Physics
Why study Physics?
The course aims to:
- develop your interest in and enthusiasm for physics, including developing an interest in further study and careers in physics;
- enable you to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society;
- develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of physics and how they relate to each other.
Exam
What will I study?
The specification is divided into topics, each containing different key concepts of physics. Once the key features of a topic have been developed, applications are considered. The AS GCE is made up of three mandatory units, of which two are externally assessed and one is internally assessed and will include the assessment of practical skills. These units form 50% of the corresponding six-unit Advanced GCE.
The Advanced GCE is made up of three mandatory units at AS and three further mandatory units at A2.
Two of the AS and two of the A2 units are externally assessed.
The third AS unit and the third A2 unit are internally assessed and will include the assessment of practical skills.
The course content is as follows:
AS Units
Unit G481: Mechanics
Three modules comprising: Motion; Forces in Action; Work and Energy
Unit comprises 30% of AS course
Unit G482: Electrons, Waves and Photons
Five modules comprising Electric Current; Resistance; DC Circuits; Waves; Quantum Physics
Unit comprises 50% of AS course
Unit 483: Practical Skills in Physics 1
Tasks set by OCR and internally assessed
Unit comprises 20% of AS course
A2 Units
Unit G484: Newtonian World
Three modules comprising Newton’s Laws and Momentum, Circular Motion and Oscillations; Thermal Physics
Unit comprises 30% of A2 course
Unit G485: Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics
Five modules comprising: Electric and Magnetic Fields; Capacitors and Exponential Decay; Nuclear Physics; Medical Imaging; Modelling the Universe
Unit comprises 50% of A2 course
Unit G486: Practical Skills in Physics 2
Tasks set by OCR and internally assessed
Unit comprises 20% of A2 course
How will I study?
Lessons, practical tasks, group work, independent learning, presentations and using past papers.
Where could it lead?
Physics is an ideal subject to study at degree level. In addition, a Physics A level can prepare you for other related courses including, engineering, electronics, computer science, environmental courses and sports science.
These in turn can lead to a wide range of career options.