Physics

Course summary

According to Rutherford, discoverer of the proton, physics is the only real science and the rest are just stamp-collecting. Whilst a good many would baulk at so blunt a statement, it is easy to understand his thinking. It is the physicist who examines reality at its most fundamental level and with the greatest breadth: from sub-atomic particles to the galaxies and ultimately the universe itself. In the 20th century, these two extremes have led to quantum physics and general relativity and today the search continues for a grand theory of everything to unite them in a single theoretical framework. An A level in Physics will introduce you to key areas of the subject that reflect its depth and range. You will consider Newtonian classical mechanics and modern cosmological phenomena, such as star formation, Hubble’s law and the Big Bang theory. You will look at fields, waves and particles and the puzzling behaviour of the world of the very small. We also study some practical applications of physics, such as electric circuits and medical physics. Physics presents challenges to fascinate the inquiring mind and it is an extremely rewarding subject to study. You should be aware that it is a highly conceptual subject and not one to be taken lightly. In the first year, you will cover four modules. In Module 1 (Development of Practical Skills in Physics) you will learn how to plan and implement experiments and how to analyse and evaluate the results. Module 2 (Foundations of Physics) covers physical quantities and units, how to make measurements and analyse data and the nature of quantities. Module 3 (Forces and Motion) looks at motion, forces in action, work, energy and power, materials and Newton’s laws of motion and momentum. Finally, Module 4 (Electrons, Waves and Photons) covers charge and current, energy, power and resistance, electrical circuits, waves and quantum physics. In the second year, you will study Module 5 (Newtonian World and Astrophysics) where you will look at thermal physics, circular motion, oscillations, gravitational fields and astrophysics. Module 6 (Particles and Medical Physics) covers capacitors, electric fields, electromagnetism, medical imaging, and nuclear and particle physics. You will also continue to develop your knowledge and practical skills from Modules 1 and 2. If you are transferring to the upper sixth having completed Modules 1 to 4 elsewhere, you will join an upper-sixth class covering Modules 5 and 6, as well as consolidating your practical skills and knowledge.