Is Physics for you?

•

physicsExam Board: OCRPhysics- AS/A2

Have you ever wondered why the

Universe behaves the way it does?

How do architects and engineers

use Physics to design bridges,

buildings, roads, aircraft and cars?

How is Physics used to date

archaeological remains?

You are interested in how things work and by

the fundamental questions about the Universe.

You enjoy exploring connections between Physics

and other subjects such as Maths, Chemistry,

Biology and Design Technology.

You want to study a discipline that is used in

many areas of professional activity including

engineering, health and biomedicine, the public

services and utilities, environmental monitoring,

education, and computing.

You may wish to consider studying AS/A2 Maths or

AS Statistics alongside this subject to help you

develop the necessary mathematical skills

required to study Physics at University level.

Why is Physics necessary to take

scans of the human body?

You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade

C or above, including 2 GCSEs at grade B in Science

(including at least a grade B in Physics). You will

also need at least a grade B in GCSE Maths.

You are confident with

algebra and trigonometry and

enjoy using Maths to solve problems.

What will I learn?

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tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.ukExpect more from your sixth form

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Development of practical

skills in physics

Year 1

Foundations in physics

Year 2

You will develop skills in planning, implementing,

analysing and evaluating practical experiments in

physics.

This module will introduce you to important

conventions in physics including understanding

of physical quantites, S.I. units, scalars and

vectors.

Forces & motion

You will explore the physics of projectiles and

motion, forces and energy and examine the

mechanical properties of materials in extreme

situations. You will investigate what happens to

materials subject to stress and strain and learn

how to calculate the energy transferred by

projectiles and in collisions.

Particles & medical physics

You will examine electric and magnetic fields,

magnetism and capacitors. You will also learn

about nuclear physics, the fundamental particles,

radioactivity and nuclear fission and fusion. The

unit then explores medical imaging including

ultrasound, X-Rays and MRI & PET scanners.

You will continue to develop skills in planning,

implementing, analysing and evaluating practical

experiments in physics.

You will explore Mechanics in more depth, learning

about Newton’s Laws, the physics of collisions,

circular motion, oscillations, gravity and the orbits

of the planets. You will also investigate thermal

physics which examines the four states of matter,

temperature and heat and the behaviour of ideal

gases. This module also allows an opportunity to

appreciate how the scientific ideas of the Big Bang

have developed over time.

Newtonian world & astrophysics

What activities can I get involved in?

The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V

building opportunities including the chance to earn the

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a

language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on

a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further

information about what is on offer.

You will have the opportunity to apply your learning

to real life situations through College trips and visits.

These may include visiting an operational power

station, Jodrell Bank Space Centre and a medical

centre to view imaging equipment.

Electrons, waves & photons

You will explore the topic of electricity looking at

what current is, how and why it moves and how

we can utilise it. You will also learn about the

properties and behaviour of waves, including

interference and diffraction, before studying the

principles of Quantum Physics and the

wave/particle duality of light.

Where does it lead?

Many students go on to study Physics at university,

which can lead to a career in research and

development, either in a university or in industry.

Students of Physics are particularly welcome in areas

such as Law, Accountancy and Computing as it is

highly regarded by employers as a test of

problem-solving ability and logical thought.

A-Level Physics is an important qualification for

many careers. Many Universities prefer (and some

require) you to have studied Physics for degree

courses in the Physical Sciences (including Physics,

Electronics, Astronomy and Material Science) and the

Medical Sciences (including Medicine, Dentistry,

Physiotherapy and Radiography). It is also important

for many applied subjects such as Architecture and

many types of Engineering.

Development of practical

skills in physics

How will I be assessed?The AS Level in Physics is assessed in two written papers

that assess content from all four modules studied.

The A level in Physics is assessed in three written papers

that assess content from all six modules that have been

studied. A practical endorsement in Physics is also

awarded at A level as a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ alongside the overall

grade for the qualification.

40% of the marks available within written examinations

will be for assessment of mathematics in the context of

Physics.

*The information provided within this leaflet is correct at time of printing.

There will be an opportunity to travel to Geneva to visit

the World’s largest particle Physics laboratory, CERN

(The European Organisation for Nuclear Research).