Physics A Level

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A Level Physics is an ideal preparation for further study in the physical sciences or in any kind of engineering. If you are interested in applying for a degree course in these areas of study, you will find most universities also require Mathematics at A Level. Apart from Mathematics, other subjects that would complement Physics include Chemistry, Biology, Music Technology, Graphics and Geography. You will already have come across some of the concepts of A Level Physics at GCSE level such as forces, energy, waves, radioactivity, electricity and magnetism.

At A Level, you will start to see how these ideas work together, and begin to grasp the universal principles that apply to everything from the smallest atoms to the largest galaxies.

Physicists play a vital role in many technology-based industries, such as optoelectronics, nanotechnology, computing and renewable energy. Others work in investigating the universe; searching for extra-solar planets or looking for the remnants of the big bang. Some might apply their knowledge in healthcare (medical physics), studying the processes of the earth (geophysics) or the climate (meteorology). The knowledge and skills that studying Physics develops are important in other areas as well. Predicting future market behaviour is vital in finance, and so a physicist’s ability to model complex systems is particularly valued in this sector, whilst logical thinking and an analytical approach is useful in law.

Physics provides a broad training in skills that are valued by all employers – an ability to grasp concepts quickly, a determination to find coherent answers, along with problem-solving, analytical, mathematical and ICT skills.

The department at Wyke has two well equipped laboratories on the ground floor of the Ash building. There is also an open access computer area adjacent to one of the laboratories and a demonstration classroom shared with the rest of the Science department. The course is supported with online resources as well as printed notes and booklets.

COURSE DETAILS – YEAR 1

SECTION 1: MEASUREMENTS AND THEIR ERRORS

In this section of study, you will learn that all measurements that you take have errors.

SECTION 2: PARTICLES AND RADIATION

In this section of study, you will learn about particles that make up atoms and how light interacts with electrons.

SECTION 3: WAVES

In this section, you will learn about the properties of waves and how waves interfere with matter and each other.

SECTION 4: MECHANICS AND MATERIALS

In this section you will look at forces, motion and elastic materials.

SECTION 5: ELECTRICITY

The final section of your first year will further develop your knowledge of the fundamental principles of electricity developed at GCSE level.

There are no external exams at the end of the first year. Progression to the second year of the course will be based on internal assessments during your first year of study.

COURSE DETAILS – YEAR 2

SECTION 6: FURTHER MECHANICS AND THERMAL PHYSICS

In this section you will learn about thermal physics, circular motion and oscillations.

SECTION 7: FIELDS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES

In this section of study, you will learn about three types of field: gravitational, electrical and magnetic.

SECTION 8: NUCLEAR PHYSICS

Here you will study how unstable nuclei can break down to produce nuclear radiation.

SECTION 9: ASTROPHYSICS

In this section you will learn about telescopes, star classification, pulsars, quasars, black holes and the big bang.

Although there are no internally assessed coursework elements, there are twelve compulsory assessed practical activities which are externally verified. Six of these are in your first year and six are in your second year.

100% Examination

Information on course specific and pathway specific entry criteria can be found on our website.

Physicists play a vital role in many technology-based industries, such as optoelectronics, nanotechnology, computing and renewable energy. Others work in investigating the universe; searching for extra-solar planets or looking for the remnants of the big bang. Some might apply their knowledge in healthcare (medical physics), studying the processes of the earth (geophysics) or the climate (meteorology). The knowledge and skills that studying Physics develops are important in other areas as well. Predicting future market behaviour is vital in finance, and so a physicist’s ability to model complex systems is particularly valued in this sector, whilst logical thinking and an analytical approach is useful in law. Physics provides a broad training in skills that are valued by all employers - an ability to grasp concepts quickly, a determination to find coherent answers, along with problem-solving, analytical, mathematical and ICT skills.