Physics
Physics gives you an understanding of the scientific principles that govern our world, by exploring the phenomena of the universe and to look at theories that explain what is observed.
Physics combines practical skills with theoretical ideas to develop mathematical and analytical techniques, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving. If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between, this is the subject for you.
Sixth Form (Year 12-13)
Examination Board: OCR
Course Description
In A Level Physics students acquire fundamental practical skills. Experiments play a large part in lessons and are rooted in theory and the analysis of empirical data. Students will be introduced to important conventions and ideas that permeate physics and look at the physical quantities, S.I. units, scalars and vectors that help physicists to effectively communicate their ideas within the scientific community.
Students will learn how to model the motion of objects using mathematics, understand the effect forces have on objects, consider the important connection between force and energy, appreciate how forces cause deformation and understand the importance of Newton’s laws of motion.
The course will introduce the key ideas of quantum physics and explore electrons, electric current, electrical circuits, wave properties and electromagnetic waves. Students will consider scientific ideas of quantum physics developed over time and their validity rested on the foundations of experimental work.
A Level Physics also studies the impact of Newtonian mechanics, including thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational field, astrophysics and cosmology.
Assessment
This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year linear course, with all units examined at the end of Year 13.
Entry Requirements
A Grade 6 in GCSE Physics or at least a 6-5 in Combined Science is required. Students should also have a Grade 6 Mathematics and are encouraged to take A Level Mathematics alongside Physics.
You might also be interested in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science.
Where might it lead?
A Level Physics can help open doors to career in/as:
- Academic Researcher
- Applications Developer
- Acoustic Consultant
- Astronomer
- Clinical Scientist
- Clinical Technologist
- Data Analyst
- Geophysicist
- Medical Physics
- Metallurgist
- Meteorologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Nuclear Engineer
- Operational Researcher
- Patent Attorney
- Prosthetist
- Radiation Protection Practitioner
- Research Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Sound Engineer
- Teacher
- Telecommunications Researcher
- Technical Author
Student Destinations
Jonathan Kelly
2024 Offers from:
- University of Bristol – Civil Engineering
- Bristol, University of the West of England – Civil Engineering
- Brunel University London – Civil Engineering with Placement
- University of Nottingham – Civil Engineering including an Industrial Year
Muhammed Islam
2024 Offers from:
- Aberystwyth University -Engineering Physics (with integrated year in industry)
- University of Bristol – Aerospace Engineering
- Durham University – General Engineering
- University of Exeter – Engineering
