clubs, groups, societies and courses. Not only are the activities fun, they also develop skills and provide new and fulfilling experiences, as well as enhancing applications to higher education and employment.

What is the course about?
AS Level Physics offers the following:Up to date Physics: Challenging and interesting ideas and concepts from both modern and classical Physics.

Physics and Society:How Physics relates to the World around us and a modern industrial society.

Variety: Something for everyone, Physics can be challenging, exciting, conceptual, practical and abstract.

Practical work: Developing practical skills and techniques.

AS Level
Mechanics (Module G481):Physical quantities and Units, Scalars and Vectors, Kinematics, Linear and Non-linear motion, Force, Work and power, Behaviour of springs and materials, Forces on Vehicles and Car safety, Kinetic and Potential Energy.

Electrons, Waves & Photons (Module G482): Electric Current, D.C. Circuits, Resistance and Resistivity, The photoelectric Effect, Wave Partial Duality, Energy levels in Atoms, Electromagnetic Waves. Interference and Stationary Waves.

Practical skills in Physics 1 (Module G483) Candidates will carry out practical tasks set by the exam board and analyse data.A2 Level Physics offers the following:Up to date Physics: Challenging and interesting ideas and concepts from both modern and classical Physics.

Physics and Society:How Physics relates to the World around us and a modern industrial society.

Variety: Something for everyone, Physics can be challenging, exciting, conceptual, practical and abstract.

Practical work: Developing practical skills and techniques.

A2 Level
Newtonian World (Module G484): Newton's Laws of Motion, Collisions, Circular Motion, Gravitational Fields, Simple Harmonic oscillations, Solids liquids and Gasses, Temperature, The Thermal Properties of Matter.

Fields, Particles, and Frontiers of Physics (Module G485):Electric Fields, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, Capacitors, The Nuclear Atom, Fundamental Particles, Radioactivity, Fission and Fusion, Medical Imaging, The Structure and Evolution of the Universe.

Practical Skills in Physics 2: (Module G486):Candidates will carry out practical tasks set by the exam board and analyse data.

What are the course outcomes?

How will you be assessed?

AS Level: Two written papers (80%) and internal practical assessment (20%)

A2 Level: In addition to the AS assessment there are two written papers (80%) and internal practical assessment (20%)

Requirement
7 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English. Double Science or Physics and Mathematics at grade B or above if taken at GCSE. How long is the course? The course is divided in to AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 units over two years to make up a full A level. To progress onto A2 a D grade or above must be obtained at AS. Cost: The course book for each year is approximately £20.