Examination Board: AQA
Aims
AS and A Level courses will encourage candidates to:
- Develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject.
- Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
- Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works.
- Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
The specification provides a wide range of opportunities to develop How Science Works by linking the general criteria on the nature of science to specific topics throughout the specification.
AS
Unit 1 Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity
Particle physics and electricity. Through the study of these topics, students should gain an awareness of the on-going development of new ideas in physics and of the application of in depth knowledge of well-established topics such as electricity. Particle physics introduces students to the fundamental properties and nature of matter, radiation and quantum phenomena. In contrast, the study of electricity in this module builds on and develops previous GCSE studies.
Unit 2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves
Introduces vectors and then develops knowledge and understanding of forces and energy from GCSE. In the second section, materials are studies in terms of their bulk properties and tensile strength. The final section extends GCSE studies on waves by developing in-depth knowledge of the characteristics, properties and applications of waves, including refraction, diffraction, superposition and interference.
Unit 3 - Investigative and Practical Skills
Experimental and investigative activities are set in contexts appropriate to, and reflect the demand of, the AS content. These activities allow candidates to use their knowledge and understanding of physics in planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating their work.
A2
Unit 4 Fields and Further Mechanics
Advances the study of momentum and introduces circular and oscillatory motion and covers gravitation. Electric and magnetic fields are covered, together with basic electromagnetic induction. Electric fields lead into capacitors and how quickly they charge and discharge through a resistor. Magnetic fields lead into the generation and transmission of alternating current.
Unit 5 Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and Astrophysics
Nuclear and Thermal Physics looks at the characteristics of the nucleus, the properties of unstable nuclei and how energy is obtained from the nucleus. In the second part, the thermal properties of materials and the properties and nature of gases are studied in depth. In the astrophysics option, fundamental physical principles are applied to the study and interpretation of the Universe. Students will gain deeper insight into the behaviour of objects at great distances from Earth and discover the ways in which information from these objects can be gathered.
Unit 6 Investigative and Practical Skills
Experimental and Investigative activities are set in contexts appropriate to, and reflect the demand of, the A2 content. These activities allow candidates to use their knowledge and understanding of Physics in planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating their work.
Assessment
AS Examination
Unit 1. PHYA1 Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity
Written Examination—1hr 15 mins
40% of the total AS marks
20% of the total A-Level marks
Unit 2. PHYA2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves
Written Examination—1hr 15mins
40% of the total AS marks
20% of the total A-Level marks
Unit 3. PHYA3 Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics
Centre Assessed Unit Practical skills assessment (9 marks) Investigative skills assessment (41 marks)
20% of the total AS marks
10% of the total A-Level marks
A2 Examination
Unit 4. PHYA4 Fields and Further Mechanics
Written Examination 1 hour 45 mins
20% of the total A-Level marks
Unit 5. PHA5A Option Paper
Written Examination 1 hour 45 mins
Unit 6. PHYA6 Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Physics
Centre Assessed Unit. Practical skills assessment (9 marks). Investigative skills assessment (41 marks) 10% of the total A-Level marks.
Specific requirements
Girls must achieve grade B both in GCSE Science and in GCSE Additional Science. Grade A is preferred.
Costs
Textbooks cost approximately £100 in total. No other costs apart from exam entry fee.
