A-Level Physics
Why choose A-Level Physics?
If you have an inquisitive mind and want to understand HOW the world works, the study of physics will provide many of the answers. This course will develop your essential scientific knowledge and understanding, as well as establish sound links between theory and experiment.
A-level Physics is an important qualification for many careers. Some students go on to study physics at university. This may lead to a career in research and development, either in a university or in industry. Perhaps the majority of those who study A-level Physics do so in order to apply their physics knowledge in another subject area at university.
A-Level Physics can also lead to a wide range of careers. This includes Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics, Material technology, Forensic science, Engineering, Meteorology, Medical Physics. Also complementary with intended careers in Medicine, Mathematics, Computing, Finance, Law, Accountancy and many more areas
Some group of students may choose physics simply because they enjoy it or because they know that it is highly regarded by universities as a test of problem-solving ability and logical thought. The ability to work in groups as well as independently is paramount in your development during the course.
Course Outline
Exam Board: EDEXCEL
AS Physics - 8PH01 / A2 Physics - 9PH01
Salters Horners Advanced Physics is a context-led course placing students' learning in the environment and in situations in which physics is met in real life
In total there are eleven context areas through which the physics is developed (six Advanced Subsidiary AS and five Advanced A/A2 ). The study of them all is compulsory. The examinations, and indeed the course materials, point to other places in which the same physics is used. A brief overview of the scheme is provided below.
AS Physics
1st assessment unit: (80 Marks)
HFS - Higher Faster Stronger - Biomechanics and the Physics of Sports
EAT - Good Enough to Eat - Physics of the Food Insdustry
SUR - Spare Part Surgery - Medical Physics
2nd assessment unit: (80 Marks)
MUS - Sound of Music - Physics of Music
SPC - Technology in Space - Physics of Satellites
DIG - Digging Up The Past - Physics of Archaeology
3rd assessment unit: AS coursework (40 Marks)
A2 - Physics
4th assessment unit (80 Marks):
TRA - Transport on Track - Physics of Transport
MDM - Medium is The Message - Physics of Communications
PRO - Probing the Heart of Matter - Nuclear Physics
5th assessment unit (80 Marks):
BLD - Build or Bust – Physics of Structures and Earthquakes
STA - Reach for the Stars - Astrophysics
6th assessment unit: A2 coursework (40 Marks)
Resources and facilities
Books
- AS/A2 Salters Horners Advanced Physics - Heinemann
- AS/A2 Salters Horners Advanced Physics Revision Guides - Heinemann
- Other Advanced Physics Books available in our Physics Library (Room B6)
For useful web links on the course go to :
Careers and progression
For information about university courses on physics and the possible career pathways go to:
- www.iop.org (Institute of Physics )
- www.physics.org (everything about physics)
Past students doing: Physics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Maths, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
Entry requirements
GCSE grades: Science "B" or above and Maths "B" or above
It is very advisable to take A-level Maths in conjunction with A-level Physics, though not a requirement. But do not be fooled as there is quite a lot of maths in the physics course.
Course Results
2005/2006 100 % A-B's (1 Student)
2006/2007 100 % A-D's (5 Students) / 100% A-B's (2 Students) (AS Level)
Current numbers 2007/2008
AS Level - 13 Students
A2 Students - 2 Students
Enquiries
All enquiries regarding this course should be made to Mr R Capra, via Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College or e-mail to rcarpra@samuelward.suffolk.sch.uk