Course Live_AC_paperturn-3 - Flipbook - Page 53
PHYSICS
A Level
What is Physics? Basically, Physics tries to explain how the universe works as
simply as possible, but no simpler. From Quarks to Quasars, Physics is all about
understanding and predicting nature. Together we will look at how our world
(and beyond) behaves and try to make sense of it. You will enjoy Physics if you
want to find out about life, the universe and everything; develop models to
explain how the world we live in works; sharpen your problem-solving skills and
see how physics is used all around us. You will discover that our ideas of how
things work have changed over the centuries; scientists are not always ‘right’.
A theory only lasts until an experiment proves it wrong! Then we need a new
one. The course places great emphasis on the practical uses of the subject and
is divided into themes. You still study all the Physics you would expect, it is just
packaged differently and, we think, in a more exciting and enjoyable way. By the
end you will see why Physics is so important to our world!
COURSE CONTENT
• Moving & keeping still, structures & sports:
forces, motion & energy
• Why things don’t break: material science
• Electricity: the most versatile form of
energy
• Telescopes, LASERs & musical
instruments: waves
• Atomic and quantum physics
• Particle physics
• Planets & satellites: circular motion &
gravity
• Astrophysics: heat, gases &
thermodynamics
• Astrophysics: radioactivity & nuclear
physics
• Cosmology
• Electromagnetism: Electric & magnetic
fields
• Earthquake-proof buildings: oscillations
• Environmental physics: sources of energy
& their impact on the planet
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
CAREER PATHWAYS
Standard Advanced Level entry
requirements
Plus Grade 6 in both GCSE Physics and
another Science GCSE
Or 2 x Grade 6 in GCSE Combined Science
Plus Grade 6 in GCSE Maths
Students may also need to attend
additional Maths support class if not taking
A Level maths, as required.
Analysis; problem-solving; communication;
modelling; research; mathematics;
evidence-based decision-making.
Many students go on to degree courses
in Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics,
Engineering, Research, Financial
Management, Law, Medicine and
numerous other fields. Physics is an indemand subject in the UK and, indeed,
worldwide.
assessment
100% exam - three exams at the end of the
course, one on each ‘component’.
OTHER INFORMATION
A Level students choosing NOT to study
A level Maths will need to enrol for the
essential Maths support course to cover
the knowledge and skills needed beyond
GCSE. You should be aware, however,
that not studying Maths beyond GCSE will
prevent you from applying to most Physics
and Engineering degrees.
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