AS Level in Physics

Course information:
AS Level in Physics

Course content:
The course is designed with the aim of encouraging students to develop essential knowledge and understanding in Physics, to be aware of the relationship of Physics to everyday life and of the interaction of Physics with engineering and technology.
By the end of the course students should appreciate how physics has developed and is used on present day society - appropriate applications will be discussed to indicate the skills needed to adapt physical principals to new and changing situations.
The course should enable students to understand the links between theory and experiment and to recognise the quantitative nature of Physics so that they understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles.

Module 1 - Foundation Physics
Scalars and vectors
Kinetics
Energy concepts
Direct current circuits
Information and communication

Module 2 - Waves and Nuclear Physics
Waves
Spectra
Radioactivity
Particle Physics
Information and Communication

Module 3 - Experimental work
Techniques, planning, execution and presentation, measurement and analysis.

Assessment procedure:
The assessment objectives include the recall of knowledge with understanding, the application of knowledge and understanding in unfamiliar situations, the interpretation and evaluation of data, and the performance of relevant calculations. There will be three externally set and marked examinations:

Module 1
1½ hour examination PHB1 (35% of total AS marks; 17.5% of total A level marks).

Module 2
1½ hour examination PHB2 (35% of total AS marks; 17.5% of total A level marks)

Module 3
2 hour examination PHB3 (30% of total AS marks; 15% of total A level marks).

Candidates will have limited facility to resit module tests. Modules tests will be available in January and June.

Entry requirements:
This course is designed for students who have attained Grade C or better in the National Curriculum Science and Mathematics.
Competency in Mathematics is desirable for AS level Physics but will prove to be essential for progression onto the second year A2 course which will lead to qualification at GCE Advanced level Physics.

Qualifications achieved:
GCE AS Level Physics, awarded by AQA.

Progression opportunities:
Students will hopefully sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, Physics so that the course will provide a sound basis for further study to GCE Advanced level and beyond (particularly in the fields of engineering, applied science, pure science and medicine).

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course. We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, eg travel, childcare, equipment, books etc. In addition, if you have just left school, you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please ask us about â€-Money Matters†for more details.