Physics

Over the two years of the course, the following topics will be studied:
Particles and Quantum Phenomena – wave-particle duality, quantisation and the standard model of particle physics.
Electricity – basic electrical properties, electrical components and circuits.
Mechanics and Energy – forces and motion (including Newton’s laws and projectile motion), energy and power, momentum, tuning effects and circular motion.
Materials – the properties of materials (density, elasticity, etc.) and their uses.
Waves and Oscillations – the basic properties of waves, refraction, diffraction, interference, simple harmonic motion, resonance and damping.
Fields – investigates the similarities and differences between gravitational and electric fields in terms of the forces they apply and the energy transfers within them, along with applications of the motion of particles within them.
Capacitance – the effect of capacitance and the use and operation of capacitors.
Electromagnetism – investigates the magnetic fields produced by the flow of a current, including the forces applied by them and electromagnetic induction.
Nuclear Physics – the structure of the nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear instability and the uses of this, including nuclear energy.
Thermal Physics – the thermal properties of materials, ideal gases and the kinetic theory of gases.
Astrophysics – the physics of stars and cosmology.

Practical Skills – completion of a set of exam-board specified practicals developing the learner’s ability to select and use equipment, make observations and measurements, process and present data using standard scientific conventions, analyse and evaluate results, calculate uncertainties of quantities and link outcomes to theory.

It should be noted that few of the above topics can be taken in isolation; most build on previous work (e.g. the Mechanics and Energy topic needs to be understood before the Fields topic can be successfully completed).

100% exam (no coursework). All papers are taken at the end of the second year of the course. This includes two theory papers assessing topics across the two years of the course, using a mixture of multiple-choice and written responses (the majority of marks for the latter) and one paper testing practical knowledge, including practical design, analysis of specimen data and links to theory. In addition to this, a certificate of practical competence is awarded, dependent upon performance within specified practical work.
Examining Board – AQA.

Learners must have either: 
Grade 7 in Physics and Grade 6 in Maths and grade 6 in either Biology or Chemistry OR 
Grade 6-7 in Combined Science and grade 6 in Maths OR 
Grade 6 in Physics and grade 6 in either Biology or Chemistry and Grade 7 in Maths OR 
Grade 6-6 in Combined Science and Grade 7 in Maths
Learners enrolling on A level Physics must also choose A level Maths

In addition the Standard A level entry requirements also apply.

Statistics is not a suitable course to study with Physics; instead students must choose Mathematics.

Physics is a useful qualification for many university courses or careers, particularly within the physical sciences, and is directly applicable to those involving engineering and information/communication technology. It also directly links to careers within design, the armed forces and sports science. The skills it develops are also valued within a wide range of other careers, such as the financial industry. Most learners go to university and study a range of subjects. In the past few years this has included: Accounting and Finance, Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, Chemistry and Molecular Physics, Computer Games Technology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Multimedia Computing, Physics, Astrophysics, Professional Accounting.

None.

This subject dovetails particularly well with Chemistry, Maths, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Computer Science and Art / Graphics (especially for Architecture).