Download physics at st george`s college

PHYSICS
CHICHESTER HIGH SCHOOLS
SIXTH FORM
AS and A2 level
Why Study Physics?
• To satisfy our curiosity
– Why is the sky blue?
– How do mobile phones work?
• To help us to understand the world around us
– How was the Universe formed?
– Why do things fall down?
• To enable us to participate in and help to
forward advances in technology
– e.g. Quantum Physics led to CD Players
• To have fun!
At University
• A2 level Physics is required for
Engineering & Physical Science courses
• AS level Physics would be recommended
for Medicine and any Science course
• For any other course, A2 & AS level
Physics is treated as a serious academic
qualification
Physics & Careers
• Direct uses of Physics include:
– academic research, computing, optoelectronics, telecommunications, motor
vehicle technology, power generation,
medical physics, meteorology etc...
• A Physics qualification is valued in:
– medicine, finance, marketing, business &
management, teaching etc...
GCSE Grades Required
• In order to study Physics successfully at AS or
A2 level you need to have gained at GCSE
level:
Physics – A
OR
Additional Science – A
• Many students would have A* grades in the
above subjects
AS Overview
• We undertake the Physics A specification of the
AQA Examination Board
• At AS level there are three modules:
– Two theory papers, Unit 1 & Unit 2 (2 x 40%)
– Plus Unit 3 consisting of in-laboratory practical
tasks (20%)
• Groups are usually taught by two Physics
teachers
AS Unit 1
• Consists of:
– Particle Physics e.g. quarks & antimatter
– Quantum Physics e.g. wave-particle duality
– Electricity – extending from GCSE work
• This is assessed through an externally
marked written paper of length 75
minutes
AS Unit 2
• Consists of:
– Mechanics e.g. projectiles & Newton’s laws
– Material Physics e.g. the Young Modulus
– Waves e.g. diffraction & interference
• This is assessed through an externally
marked written paper of length 75
minutes
AS Unit 3
• This is internally assessed through
laboratory practical assignments
• This extends work covered at GCSE into
“How Science Works”
• Includes areas such as data processing
and the evaluation of results
The A2 (A-level) Modules
• This course is taken in the upper sixth
year
• At A2 level there are three modules:
– Two theory papers:
• Unit 4 – Fields & Further Mechanics (40%)
• Unit 5 – Nuclear & Thermal Physics
plus an optional topic (40%)
– Unit 6 consisting of in-laboratory practical
tasks (20%)
More Information
• Visit AQA web site for PHYSICS A
• Ask me ! (Mr. M GOULDSTONE)
• The Physics Department Website at:
www.physics.bounce1.info
• p/w ‘physicsz’