AS/A2 Physics

Why should I study Physics at Cardinal Newman?Our Physics results are excellent. For example, our A Level pass rate has been 100% for the past four consecutive years and high grades and value added are also very impressive. We offer an unrivalled enrichment programme with students this year having the opportunity to visit CERN in Switzerland and Paris. Events including lectures, conferences and competitions at the University of Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster and Central Lancashire have all been attended by Cardinal Newman Physics students. Speakers from higher education establishments also visit our department.
What is Physics?
Why do things behave as they do? Can we explain the behaviour of the physical world and make logical predictions based on our understanding? These questions are the basis of the branch of science that has come to be known as Physics.

You will have some appreciation, from your GCSE Science or Physics course, as to what Physics is and how it impinges on our everyday lives. The A Level course at Cardinal Newman College offers a greater depth of appreciation and will prove ideal for those who wish to leave College better able to understand modern developments in physical science and technology or who wish to enter careers for which Physics is a necessary preparation. A Level Physics is a valuable qualification and a foundation for a range of scientific and technical careers.
What exactly will I study?
The topics covered during the first year are:

· Unit 1: Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity: the nucleus including particles, antiparticles and photons; hadrons and leptons, this is a new exciting topic; quantum phenomena including photoelectricity, energy levels and wave particle duality; electricity including resistivity, components and alternating currents.

· Unit 2: Mechanics, materials and waves: mechanics including Newton's laws of motion, energy and power; properties of materials including density and Young's modulus; waves including longitudinal and transverse waves; diffraction and interference.

· Unit 3: Investigative and practical skills: selection and use of various equipment; processing of data; making observations and measurements; analysis and evaluation of results.

The topics studied in the second year are:

· Unit 4: Fields and further mechanics: further Mechanics including s.h.m., circular motion and momentum; fields including gravitational and electrical fields, electromagnetic induction.

· Unit 5: This unit is comprised of two sections: Section A is Nuclear and thermal physics and Section B: Optional units, one to be chosen from: Astro physics, medical physics, applied physics, turning points.

· Unit 6: Investigative and practical skills (as in Unit 3)
Will I enjoy Physics
Students who have an interest in the sciences, particularly the fundamental ideas and principles, will enjoy Physics. You also need to be clear thinking and have some ability in mathematics. The more advanced your study of Physics, the more mathematical the language used. Physics combines well with Mathematics, the Sciences and Philosophy. Music and Geography also appeal to many Physics students.
Is there any practical work?
Yes, practical experimental work is used to test and illustrate the principles of Physics. Practical assessment forms part of both the AS and A Level courses.

On entry to the Physics course ALL students are given an A4 hard backed lab book which must be kept up to date because it forms part of the internal practical assessment. On average all students will complete one practical task per week.
Progression
Our Physics course can be regarded as an end in itself or could be a preparation for further study. An A Level in Physics is universally held in high esteem and is an essential preliminary to degree courses in Engineering and Physics. It is also desirable for prospective students of architecture, medical sciences or any mathematically based subject area.