PHYSICS  
 
Edexcel                                                                                                                A Level 9540                                                                                                  A/S Level 8540

Distribution of Marks:

Component 1:

Unit Test

15%

 

Component 2:

Unit Test

15%

 

Component 3:

Topics Test

10%

 

 

Practical Test

10%

 

Component 4:

Unit Test

15%

 

Component 5:

Unit Test

7.5%

 

 

Practical Test

7.5%

 

Component 6:

Synoptic Test

20%

 

Course Outline
The aim of 'A' Level Physics is for students to:
sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in Physics
develop essential knowledge and understanding in Physics
develop the skills needed for the use of this knowledge and understanding in new and changing situations where appropriate
develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment
appreciate how Physics has developed and is used in present day society
show how Physics links with social, philosophical, economic, industrial and environmental matters
recognise the quantitative nature of Physics
understand how mathematical expressions relate to physical principles
bring together knowledge of ways in which different areas of Physics relate to each other
study how scientific models develop

The Physics department consists of a suite of laboratories in a custom built Science block which is very well equipped. Practical work is encouraged as a means of acquiring skills and understanding and wherever possible all teaching is done on a 'hands on' experimental basis. Data logging features prominently in the practical aspect of the course and students will gain considerable experience in the recording and processing of experimental results by computers connected to the apparatus in the Science Department's own computer laboratory.

The topics covered in each unit are:
Unit 1 Mechanics and Radioactivity
Unit 2 Electricity and Thermal Physics
Unit 3 Medical physics topic plus a practical test
Unit 4 Waves and our Universe
Unit 5 Fields Forces and Practical Test
Unit 6 Synoptic Unit, which draws together knowledge, understanding and skills from throughout the course.

Career Prospects
Physics leads to a wide range of courses and careers. Students could go on to use Physics to support other qualifications or progress onto further studies or employment, ranging from a Higher National programme (HNC and HND) to degree level. It is very relevant, or indeed essential for many courses e.g. physics, the sciences, medicine, engineering and related programmes such as radiography and biotechnology.