Physics A Level
Course details
| Course | Exam board | Size |
| A-Level Physics | OCR | 1 A-Level (360 GLH) |
What is A Level Physics all about?
Physics is, in the simplest terms, the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. It is a highly practical subject with significant teaching time spent in the lab performing experiments, developing both knowledge and scientific skills.
Over a 2 year period, students will explore and model mathematically forces, motion, waves and particles. The course enables students to pursue a broad range of careers and university degrees.
Students might find a career working for mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, nuclear or civil engineering companies. Medical physicists and many architects, surveyors, meteorologists and scientists working in the space/satellite industries have an A level in physics
The OCR Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physics consists of three externally examined papers and the Science Practical Endorsement. Students are expected to carry out the sixteen core practical experiments that are identified in the topics.
The Course Content is taught in six modules:
Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics
- Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2: Foundations in physics
- Physical quantities and units
- Making measurements and analysing data
- Nature of quantities
Module 3: Forces and motion
- Motion
- Forces in action
- Work, energy and power
- Materials
- Newton’s laws of motion and momentum
Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons
- Charge and current
- Energy, power and resistance
- Electrical circuits
- Waves
- Quantum physics
Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics
- Thermal physics
- Circular motion
- Oscillations
- Gravitational fields
- Astrophysics and cosmology
Module 6: Particles and medical physics
- Capacitors
- Electric fields
- Electromagnetism
- Nuclear and particle physics
- Medical imaging
Assessment :
Paper 1: Modelling physics Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
Paper 2: Exploring physics Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
Paper 3: Unified physics Assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)
Physics A Level Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Physics or 2 x Grade 6 in Combined Science.
Grade 6 in Maths
Examination Board: OCR