KS5 (A Level) Curriculum

Physics is arguably the most exciting and intellectually stimulating of the natural sciences. It is also the most basic, and underpins other sciences and engineering. Topics in physics range from the quantum world of subatomic particles to the formation and destiny of the universe. Between these extremes are the studies of nuclei, atoms and the materials that make up the world in which we live.

Course Content & Assessment

The aims of the A level Physics courses are to encourage candidates to:

• develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for Physics, including developing an interest in further study and careers in Physics

• appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society

• develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How science works;

• develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Physics and how they relate to each other.

There is no coursework but students who complete the entire A level will have the opportunity of obtaining a practical endorsement. The A Level is assessed by 3 examinations.

Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics

Practical skills assessed in a written examination and in the practical endorsement

Module 2: Foundations of physics

Physical quantities and units, Making measurements and analysing data, Nature of quantities

Module 3: Forces and Motion

Motion – Kinematics, Linear motion, projectile motion

Forces in action – Dynamics, Nonlinear motion, Equilibrium, Density and pressure

Work and energy – Work and conservation of energy, Kinetic and potential energies

Materials – Behaviour of springs and materials

Newton’s laws and momentum – Collisions

Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons

Electric current – Charge, Mean drift velocity

Energy, power and resistance – Circuit symbols, E.m.f. and p.d., Resistance, Resistivity, Power

Electrical circuits – Series and parallel circuits, Practical circuits, internal resistance, potential dividers

Waves – Wave motion, Electromagnetic waves, Superposition, Stationary waves

Quantum physics – Energy of a photon, The photoelectric effect, Wave-particle duality

Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics

Thermal Physics – Solid, liquid and gas, Temperature, Thermal properties of materials, Ideal gases

Circular motion – Circular motion, Centripetal force

Oscillations – Simple harmonic oscillations, Damping

Gravitational Fields – Masses, Newton’s law of gravitation, planetary motion, gravitational and potential energy

Astrophysics and cosmology – Stars, Electromagnetic radiation from stars

Module 6: Particles and medical physics

Capacitors and exponential decay – Capacitors, Energy

Electric and magnetic fields – Electric fields, Magnetic fields, Electromagnetism, Motion of charged particles

Nuclear and particle physics – The nuclear atom, Fundamental particles, Radioactivity, Nuclear fission and fusion

Medical imaging – X-rays, Diagnostic methods in medicine, Ultrasound

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Your future matters. So, if you have an enquiring mind, enjoy a challenge and like solving problems, give yourself the best chance by studying physics – the subject of the future. From the smallest part of the human body to the great clusters of galaxies, physics helps us understand how our world works. The applications, like the career opportunities, are infinite. Employers today actively seek out people who can prove their ability to think logically, understand complex ideas and apply them to the real world. Whether you want to pursue a career in science, the media, education, business or a host of other fields, physics can help give you the edge.