Subject Handbook : Science - Physics
What is Physics?
One of the oldest and broadest scientific disciplines, Physics is a natural science and, essentially,
the study of the entire universe. So expect to have your mind significantly expanded. You will
learn about the history of physics and the careers of such luminaries as Albert Einstein, Galileo
Galilei, Max Planck, Erwin Schrödinger and Sir Isaac Newton. You will study modules
in numerous components of Physics such as fluid dynamics, forces, evolution of stars and
magnetism to name but a handful.
The course will be delivered by Ms Kempthorne who will lead Physics AS and A2. Ms Kempthorne
completed a Dual Honours BSc degree at Keele University in Astrophysics and Biology.
Famous Physicists through time...Perhaps your face will be there one day?
A LEVEL AND AS LEVEL PHYSICS (Edexcel specification) 6PH01
This course is an excellent preparation for physics and engineering degrees. However, the
knowledge and understanding developed is helpful in a wide range of careers, from medicine to
architecture, music technology or creative design. Intending students should have at least a
grade B at GCSE in Mathematics and Science. A good grasp of mathematics, in particular an
aptitude for algebra, is an important pre-requisite for success. Some practical sessions may
need to be completed after normal school hours.
AS Level modules
1 Physics on the go - Mechanics and Materials. Rectilinear motion, forces, energy, power, fluid
flow, stress, strain and material properties.
2 Physics at Work - Waves, DC Electricity and the Nature of Light. Wave properties, optics,
wave particle duality. Circuit laws, power and conductivity.
3 Exploring Physics This unit requires that students undertake either a case study involving an
application of physics and a related practical, or a physics-based visit and a related practical.
A2 Level modules
4 Physics on the Move - Further Mechanics, Particle physics, Electric and Magnetic Fields.
Circular motion and momentum. Coulomb’s law, capacitors, magnetic flux and electromagnetic
induction. Particle accelerators, atomic structure and the quark-lepton model.
5 Physics from Creation to Collapse - Thermal energy, Nuclear decay, Oscillations,
Astrophysics and cosmology. Specific heat capacity, internal energy and the ideal gas equation.
Radioactive decay, simple harmonic motion and damping. Astronomical observations, the
formation and evolution of stars, and the history and future of the universe.
6 Experimental Physics - This unit requires that students plan an experiment, carry out an
experiment, record measurements, analyse their own results and draw conclusions.
Assessments
Unit
Assessment
When taken
Weighting
AS Level
Weighting A
Level
1 Physics on the go
A/S and A
June : Year 1
40%
20%
2 Physics at Work
A/S and A
June : Year 1
40%
20%
3 Exploring Physics
A/S and A
June : Year 1
20%
10%
4 Physics on the Move
A only
June : Year 2
20%
5 Physics from Creation to Collapse
A only
June : Year 2
20%
6 Experimental Physics
A only
June : Year 2
10%
Skills I will develop
Skills you will develop will help you to have a deep understanding of physical laws and principals
and be able to use them to solve problems. You will be able to plan and execute experiments,
and then easily analyse your findings and compile the very complex data into concise, easily
digestible into scientific reports.
You will have incredible mathematical skills and your computer skills will develop. You will be
familiar with the scientific data packages
Vocabulary will be identified throughout the course which you will need to make sure you can
spell and define.
What can I do with my A Level Physics qualification?
University Courses Available
To do a Physics degree, virtually all universities require you to have Physics and Maths A
Level. A lot also ask that you also have an A level in Further Maths or another science Chemistry usually fits very nicely alongside Physics as it is the other main physical science.
While it's not mandatory to have Chemistry, it is looked upon favourably and a lot of degree
courses have modules with roots in physical chemistry, so it will help you.
There are two options for students wanting to study Physics at university in the UK. You can
do a Bachelor's degree (BSc) or an undergraduate master's degree (MPhys or MSci). The
master's is usually four years long and the main difference is that the subjects studied are
done so in more depth than the BSc. Equally you may choose to study a Dual honours
degree and study 2 sciences alongside each other.
A typical conditional offer from Cambridge is A*AA at A Levels. You'll be expected to have
the A* in Physics, an A in Maths and another A Level in a relevant subject, like another
science or Further Maths.
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Top 15 UK places to study Physics
Cambridge
Imperial College London
Durham
St Andrews
Oxford
Birmingham
Warwick
Bath
Exeter
Liverpool John Moores
University College London
Nottingham
Keele
Edinburgh
Manchester
Careers with Physics
Despite what you may think, the career paths open to Physics graduates are many.
Depending on what you specialised in you could find yourself working as an aerospace
engineer, an astrophysicist, a mechanical engineer, or a Solar Energy Physicist. There are
jobs in the software development , medical technology, and manufacturing industries. Or
you could become a teacher, join a public agency or work in a private research lab.
Websites
http://steve4physics.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/physics/
http://www.hodderplus.co.uk/edexcelphysics/
http://www.memrise.com/course/44393/edexcel-a-level-physics-unit-1-materials/
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics
http://www.scribd.com/collections/2825695/EXCELLENT-Physics-Edexcel-Unit-1-2-3-4-5loads-of-Questions-All-questions-available
Wider Reading List
CPG AS Level Physics Revision Guide
Physics Oxford Dictionary
Jim Al-Khali - Paradox: The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Science
Ian Stewart - Seventeen Equations that Changed the World
Ben Miller – It’s not rocket Science
Micho Kaku – Physics of the Future; The Inventions that will transform our lives
J.P. McEvoy - Quantum theory: a graphic guide to science’s most puzzling discovery
John Gribbi - In search of Schrodinger’s cat
Joao Magueijo - A brilliant darkness
Tom Cassidy -The electric toilet virgin death lottery: and other outrageous logic problems
Neil deGrasse Tyson - The Pluto files