Physics
A level
Examination Board: AQA
Specification: 7408
Course Leader: Mrs K Ward
Contact Email: kward@tgschool.net
What Will I Study?
Physics is at the forefront of our everyday lives and is constantly expanding human understanding of the world in which we live. It is a subject which underlies the everyday functioning of the physical world and mastery of the topics and skills allow a deep understanding of the intricate interconnectivity of the Universe.
Year 1
• Measurements and their errors
• Particles and radiation
• Waves
• Mechanics and materials
• Electricity
In Year 2 the students will also study the following three units and one additional unit from the options below which will be jointly agreed between the teachers and the cohort.
Year 2
• Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Fields and their consequences
• Nuclear physics
Optional Units:
• Astrophysics
• Medical physics
• Engineering physics
• Turning points in physics
• Electronics
Throughout the two years of the course students will be required to complete a number of specified practical assessments
and will be assessed on their laboratory skills, as well as examination questions in the Year 2 exams, based on the practicals students have performed.
Entry Requirements
Combined Science 5-5 on the Higher paper or a 5 in Physics GCSE, as well as a Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.
Assessment
100% Examination. There are three exams at the end of Year 2 (each worth 34%, 34% and 32% of the qualification respectively).
Where Next?
Physics A level is a highly sought after qualification and is applicable to many higher education courses. It is an excellent A level to have if you are intending to pursue a career in any type of engineering, telecommunications, medical physics, research, or manufacturing, and is widely accepted in apparently unrelated disciplines such as banking,
finance and insurance, to name but a few.