Physics A Level      

WATCH THE VIDEO TO FIND ABOUT STUDYING PHYSICS

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE

• 6+ in maths
• 6+ in English
• 6+ in in combined or triple science

YEAR 12 COURSE SPECIFICATION

In year 12 you will study 5 topics:

Topic 1 Measurement and their errors

Topic 2 Particles and radiation

Topic 3 Waves

Topic 4 Mechanics and materials

Topic 5 Electricity

YEAR 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION

In year 13 you will study 5 topics:

Topic 6 Further mechanics and thermal physics

Topic 7 Fields

Topic 8 Nuclear physics

Topic 9 Thermodynamics

Plus one of the following topics:

Option 1 Astrophysics

Option 2 Medical physics

Option 3 Engineering physics

Option 4 Turning points in physics

Option 5 Electronics

LEARNING AND SKILLS

STUDY SKILLS

• Make clear and careful notes
• Maintain high levels of organisation
• Track your progress against practical skills
• Record evidence of practical skills

PRACTICAL SKILLS

• Plan investigations
• Record results
• Analyse data
• Draw conclusions based on evidence

MATHS SKILLS

There are many maths skills you must be able to use. The following areas of maths will be used in the physics course.

• Arithmetic and numerical computation (including exponential and logarithmic problems)
• Data handling
• Algebra
• Graph work (including exponential and logarithmic problems)

EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT

EXAM BOARD: AQA

FUTURE PROSPECTS

An A level in physics is an excellent stepping stone to any science related degree courses, as well as other non-science based degrees. It will demonstrate an ability to deal with difficult concepts and creative problem solving skills.

Employers from a wide range of industries like to see science A levels on application forms, especially physics.