The Grammar School for Girls Wilmington

What is AS/A2 Physics?
Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences and underpins a large amount of the work covered in the other sciences.  It is the study of the whole of the physical world particularly the study of matter and energy and how they are related.  It probes with increasing success into the basic structure of matter and how the Universe was formed.

How long is the course?
The AS qualification is a one year course and the full Advanced Level qualification is a two year course which consists of the AS + A2 courses.

What qualifications do I need?
Grades BB in Science at GCSE and a grade B on the physics paper of the GCSE.

What will I study?
You will undertake the following sections of study:

Year 12 Modules (AS)
Module 1 Foundation Physics                      

Scalars and Vectors.  Kinematics.  Energy concepts.  Current electricity.  DC circuits.  Information and Communication.

Module 2 Waves and Nuclear Physics

Waves. Diffraction and interference.  Refraction.  Spectra.  Radioactivity.  Physics of particles. Information and Communication.

Module 3 Experimental Work (Practical Examination)

Planning. Implementing.  Analysing evidence and drawing conclusions.  Evaluating evidence and procedures.  Linking experiment to theory. 

Year 13 Modules (A2)
Module 4 Further physics

Circular motion.  Oscillations.  Work and energy.  Molecular kinetic theory.  Heating and working.  Capacitance and exponential decay.  Momentum concepts.  Quantum phenomena.

Module 5 Fields and their Applications

Electric and gravitational fields.  Magnetic fields.  Nuclear energy.  Particle accelerators and detectors.  Exponential decay.

Module 6 - Experimental Work  (Practical Examination)

Planning. Implementing.  Analysing evidence and drawing conclusions.  Evaluating evidence and procedures.  Linking experiment to theory.

What else is involved?
AS and A2 in Physics, like all advanced level courses, requires lots of hard work and commitment.  However if you are interested in the subject and you really want to achieve a high grade you will find the hard work enjoyable, satisfying and most rewarding.

How will I be assessed?
AS LEVEL
Unit                  Time allocated                        % of final grade

1:                             1¿   hours                                  35

2:                             1¿   hours                                   35

3:                                2  hours                                    30

A2 LEVEL
This is based on the AS component at a reduced weighting (50%) with the additional study of three further units. Unit                  Time allocated                       % of final grade

1:                             1¿   hours                              15

2:                                2   hours                              20

3:                                3   hours                              15

What other subjects can I study?
All other subjects can be studied with physics.  The most commonly asked question is:-

Do I have to study Mathematics at an advanced level in order to study physics for AS and A2?

Answer  No!  It is not essential, although those girls studying Mathematics / Mechanics have some advantage over those who do not.  In the past many girls not studying mechanics or even any advanced mathematics, at all, have been very successful at A level Physics.

The course is designed so that very little of the content of the advanced mathematics course is required.  If you are competent with the mathematics you studied for G.C.S.E., you will be taught any extra mathematics needed for the physics course.  However it should be noted that any girl considering studying Physics, Engineering or any other subject involving physics courses, at university level, must study advanced mathematics.

What career and higher education opportunities are open to me?
Who should study physics for AS and A2?

1. Any girl considering studying Physics at university must study physics for AS and for A2.
2. Any girl considering studying a high technology subject at university, such as Electronics, Materials Science, Opthalmics and all forms of Engineering, must study physics for AS and for A2.
3. Any girl considering studying Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science at university should study physics for AS and possibly A2.  It is often a preferred additional subject.
4. Any girl who has enjoyed physics lessons in the past and has an enquiring mind and a real curiosity about the world around them could study for AS and even A2.  The knowledge and skills, such as the ability to investigate and to work and think logically, provide a sound background for many different careers such as Computer Programming, System Analyst and even Accountancy and Economics.