AS Physics

AS Physics
Level: AS/A2

Awarding Body: AQA

Course Content:
AS Year
AS Physics consists of three units. Unit 1 and Unit 2 each provide 40 % (20% of the full A Level) of the final AS mark and unit 3 provides 20 (10% of the full A-Level).

Unit 1: Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity
(Particles and antiparticles, quarks, photoelectric effect, energy levels, wave-particle duality and electricity)

Unit 2: Mechanics, Materials and Waves
(Forces, motion, Newton's laws, properties of materials and wave phenomena)

Unit 3: Centre Assessed Unit
(Practical and investigative skills)

A2 Year
A2 Physics consists of 3 modules. Unit 4 accounts for 20% of the final A-Level mark, an option topic is worth 20%, and the final unit is centre assessed and accounts for 10%

Unit 4: Fields and Further Mechanics
(SHM, circular motion, momentum, capacitance, electric fields, magnetism)

Unit 5: Option topic
(Students study radioactivity, then choose from one of astrophysics, medical physics, applied physics or turning points in physics)

Unit 6: Centre Assessed unit
Practical skills will be assessed and students will carry out an Investigative Skills Assignment.

Teaching Learning Methods:
Lessons involve a range of teaching styles including group work, teaching from the front, student talks and working alone.

A text book will be lent to you to use at home. Regular testing will show you how you are progressing, and regular homework will largely involve doing past exam questions so that you get used to the question style.

Assessment:
Unit 1 - Unit 1 test - 1hr 15 - 40% (AS) - 20% (A2)
Unit 2 - Unit 2 test - 1hr 15 - 40% (AS) - 20% (A2)
Unit 3 - Practical skills - 20% (AS) - 10% (A2)

Unit 4 - Unit 4 test - 1hr 45 - 20%
Units 5-9 - Option topic test - 1hr 45 - 20%
Unit 10 - Practical skills - 10%

The unit tests are available in January and June and the schedule of taking tests is:

Year 12: January: Unit 1
June: Unit 1 re-sit if needed, and Unit 2

Year 13: January: Unit 4
June: any re-sits needed, and unit 5

(Candidates are permitted to re-sit a unit any number of times)

Skills & Commitment:
We have found that successful physics students have a keen and enquiring mind. They want to find out why things happen and how things work, solving problems and thinking for themselves. The mathematical skills have to be good and organisation of time is important. Homework can be expected at least once per week. Physics is a difficult A-Level subject and a low level of commitment and attendance will result in a poor or moderate final grade. However, a high grade will impress universities and employers who will appreciate the high level skills required for success in physics.

Cost:
You will need a scientific calculator as well as providing your own paper, files and writing materials. The College will provide graph paper and text books.

Progression:
Physics A-Level is an advantage for most technical jobs especially those requiring some knowledge of electricity, optics or forces. This covers almost all engineering jobs as well as many medical occupations, telecommunications and laboratory work. Physics A-Level is a good subject to take if you want to do architecture, astronomy, dentistry, meteorology, pharmacy, physiotherapy, printing, radiography, recording and media engineering or software engineering. Past students from St Charles have gone on to study aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, medicine, physics, music, computing and law.

Complimentary Subjects:
Maths A Level is strongly advised.

Entry Requirement:

Students must be prepared to work hard and be fully involved in the lessons. In addition to the standard College requirements students need to have a grade C or higher in mathematics as well as grade B in science and additional science (or grade B in Physics.) It is strongly recommended that students do Mathematics A-Level as one of their other choices. Students will have to obtain an E or better in the AS qualification to progress to the A2 level.