Minimum Grade Requirement:
Grade 6 in Maths and English Language, Grade 6 in Physics and either Grade 6 in one other Science or Grades 6:6 in Double Science
Assessment:
Examination at the end of the course.
Course Overview
A level Physics continues to be highly regarded by university admissions tutors as it presents the intellectual challenge that develops students reasoning and problem solving skills. The course is taught by specialist teachers and is practically based.
Students can expect to be fully supported throughout the course whilst having their independent learning skills developed. The course consists of thirteen modules:
Module 1 Measurements and their errors: In this module practical activities are underpinned. Students become aware of the nature of measurement errors and of their numerical treatment.
Module 2 Particles and radiation: This module introduces students to the fundamental properties of matter and to electromagnetic radiation and quantum phenomena.
Module 3 Waves: Students develop their knowledge characteristics, properties, and applications of travelling waves and stationary waves.
Module 4 Mechanics and Materials: In this module vectors and their treatment are introduced. Students then develop their knowledge and understanding of forces, energy and momentum. They progress by studying materials considered in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength.
Module 5 Electricity: This module focusses on developing practical skills and lays the groundwork for later study of the many electrical applications that are important to society.
Module 6 Further mechanics and thermal physics: This module covers thermal energy transfer, ideal gases and the molecular kinetic theory model.
Module 7 Fields and their consequences: The module considers the ideas of gravitation, electrostatics and magnetic field theory. Many ideas from mechanics and electricity from earlier in the course support this and are further developed. Practical applications considered include: planetary and satellite orbits, capacitance and capacitors, their charge and discharge through resistors, and electromagnetic induction. These topics have considerable impact on modern society.
Module 8 Nuclear physics: In this module students learn how physics underpins nuclear energy production and also of the impact that it can have on society.
Students also study one optional topic from modules 9 to 13 listed below:
Module 9 Astrophysics: This module provides students with a deeper insight into the behaviour of objects at great distances from Earth, and they discover the ways in which information from these objects can be gathered.
Module 10 Medical Physics: This module considers the physics of the eye and ear as sensory organs.
Module 11 Engineering physics: This module extends the students understanding in areas of rotational dynamics and thermodynamics.
Module 12 Turning points in physics: Students will be able to appreciate, from historical and conceptual viewpoints, the significance of major paradigm shifts for the subject in the perspectives of experimentation and understanding.
Module 13 Electronics: Students learn more about modern electronic technologies as a development of their core work in electricity.
Close links have been forged with the University of Birmingham and students have the opportunity to attend regular lectures and workshops. The Physics Department also supports students, throughout the course with regular revision and help clinics. Teachers of physics at OSH love their subject and we hope you will too.
Future Opportunities
Advanced A level Physics opens up a huge variety of routes through university. Common degree subjects taken by A level physicists include Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics and Economics and, of course, most science courses. It is an essential entry requirement for engineering.
Complementary Subjects
Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths, and Maths.