Physics

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PHYSICS OCR Specification A To see course detail click here:

PHYSICS OCRSpecification A

Physics is a subject that teaches and refines many transferable skills, leaving you with lots of options at the end of the course. It is particularly suitable preparation for Higher Education courses in Pure Sciences, Applied and Vocational Sciences, Astronomy, Computer Science, Engineering, Electronics, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Architecture and Mathematics. The analytical nature of the course also prepares students for a wide variety of non-scientific courses such as Law, Accountancy and Finance.

To study Physics at an advanced level needs at least ‘CC’ in GCSE Double Science (or ‘BCC’ in Separate Sciences with the ‘B’ in Physics) and a ‘B’ in GCSE Maths. It is also desirable (but not compulsory) that a Maths subject is studied at AS Level.

Physics is particularly suitable for people who:
• Enjoy finding out about and understanding how the world works,
• Like analysing and solving problems,
• Enjoy a practical approach to learning,
• Want to develop being logical and numerate,
•Want to develop their communication skills,
• Want to work in a team.

Subject Content Year 12

Unit 1: Mechanics
This introduces advanced study through familiar contexts like Motion, Forces and Energy. It forms an excellent bridge from GCSE to the advanced course.
1 hour written exam.
30% of AS, 15% of A Level.

Unit 2: Electrons, Waves and Photons
This unit covers well established physical ideas to do with electricity and waves, as well as the modern ideas involved in quantum physics.
1 hour 45 minutes written exam.
50% of AS, 25% of A Level.

Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics 1
Experimental work done to aid understanding in Units 1 and 2 will form the background for an internally assessed practical coursework element.
Internal.
20% of AS, 10% of A Level.

Subject Content Year 13

Unit 4: Newtonian World
This wide-ranging unit brings together a selection of topics including thermal physics as well as extending the depth of knowledge from Unit 1.
1 hour written exam.
15% of A Level

Unit 5: Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics
This is a varied module that covers magnetic and electric fields, capacitors and exponential decay, medical imaging, nuclear physics and modelling the Universe.
1 hour 45 minutes written exam.
25% of A Level.

Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics 2
Just like Unit 3, a practical coursework piece will be marked by your physics teacher in school.
Internal.
10% of A Level.