AS and A2 Level Physics

AS and A2 Level Physics

• Venue:
  Windmill Avenue Campus, Kettering
• Duration:
  One year for AS Level or Two years for full A2 Level (AS Level + A2 Level)
• Start At:
  September 2009
• Interview:
  Yes
• Level of Study:
  Advanced (Level 3)
• Awarding Body:
  AQA (B)

AS and A2 Level Physics Entry Requirements

• For a 3 AS Level programme you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at A*-C including English, Maths (grade B or above) and a science (grade B or above) or equivalent.
  
• For a 4 AS Level programme you will need a minimum of 6 GCSEs at A*-C including English, Maths (grade B or above) and a science (grade B or above) or equivalent.

To progress to A2 Level a minimum of grade D at AS Level is required.

Entry is subject to a successful interview. If you have been out of education for some time you may wish to consider the Access to Higher Education programme as an alternative to A Levels

Content
The AS Course

This consists of three units; one is examined in January and two are examined in the summer examinations at the end of the first year.
Unit 1 is called Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity, and is intended to go over some Physics that you may know already, but in more detail, and to introduce you to a more advanced approach to your studies. It includes the nucleus; the quark model; quantum; phenomena; electricity.
Unit 2 is called Mechanics, Materials and Waves and includes Newtons laws of motion, energy, power, diffraction, interference and stationary waves
Unit 3 consists of internal practical assessment.
The course will include experimental work, which will be integrated with theory. The theory units are each worth 40% of the AS marks and the practical assessment is worth 20%
The A2 Course
The second year of the course brings in more challenging mathematics than the first year and involves synoptic assessment (i.e. questions which bring together Physics from all four theory units).
The A2 course consists of three further units.
Unit 4 is Fields and Further Mechanics. It includes circular motion, simple harmonic motion, momentum, fields (gravitational, magnetic and electrostatic) and electromagnetic induction.
Unit 5 consists of two sections. Section A is Nuclear and Thermal Physics. It builds upon key ideas from the AS course and covers probing the nucleus, radioactivity and nuclear instability as well as ideal gases. Section B is an option unit which is yet to be decided, from Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Applied Physics and Turning points in Physics.
Unit 6 consists of internal practical assessment. The theory units are each worth 20% of the total A level marks and the internal assessment is worth 10%

Assessment
This is by external examination for all modules.

Written papers for each of Modules 1 and 2 (2Ã-40% of the total AS mark, or 2Ã-20% of the total A-level mark). One written test based on the board set practical activity (20% of the total AS mark, or 10% of the total A-level mark).

Written papers for each of Modules 4 and 5 (2Ã-20% of the total A-level mark). One written test based on the board set practical activity (2Ã-20% of the total A-level mark, 10% of the total A-level mark).

Progression Extensive opportunities in Higher Education e.g. Degree, BTEC HND in Engineering, Electronics, Quantum electronics, Nanotechnology, Aerospace, Computing, Geophysics, Astrophysics to name a few. Direct employment as a student trainee (sponsorship) with larger engineering firms is a possibility. Work Experience Extensive opportunities in Higher Education e.g. Degree, BTEC HND in Engineering, Electronics, Quantum electronics, Nanotechnology, Aerospace, Computing, Geophysics to name a few. Direct employment as a student trainee (sponsorship) with larger engineering firms is a possibility.
Entry Requirement
For a 3 AS Level programme you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at A*-C including English, Maths (grade B or above) and a science (grade B or above) or equivalent.
For a 4 AS Level programme you will need a minimum of 6 GCSEs at A*-C including English, Maths (grade B or above) and a science (grade B or above) or equivalent.
To progress to A2 Level a minimum of grade D at AS Level is required.
Entry is subject to a successful interview. If you have been out of education for some time you may wish to consider the Access to Higher Education programme as an alternative to A Levels