Physics

9702| AS/A-Level

Overview

Universities value students who have a thorough understanding of key concepts in physics, an in-depth knowledge of the most important themes in physics and strong practical skills. Cambridge International AS and A-Level Physics helps students develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful university study.

Course Content

The two-year course will develop and build open skills previously learnt in a Cambridge O Level or Cambridge IGCSE course, or the equivalent, in Physics or in Co-ordinated Science.

Candidates for Cambridge International AS-Level Physics study the following topics:

  • Physical quantities and units

  • Measurement techniques

  • Kinematics

  • Dynamics

  • Forces, density and pressure

  • Work, energy and power

  • Deformation of solids

  • Waves

  • Superposition

  • Electricfields

  • Current of electricity

  • D.C. circuits

  • Particle and nuclear physics


Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Physics study the AS Level topics, including some topics in further detail, and additionally study the following topics:

  • Motion in a circle

  • Gravitational fields

  • Ideal gases

  • Temperature

  • Thermal properties of materials Oscillations

  • Communication Capacitance

  • Electronics

  • Magnetic fields

  • Electromagnetic induction

  • Alternating currents

  • Quantum physics

Assessment

Candidates for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) certification take Papers 1, 2 and 3 in a single examination series.

  • Paper 1: Multiple Choice (1 hour 15 minutes)

  • Paper 2: AS Level Structured Questions (1 hour 15 minutes)

  • Paper 3: Advanced practical Skills (2 hours)

Candidates who, having received AS certification will continue their studies to the full Advanced Level qualification and take Papers 4 and 5.

  • Paper 4: A Level Structured Questions (2 hours)

  • Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and Evaluation (1 hour 15 min)

Progression

Cambridge International A-Level Physics provides a suitable foundation for the study of physics or related courses in higher education. It is equally suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in physics or engineering, or as part of a course of general education.

Cambridge International AS-Level Physics constitutes the first half of the Cambridge International A-Level course in Physics and therefore provides a suitable foundation for the study of Physics at Cambridge International A-Level and then for related courses in higher education. Depending on local university entrance requirements, it may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in physics or some other subjects. It is also suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in physics, or as part of a course of general education.