| Why study Physics?
AS Physics invites students to venture into the field of Particle Physics and provides a new interest and dimension to their knowledge of the subject. Students go onto receive in-depth teaching across the spectrum of physics, from Nuclear and Thermal Physics through to Mechanics and Fields. A Level Physics is a wonderful opportunity to study our universe in different ways and in enough detail to promote a much deeper understanding of the world around us.
Physics is a broad subject and combines well with most A Level subjects, in particular Mathematics, Computing and the other core sciences, Biology and Chemistry.
Which syllabus do we follow?
We follow AQA specification at Ashbourne
How many units are there?
There are six units in total; three at AS and three at A2
What is each unit about?
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity’. Students study two contrasting topics in physics; particle physics and electricity. Through the study of these topics, students should gain an awareness of the on-going development of new ideas in physics and of the application of in-depth knowledge of well-established topics such as electricity. Particle physics introduces students to the fundamental properties and nature of matter, radiation and quantum phenomena.
Unit 2
AS unit 2 is called ‘Mechanics, Materials and Waves’. Students study the principles and applications of mechanics, materials and waves. The first section introduces vectors and then develops knowledge and understanding of forces and energy. In the second section, materials are studied in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. The final section develops in-depth knowledge of the characteristics, properties and applications of waves, including refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference.
Unit 3
AS unit 3 is called Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics Students will carry out experimental and investigative activities in order to develop their practical skills. These activities will allow students to use their knowledge and understanding of Physics in planning, carrying out, analyzing and evaluating their work.
Unit 4
A2 unit 4 is called ‘Fields and Further Mechanics’ Students build on the key ideas and knowledge covered in AS Physics. The first section advances the study of momentum and introduces circular and oscillatory motion and covers gravitation. Electric and magnetic fields are covered, together with basic electromagnetic induction. Electric filed lead into capacitors and how quickly they charge and discharge through a resistor. Magnetic fields lead into the generation and transmission of alternating current.
Unit 5
A2 unit 5 is called ‘Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and an Optional Topic’ This module consists of two sections. The first part of section A ‘Nuclear and Thermal Physics’ looks at the characteristics of the nucleus. In the second part of section A, the thermal properties of materials and the properties and nature of gases are studied in depth. Section B offers an opportunity to study one of the following optional topics to gain deeper understanding and awareness of a selected branch of physics. The branches are: Astronomy and Cosmology; Medical Physics; Applied Physics; Turning points in physics.
Unit 6
A2 Unit 6 is called ‘Investigate and Practical skills in Physics’. Students will carry out experimental and investigative activities in order to develop their practical skills. These activities will allow students to use their knowledge and understanding of physics in planning, carrying out, analyzing and evaluating their work.
How is each unit examined?
Unit 1
Students sit a 1 hour, 15 minute examination, containing 6 or 7 structured questions
Unit 2
Students sit a 1 hour, 15 minute examination, containing 6 or 7 structured questions
Unit 3
Students complete a practical assignment.
Unit 4
Students sit a 1 hour, 45 minute examination, consisting of multiple choice questions and structured questions
Unit 5
Students complete a 1 hour, 45 minute examination consisting of structured questions.
Unit 6
Students complete a practical assignment.
How is the course structured?
Student study for unit 1 and unit 2 concurrently and have different teachers for each unit. Unit 3 is incorporated into units 1 and 2. The same approach operates at A2.
When do I sit my exams?
Students can sit AS unit 1 in January of the AS year. They sit the remainder of the exams in the May/June examination period. Students can sit A2 unit 4 and resit AS exams in January of the A2 year. Students sit units 5 and 6 in the May/June examination period of the A2 year.
Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?
Dr Barry Rhule
(Phd (London), BSc Hons (CNAA) Mathematics, Physics)
Barry has a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from CNNA and a PhD in Physics from the University of London. He is a member of the London Mathematical Society and has been teaching Maths and Physics at Ashbourne for over ten years.
Chella Nathan
(BEng Hons (North London) BSc Hons (Sri Lanka) Mathematics and Physics)
Chella has a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from his native Sri Lanka and a B.Eng from London University. He has been teaching Mathematics and Physics for over twenty years. His research interests are number theory and the development of renewable energy sources.
Beyond A level for Physics students
After studying Physics many of our students have chosen to read degrees in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics and business-oriented degrees such as Economics and Accountancy. Our students have gone on to study both in London at the prestigious University College London and Imperial College London and further afield with many students being placed at Warwick, Nottingham and Cambridge.
Any other Information?
A student does not need to be a brilliant mathematician to succeed in this subject. We rely on no previous knowledge of physics and build up students’ understanding in a step by step way. Best of all, we have fun!
Textbooks
AS
Title – AQA Physics A AS: Student’s Book
Author – Jim Breithaupt
Web link – http://www.amazon.co.uk/AQA-Physics-AS-Student-Book/dp/0748782826/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275645393&sr=1-10
A2
Title – AQA Physics A A2: Student’s Book
Author – Jim Breithaupt
Web link – http://www.amazon.co.uk/AQA-Physics-A2-Students-Book/dp/0748782818/ref=pd_sim_b_1 |
