EDEXCEL: A LEVEL PHYSICS

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 links well with the other Sciences and Maths, as well as subjects like Geography and IT.

Entry Requirements

Students need to have obtained:
a Grade B/B or above in Double Science or B or above in single subject Physics at GCSE,
a Grade C in the Higher Mathematics paper.

Single award Science qualifications are not suitable for entry to A Level Science courses.

Content

Examinations: Edexcel AS/A Level Physics specification A.

During the first year students study units on: Mechanics and Radioactivity, Electricity and Thermal Physics
Option – choose from Astrophysics, Solid materials, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Medical Physics.
There is also assessment of experimental skills and the examination at the end of the first year leads to an AS Level.

In the second year there are three main units: Waves and Our Universe, Fields and Forces, Synoptic Unit

There is also assessment of experimental skills.

Examination at the end of the second year leads to the full A Level. This examination includes a paper requiring essay type answers on material studied throughout the two years.

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.