Why should I study Physics?

In Physics we try and answer some of the big questions in life: What is matter? Where did the universe come from? How can we describe the way things interact? How might we get “clean” energy in the future? Along the way we stumble across answers to smaller questions such as why it’s important to keep your loudspeakers the right distance from the wall. We also look at the physics behind important technologies including medical imaging. If you have a curious nature and a positive attitude then you will be well suited to the course.

An A Level in Physics helps you prepare for a career in Science, Engineering or Medicine. The analytical and numeracy skills, precision of thought and ability to understand complex ideas that are represented by an A Level in Physics are also highly sought after in business, by employers and by universities in general.

What will I study?

AS Units

Unit 1: Mechanics

• Motion
• Forces in action
• Work and energy

This represents 30% of the total AS Level marks.

Unit 2: Electrons, Waves and Photons

• Electric current
• Resistance
• DC circuits
• Waves
• Quantum Physics

This represents 50% of the total AS Level marks.

Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics 1
Internally assessed.
This represents 20% of the total AS Level marks.

A2 Units

Unit 4: Newtonian World

• Newton’s laws and momentum
• Circular motion and oscillations
• Thermal Physics

This represents 30% of the total A2 level marks

Unit 5: Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics

• Electric and magnetic fields
• Capacitors and exponential decay
• Nuclear Physics
• Medical imaging
• Modelling the Universe

This represents 50% of the total AS level marks.

Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics 2
Internally assessed.
This represents 20% of the total A2 level marks.

What are the entry requirements?

Normal college entry requirements plus GCSE Physics grade B or Additional Science grade B plus GCSE Maths grade C. GCSE Maths grade B would be desirable.

What skills do I need?

• Good skills of observation, measurement analysis, problem solving, and evaluation.
• It is not essential to pursue Mathematics beyond GCSE level in order to follow the Physics course but students have found this combination to be highly beneficial especially to those who have chosen to continue to A Level or beyond. A Level Maths is almost always a requirement for Physics and Engineering degrees.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught by one specialist teacher, using a variety of methods. These include discussions, practical work, demonstrations, worksheets and individual research.

How is the course assessed?

AS Units – one 1hr and one 1¾ hr written exam plus a practical element to be assessed internally.

A2 Units - one 1¼ hr and one 2hr written exam plus a practical element to be assessed internally.

What will this course prepare me for?

Physics is ideally suited if you choose to continue your studies onto any higher education science or engineering course likewise if you enter science-based employment directly.
You may go on to pursue a career in engineering, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, computer science, electronics, architecture, the armed forces, business or any other area that values the skills developed.

Private Study

As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?

Not applicable

Examining Board

OCR Physics A

Physics is for you if

You like to understand, predict and explain the physical universe in words and maths.

Physics is not for you if

You are happy not understanding.

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