A Level Physics

Course Information
Student Resources

Course Information

Advanced Subsidiary	AS
Advanced Level	A2
Examination Board	AQA Physics A

Course requirements

BB or above in Core and Additional Science and a grade C or above in Mathematics at GCSE level for AS and Advanced Level.

NOTE: Mathematics A level is a good subject to support your study of Physics at A level, but you can still study AS and A2 Physics without choosing to study A level Maths. HOWEVER you ned to be aware that it is not possible to continue to study Physics at university without also having studied Mathematics at A level.

Content and Assessment

Course Specifications: AS and A2 course specification here

Both AS and A Level will be modular courses. The AS course is designed to be completed in one year. The A2 part of the A Level course will be completed in the second year following the successful completion of the AS course.

The AS course consists of three examinations and practical coursework.

Module 1: Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity 40% of AS.
Module 2: Mechanics, materials and waves. 40% of AS
Module 3: Investigative and practical skills in AS Physics. 20% of AS

The A2 course consists of a further three modules with practical coursework.

Module 4: Fields and further mechanics 20% of A level
Module 5: Nuclear and Thermal Physics, and Astrophysics 20% of A level
Module 6: Investigative and practical skills in A2 Physics 10% of A level
50% of the full A level is from marks achieved at AS level

Why Study Physics?

Physics explains natural and artificial physical processes. The ideas covered will connect to everyday life and to people and society.

The AS course begins by studying the current ideas on matter and energy, examining ideas discovered recently at CERN. The fascinating world of matter and antimatter and the Standard Model is examined along with some interesting effects that reveal more about the nature of electromagnetic radiation and matter. It will provide a satisfying experience for the student who chooses to take AS Physics as part of a broad post-16 curriculum. At the end of the course, you should know more of what Physics is about and its place in the world. At the same time, the AS course will provide a sound foundation for a student who chooses to go on to the second year.

The A2 course leads to an A Level Physics qualification which will enable you to go on to study Physics, Engineering and a variety of other courses. It ends with a module in Astrophysics that examines the current ideas about the universe and how it all started. The Big Bang, black holes and the study of the physics of stars and their life illuminate our understanding of the bringing the study of physics from the microscopic to the universal to conclude our journey.