Physics

Physics (AQA 7407/7408)

Studying for an A Level in Physics will help you to find out more about the world around you and provides answers to many of life’s big questions such as how the universe was formed, how aeroplanes stay up in the air and what holds the universe together. It will encourage you to think logically and build your problem solving skills.

What will I study?

• Measurements and Their Errors

A continuing study for a student of Physics. A working knowledge of the specified fundamental (base) units of measurement is vital. Practical work in the subject needs to be underpinned by an awareness of the nature of measurement errors and of their numerical treatment. • Particles and Radiation

Introduces students both to the fundamental properties of matter, and to electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena. • Waves and Optics

GCSE studies of wave phenomena are extended through a development of knowledge of the characteristics, properties, and applications of travelling and stationary waves. Topics include refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference. • Mechanics and Materials

Vectors and their treatment are introduced followed by development of the student’s knowledge and understanding of forces, energy and momentum.

Study of materials considered in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. • Electricity

Builds on and develops earlier study of these phenomena from GCSE. It provides opportunities

for the development of practical skills at an early stage in the course and lays the groundwork for later study of the many electrical applications that are important to society. • Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics (Year 2 only)

Study of mechanics is further advanced through a consideration of circular motion and simple harmonic motion. Thermal properties of materials, the properties and nature of ideal gases, and the molecular kinetic theory are studied in-depth. • Fields (Year 2 only)

The concept of field is one of the great unifying ideas in physics. The ideas of gravitation, electrostatics and magnetic field theory are developed within the topic to emphasise this unification. • Nuclear Physics (Year 2 only)

Builds on the work of particles and radiation to link the properties of the nucleus to the production of nuclear power through the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei, and the link between energy and mass. • Optional Sections (Year 2 only)

One optional area of study is selected from:

Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering

Physics, Turning Points in Physics or Electronics.

Future career options | Medicine (doctor, dentist, radiographer, physiotherapist), engineering, transport (armed services, pilot, air traffic controller), education, communications, IT, energy and the environment (geologist, meterologist, surveyor, architect). Good subject combinations | Physics is a good option to take with subjects such as Mathematics, IT, Design and Technology: Product Design, Biology and Chemistry. Entry requirements | A grade 9-7 in GCSE Physics or 9-7 in GCSE Science Trilogy and GCSE Mathematics along with a good enquiring mind.

How will I be assessed?

Year One Assessment Content

Paper 1 Sections 1–5 Short and long answer questions split by topic.

Paper 2 Sections 1-5 Section A: 20 marks of short and long answer questions on practical skills and data analysis. Section B: 20 marks of short and long answer questions from across all areas of Year 1 content. Section C: 30 multiple choice questions. Details

Written exam: one hour, 30 minutes. 70 marks (50% of AS Level)

Written exam: one hour, 30 minutes. 70 marks (50% of AS Level).

Year Two Assessment Content Details

Paper 1 Sections 1-5 and 6.1 (Periodic Motion) 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. Written exam: two hours. 85 marks (34% of A Level).

Paper 2 Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. Written exam: two hours. 85 marks (34% of A Level).

Paper 3 Section A (45 marks) Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis. Short and long answer questions. Section B (35 marks) Students choose one section from list of options given. Short and long answer questions. Written exam: two hours. 80 marks (32% of A Level).