Physics (AQA)
Physics is arguably the most exciting part of all science and technology. It explains everything from quarks to quasars, bosons to black holes and deals with both living and inanimate systems. Physics is playing an important part in the development of telecommunications, medical diagnosis, laser surgery, aircraft design and in countless other applications, both in industry and the home. Physics is the 'glue' which holds the sciences together. The course has a practical content and students are expected to
carry out experiments and write them up.
Entry Requirements
Students need to have achieved 5 GCSE's or more.This should be at least grade B (or higher) for Core Science and Additional Science at the Higher Tier.You should also have at least a grade C in English and a grade B in Maths.
Course Content
AS Unit 1: Particle, quantum phenomena and electricity
The particle physics introduces students to the fundamental properties and nature of matter, radiation and quantum phenomena. Electricity builds upon the concepts covered at GCSE Science and introduces alternating current.
AS Unit 2: Mechanics, materials and waves
Mechanics introduces vectors and develops further the concepts of forces and energy. Materials are studied in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength.Waves cover the characteristics, properties and application of waves, including refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference.
AS Unit 3: Investigative and practical skills
This covers the practical aspects of the course and consists of experiments carried throughout the year and assessed work.
A2 Unit 4: Fields and further mechanics
Further mechanics advances the study of momentum and introduces circular and oscillatory motion and covers gravitation. Fields cover electric and magnetic fields together with electromagnetic induction. Electric fields lead into capacitors and magnetic fields into the generation and transmission of alternating current.
A2 Unit 5: Nuclear physics, thermal physics plus and optional topic
Nuclear physics looks at the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei and how energy is obtained from the nucleus.Thermal properties of materials and the properties and nature of gases are studied in depth. An optional topic, which is chosen by the lecturer, is also studied.
A2 Unit 6: Investigative and practical skills
This covers the practical aspects of the course and consists of experiments carried throughout the year and assessed work.