PHYSICS CHICHESTER HIGH SCHOOLS SIXTH FORM AS and A2 level

Why Study Physics? To satisfy our curiosity –Why is the sky blue? –How do mobile phones work? To help us to understand the world around us –How was the Universe formed? –Why do things fall down? To enable us to participate in and help to forward advances in technology –e.g. Quantum Physics led to CD Players To have fun!

At University A2 level Physics is required for Engineering & Physical Science courses AS level Physics would be recommended for Medicine and any Science course For any other course, A2 & AS level Physics is treated as a serious academic qualification

Physics & Careers Direct uses of Physics include: –academic research, computing, opto- electronics, telecommunications, motor vehicle technology, power generation, medical physics, meteorology etc... A Physics qualification is valued in: –medicine, finance, marketing, business & management, teaching etc...

GCSE Grades Required In order to study Physics successfully at AS or A2 level you need to have gained at GCSE level: Physics – A OR Additional Science – A Many students would have A* grades in the above subjects

AS Overview We undertake the Physics A specification of the AQA Examination Board At AS level there are three modules: –Two theory papers, Unit 1 & Unit 2 (2 x 40%) –Plus Unit 3 consisting of in-laboratory practical tasks (20%) Groups are usually taught by two Physics teachers

AS Unit 1 Consists of: –Particle Physics e.g. quarks & antimatter –Quantum Physics e.g. wave-particle duality –Electricity – extending from GCSE work This is assessed through an externally marked written paper of length 75 minutes

AS Unit 2 Consists of: –Mechanics e.g. projectiles & Newton’s laws –Material Physics e.g. the Young Modulus –Waves e.g. diffraction & interference This is assessed through an externally marked written paper of length 75 minutes

AS Unit 3 This is internally assessed through laboratory practical assignments This extends work covered at GCSE into “How Science Works” Includes areas such as data processing and the evaluation of results

The A2 (A-level) Modules This course is taken in the upper sixth year At A2 level there are three modules: –Two theory papers: Unit 4 – Fields & Further Mechanics (40%) Unit 5 – Nuclear & Thermal Physics plus an optional topic (40%) –Unit 6 consisting of in-laboratory practical tasks (20%)

More Information Visit AQA web site for PHYSICS A Ask me ! (Mr. M GOULDSTONE) The Physics Department Website at: p/w ‘physicsz’