Specification = PHYSICS Edexcel AS 8540, A 9540

Physics is an exciting and satisfying subject to pursue beyond GCSE if you are curious, enjoy intellectual puzzles and like solving practical problems. You will develop a range of skills and abilities that will make you highly employable in scientific, technical, business and professional fields.
To study Physics at A level you should have studied Higher Tier GCSE Science, Maths and English. Ability to think for yourself, to use your initiative and to persevere with new and challenging ideas are essential.

Summary of the specification content:

AS Level

Unit 1: Mechanics and radioactivity
Motion, forces, energy, atomic structure and radioactive decay are studied in this unit.

Unit 2: Electricity and thermal physics
Electric current, potential difference, practical circuits, specific heat capacity, specific latent heat and the kinetic model of matter are studied.

Unit 3: Astrophysics and practical skills
Astrophysics includes techniques for observing stars and the evolution of stars. Practical skills are developed throughout the year then tested in a practical exam.

A Level

Unit 4: Waves and our Universe
This unit includes circular motion and oscillations, simple harmonic motion, waves, superposition of waves, quantum phenomena and the expanding Universe.

Unit 5: Fields and forces/practical skills
Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, capacitance, and electromagnetic induction form the theory side of this unit. Advanced practical skills are developed and a second practical exam tests technique and powers of analysis.

Unit 6: Synthesis
Synoptic assessment involves the interweaving of knowledge, understanding and skills learned in different parts of the advanced GCE course. The final examination tests understanding and the ability to apply underlying principles to unfamiliar situations.

Student comments
"You get to do a lot of exciting practicals"
"It's very hard work because it's an intensive course, but it's very rewarding when you get good results"
"Small class sizes mean you get lots of attention, and it's good for practicals because you have plenty of space and good equipment"