All about A level Physics

What’s A level Physics about?

A level Physics gives the opportunity to explore the phenomena of the universe and to look at theories that explain what is observed.  This subject combines practical skills with theoretical ideas to develop hypotheses to describe the physical universe.  You will learn about everything from kinematics to cosmology and many recent developments in fascinating topics, such as particle physics. If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between this is the subject for you. Physics is more than a subject – it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries.

All exam boards offer an A-level Physics Here's a list of what the AQA A-level Physics course covers: Particles and Quantum Phenomena, Waves and Optics, Forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Momentum, Work, Energy and Materials, Electricity and DC Circuits, Circular Motion, Simple Harmonic Motion, Thermal Physics and Gases, Gravitational Fields, Electric Fields, Capacitors, Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Induction, Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy. AQA also include an option topic: 1 from Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics and Electronics.

And there's a full programme of practical work to complement the theory classes and to train you in lab skills.

Want to find out more? Try reading any of these: A short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson; Why don’t penguins’ feet freeze? by New Scientist, and The Quantum Universe: Everything that can happen does happen by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw. Good websites for Physicists include www.iop.org and www.physicsworld.com

What sort of work is involved?

A level Physics is a mixture of highly conceptual thinking and very practical applications. You need to be able to think about abstract ideas such as fields, but be able to apply those ideas to how, for instance, electric motors work. Getting accurate results from experiments requires practice and competence in the use of lab equipment.  Calculations are an important part of A level Physics and you need to be comfortable with algebra. At the same time descriptive work requires you to communicate clearly on paper.

What background do I need?

A good grounding in Physics is essential - B or higher at GCSE.  You need to be comfortable with Mathematics and able to write good English that is scientifically accurate.  A general interest in science would be helpful.  Much of what you learn in Physics will complement A levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Where can it lead?

Physics is a highly respected A level, on the Russell Group's list of 'facilitating' subjects. A good grade in A level Physics demonstrates to an employer that you have analytical and mathematical skills that you can apply to real life situations.  There are many possible career paths that it will create for you, for example: Engineering, Medicine, Forensic Science, Astronomy, Cosmology, Electronics, Power generation, Finance and many more.

One year course?

It's possible to cover the whole course in a year if you have a strong work ethic, mature study habits and good mathematical skills. In general that means you are likely to have done some serious post-16 study already.

Assessment

The whole of the A level Physics course is examined at the end of the full course. There are three theory papers and a practical skills assessment. Your grade is determined by how well you do on the theory papers. Your result in the practical is noted as an endorsement alongside your A-level grade. The papers are:

• 2 papers each covering about half of the main course content
• A third paper with data response / synoptic questions which can come from any part of the specification, plus questions on the option topic (see earlier)
• The practical skills assessment involves performing a series of twelve experiments in class time which are assessed

Written by Graham Fowler, Head of Physics at Bosworth Independent College