P H Y S I C S
EDEXCEL: A LEVEL PHYSICS

INTRODUCTION
The aim of Physics is to understand the basic principles which govern how the universe works, right from the subatomic particle through to distant galaxies. Physics is the foundation of all modern science and technology. It is for people who like to ask searching questions such as “What are we made of?” “What is light?” “How does gravity work?” It is for the curious and for people with imagination. You will develop your mathematical and practical skills as well as learning problem solving strategies as you study this subject. Physics goes particularly well with Maths, but is also links well with other sciences, Geography and IT.

Entry Requirements
Students need to have obtained: Grade B or above in Science and grade B or above in Additional Science or B or above in single subject Physics AND a Grade B or above in Maths

Content
AS level: Physics on the go
You will learn about motion, forces, energy, power, flow of liquids, viscosity and properties of materials. Applications that use these concepts include sports, the production of sweets and biscuits and spare-part surgery. Physics at work The physics content of this unit is related to applications that include medical physics, music, technology in space and solar cells. You will learn about waves including standing waves, refraction, polarisation, diffraction and the nature of light. You will also learn about electric circuits, resistivity, thermistors, emf and internal resistance.

A2 level: Physics on the move
The physics content of this unit is related to applications that include transport, communications and display techniques. It is also related to exciting, current research in the field of particle physics. You will learn about momentum, circular motion, electric and magnetic fields, evidence for a nuclear atom, particle accelerators, particle detectors and different types of sub-atomic particles.

Physics form creation to collapse
The physics content of this unit relates to applications that include the construction of buildings in earthquake zones and a detailed exploration of astrophysics and cosmology. You will learn about thermal energy, radioactive decay, simple harmonic motion, resonance, gravitation, the life cycle of stars, fission, fusion and the fate of the universe.

There are two other practical units that are based on the above skills

Looking Further Ahead
There are careers for those who have studied Physics in meteorology, electronics, astronomy, telecommunications, scientific journalism, aerospace engineering and new materials technology to name but a few.

If you take Physics at University you could choose to work in a laboratory team, in a hospital, in some kind of engineering, in education or even in the open air. If you intend to help society directly, there are jobs in medical physics, forensic science, agriculture, engineering and energy conservation.