Physicists explore the fundamental nature of almost everything we know of. They probe the furthest reaches of the earth to study the smallest pieces of matter. Join them to enter a world deep beneath the surface of normal human experience.
This subject combines practical skills with theoretical ideas which allows analytical, mathematical and problem-solving skills to become highly developed. Physics is more than a subject – it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries.
Qualification
A level physics
Course content
Practicals are essential in science and there will be a series of required practicals to complete throughout the course. They will assess your application of the physics topics taught so you can investigate the physics that governs our Universe.
Specific content includes measurements and their errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials, electricity, thermal physics, fields and their consequences, nuclear physics and medical physics. All of these topics offer an understanding of the hidden laws as to why all matter and energy exist and how it behaves.
Assessment
Three written examinations at the end of Year 13. At least 15% of the written papers will assess knowledge and understanding of practical skills. 30% of the papers will assess mathematical skills.
Practical endorsement – students will complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence.
You learn something new every lesson.
Physics is of particular value to those hoping to pursue careers in all types of engineering, astronomy, maths, computing, medicine and teaching.
It's fun to learn how the world works using equations and theories.