Physics is one of the most challenging subjects that you can study at A level. To succeed, you need to have a highly inquisitive mind, strong mathematical skills, a powerful imagination and a logical approach to problem solving. In return, you will gain training in a discipline at the forefront of modern technology and you’ll leave with a qualification in one of the subjects most sought after by employers and universities.
You will learn theory and develop practical skills throughout the course. Your work in class will be supported by practice questions completed at home and revision sessions as examinations approach.
The core content includes
1. Measurements and their errors
2. Particles and Radiation
3. Waves
4. Mechanics and Materials
5. Electricity
6. Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
7. Fields and their Consequences
8. Nuclear Physics
9. Turning Points in Physics
The AQA course (Physics A) is linear . To achieve the full A level all exams will be completed in Year 13. A stand-alone AS is available at the end of Year 12 where only sections 1-5 only are examined.
Entry Requirements
Students are expected to have gained minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade 5 and above and at least a grade 6 in GCSE Physics or in combined Science.
You will normally need a grade 6 in Mathematics, due to the relatively high mathematical content.
Recommended support materials and revision guides
At the start of the course students will have course textbooks available to them. In addition to this, students are encouraged to purchase a revision guide such as the CGP guide written specifically for the Physics course.
Careers
Physicists are highly sought after in a wide variety of careers.
They receive, on average, higher salaries than graduates from other disciplines. Just some of the career paths open to you will be astronomy, engineering, meteorology, finance, artificial intelligence, medical science and of course research at postgraduate and post doctorate levels.