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PHYSICS


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

Title/Name Course Title/Exam Board, Syllabus details AS/A2 Physics A
Examination Board: OCR
AS Code: H158 A2 Code: H558
What will I learn?

What will I gain from doing this course

Aims/Objectives

What will I do

The course has been developed for all students who wish to continue with a study of Physics after GCSE. Some may wish to follow a Physics course for only one year as an AS GCE, in order to broaden their curriculum, others will continue their course for a further year extending their course to Advanced GCE.

In either case the course should help students:

  • appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society;
  • develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of HowScience Works;
  • develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Physics and how they relate to each other.
What are the entry requirements What is the minimum skills or qualification level the learner needs to start this course It is expected that all students will have studied either Core and Additional Science or Physics GCSE, obtaining A grade or above.
Although the mathematical requirements for Physics have been reduced in recent years, an A grade in Mathematics at GCSE is expected.
Ideas in modem Physics are addressed simply, without the requirement of detailed mathematical modelling which would be developed at a higher level of study. Although helpful, it is not essential to take AS level Mathematics to be successful in Physics but an ability to visualise abstract concepts is required and it is essential to have a sound grasp of use of number and be competent at handling algebra.
How will I be assessed Method of Assessment (exam, coursework etc.)

Course Content

Style of Teaching and Learning

AS Units

Unit G481: Mechanics

  • Module 1: Motion
  • Module 2: Forces in action
  • Module 3: Work and energy


Unit G482: Electrons, Waves and Photons

  • Module1: Electric current
  • Module2: Resistance
  • Module3: DC circuits
  • Module4: Waves
  • Module5: Quantum physics

Unit G483:
Practical Skills in Physics 1


This AS (practical skills) unit is teacher assessed and externally moderated by OCR.
Candidates are assessed on one task from each of the following categories: qualitative, quantitative and evaluative tasks.


A2 Units

Unit G484: The Newtonian World

  • Module1: Newton’s laws and momentum
  • Module2: Circular motion and oscillations
  • Module3: Thermal physics

Unit G485: Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics

  • Module1: Electric and magnetic fields
  • Module2: Capacitors and exponential decay
  • Module3: Nuclear physics
  • Module4: Medical imaging
  • Module5: Modelling the universe

Unit G486:
Practical Skills in Physics 2

What are the costs What equipment will I need (if appropriate)

Any other costs
None
Is there anything else I need to know Where will I study

What support will I receive

Where can I get further information

 

Future Opportunities Progression to further education, study or work Physics A-level supports a very wide range of future study and careers. If you want a career in business, the media, 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.
In the last few years students have gone on to follow University courses in;
Architecture, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Radiography, Sound Recording, Sports Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology to name a few!
The study of Physics at Advanced Subsidiary GCE (AS) and Advanced GCE (A2) 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.

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