PHYSICS

Subject Department: PHYSICS

Examination Board: EDEXCEL

"The eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility".
Albert Einstein 1936

Physics is firmly at the foundation of science, dealing directly with the rules that govern the Universe, and the particles from which everything is made. Physics really does try to explain how and sometimes why everything happens!

Aims of the Course
The specifications have been developed for candidates who wish to continue with a study of Physics after GCSE. Some candidates may wish to follow a physics course for only one year as an Advanced Subsidiary GCE, in order to broaden their curriculum. Others will continue for a further year extending their course to Advanced GCE.
This course has been designed to allow a continuous progression through to A-level and builds further on many of the classical ideas and theories already encountered at GCSE, developing analytical and problem solving skills by applying these concepts to a variety of practical real life situations.

Prior Levels of Attainment
The entry requirements for the course are a minimum BB grade in dual award Science showing a sound performance in the SC4 component or B grade in Physics (separate award) at GCSE. Typically most students will have A grades or above in these subjects.

Mathematics: minimum B grade.
The mathematical requirements for Physics have been reduced in recent years. Some of the most recent developments and questions in modem physics are addressed simply, without the requirement of detailed mathematical modelling which would be developed at a higher level of study, and although this is one area where an ability to visualise abstract concepts is very useful, it is not necessary to take AS level Mathematics to be successful in physics. You must however have a sound grasp of use of number and be reasonably competent at handling simple algebra and an A grade in Mathematics at GCSE is expected. There is no longer any requirement to use calculus.

To enjoy this course and achieve success you should:

	take an interest in your current science lessons and show a willingness to work independently;
	have a general interest in Science and its broader applications. It may be that you enjoy Science programmes such as Horizon, or follow stories in the news or articles in magazines such as New Scientist
	enjoy logical or analytical thinking and problem solving
	demonstrate imagination and vision and enjoy abstract thinking

Schemes of Assessment
Candidates take three Units of Assessment for Advanced Subsidiary and a further three for A2.

Experience of the role of experimental work is important in any course in Physics and is recognised in these specifications by the inclusion of practical examinations, at both Advanced Subsidiary and A2, based on assessment of experimental skills. The assessment of experimental and investigative skills builds from GCSE.

Course Content Summary
This course is designed to allow a continuous progression from GCSE through to a full A-level.

It builds on the classical ideas and theories already encountered at GCSE, developing them in more detail and encouraging analytical and problem solving skills through the application of these concepts to a variety of practical real life situations.

Some of the most recent developments and questions in modern physics are addressed simply, without the requirement of the detailed mathematical modelling which would be developed at a higher level of study. This is one area however where an ability to visualise abstract concepts is very useful.

AS:

Mechanics and Radioactivity - written examination 75 mins

Electricity and thermal physics - written examination 75 mins

Topics (Astrophysics) - written examination 30 mins

Experimental skills - practical examination 90 mins

A2:

Waves and our Universe - written examination 80 mins

Fields and Forces - written examination 60 mins

Synthesis (synoptic) - written examination 120 mins

Experimental skills - practical examination 90 mins

Such a course will prepare candidates to progress into further or higher education and is a highly respected A-level, recognised as helping to develop the skills required for a very wide range of study, not necessarily those requiring specific application of the content of the Physics specifications.

Subject Combinations
The study of Physics at Advanced Subsidiary GCE and Advanced GCE should also be seen as making a contribution towards life-long learning and an understanding of technological advances and their impact on modern day society. Physics obviously goes well with mathematics and other science subjects, but also complements arts-based A-levels. It is often taken by those wishing to continue with only one of the sciences beyond GCSE. For those who may study an arts subject at degree level, physics A-level indicates a high level of application and well-rounded interests.
Mathematics will usually also be required for further study of physics, engineering, computing and some other science courses.

Links to Higher Education, Careers and Employment
Physics A-level supports a very wide range of future study and careers. In the last few years students have gone on to follow University courses in Architecture, Astronomy, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering. History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Music, Philosophy. Physics and Veterinary Science - to name but a few. Physics is recognised as developing an ability to think logically, understand complex ideas and apply them to the real world and it is these thinking skills which are valued in an extremely wide range of careers. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to apply mental processes to a wide range of situations and diverse problems and as such does not restrict you to reliance on the curriculum content when making future decisions. If you want a career in business, the media, science, including medicine or veterinary science, or a host of other fields, physics can help.
There are over 700 courses available in Physics and applied Physics, often combined with other subjects such as Biomedical Engineering, Marketing or Philosophy. There are more than 4000 Science courses and 3000 engineering courses for which A-level Physics will be a valuable qualification.

UCAS provides information on all courses available at institutes of further education.

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