physics

Why choose Physics?

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Physicists explore the fundamental nature of almost everything we know of.  They probe the furthest reaches of the earth to study the smallest pieces of matter.  Join them to enter a world deep beneath the surface of normal human experience.

Subject Content - Core

1 Measurements and their errors

• 3.1.1 use of SI units and their prefixes
• 3.1.2 Limitation of physical measurements
• 3.1.3 Estimation of physical quantities

2 Particles and radiation

• 3.2.1 Particles
• 3.2.2 Electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena

3 Waves

• 3.3.1 Progressive and stationary waves
• 3.3.2 Refraction, diffraction and interference

4 Mechanics and materials

• 3.4.1 Force, energy and momentum
• 3.4.2 Materials

5 Electricity

• 3.5.1 Current electricity

6 Further mechanics and thermal physics

• 3.6.1 Periodic motion
• 3.6.2 Thermal physics

7 Fields and their consequences

• 3.7.1 Fields
• 3.7.2 Gravitational fields
• 3.7.3 Electric fields
• 3.7.4 Capacitance
• 3.7.5 Magnetic fields

8 Nuclear physics

• 3.8.1 Radioactivity

Subject Content - Optional

9 Astrophysics

• 3.9.1 Telescopes
• 3.9.2 Classification of stars
• 3.9.3 Cosmology

10 Medical physics

• 3.10.1 Physics of the eye
• 3.10.2 Physics of the ear
• 3.10.3 Biological measurement
• 3.10.4 Non-ionising imaging
• 3.10.5 X-ray imaging
• 3.10.6 Radionuclide imaging and therapy

3.11 Engineering physics

• 3.11.1 Rotational dynamics
• 3.11.2 Thermodynamics and engines

3.12 Turning points in physics

• 3.12.1 The discovery of the electron
• 3.12.2 Wave-particle duality
• 3.12.3 Special relativity

3.13 Electronics

• 3.13.1 Discrete semiconductor devices
• 3.13.2 Analogue and digital signals
• 3.13.3 Analogue signal processing
• 3.13.4 Operational amplifier in
• 3.13.5 Digital signal processing
• 3.13.6 Data communication systems

Assessments

Physics, at A Level, builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained at KS4 as scholars embark upon a journey through the AQA A-level Physics 7408 course.

In A-level Physics, scholars work towards 100% terminal examinations, comprising of three papers.  

Paper 1 (34%)

• Sections 1 to 4 and 6.1 (Periodic motion)
• 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content

Paper 2 (34%)

• Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8
• Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1
• 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content.

Paper 3 (32%)

• Section A - Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis
• Section B - Students enter for one of sections, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13
• 45 marks of short and long answer question on practical experiments and data analysis
• 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic.

Useful Links

Course Information

AQA A Level Physics 

Possible Degree Options

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Civil Engineering
• Economics
• Business

Possible Career Options

• Geophysicist/field seismologist
• Healthcare scientist, medical physics
• Higher education lecturer
• Radiation protection practitioner
• Research scientist (physical sciences)
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Secondary school teacher
• Meteorologist
• Structural engineer
• Acoustic engineer
• Product/process development scientist
• Systems developer
• Technical author