Why study A level physics?
This course will challenge you intellectually by placing you in an active role in the consideration of phenomena and the physical world around us. Over the duration of the course, students will become more adept at problem solving and develop analytical skills that increase the overall enjoyment of the subject.
This physics course will provide a mixture of theory and practical skills to further enhance your understanding as you look at topics such as particles and radiation, mechanics and materials, nuclear physics, electricity and fields. The course will develop your interest in and enthusiasm for the subject and open up routes to further study and careers associated with physics.
Course type
A level
Examination board
AQA
Entry requirements
Two grade 6s in science and a grade 5 in maths
How will A level physics be delivered?
| Topic | Description |
| Development of practical skills | You will learn techniques for planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation |
| Particles and radiation | An introduction to particle physics and quantum phenomena |
| Waves and optics | Studying stationary and progressive waves, reflection, refraction and Young’s double slit experiment |
| Mechanics and materials | This unit looks at moments, projectile motion, Newton’s laws, momentum and collisions and materials |
| Electricity | |
| Further mechanics | We will look at circular motion, simple harmonic motion, thermal physics and gas laws |
| Fields | Studying how gravitational and electric fields behave and capacitors and electromagnetic induction |
| Nuclear physics | This unit looks at radioactivity and the future of nuclear power |
| Optional unit | One from astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics, turning points in physics or electronics |
Assessment
• Examinations
• Practical work
Future pathways and careers
• Engineering
• Medical physics
• Scientific researcher
• Project management
• Electronic engineer
• Other science related courses
