Physics

Course summary

AQA Physics provides a seamless transition to A-level from GCSE and to develop interest and enthusiasm in the subject. It aims to introduce new and exciting areas of Physics as well as developing knowledge and understanding of the key principals. Year 1 Course Content: • Measurements and their errors: Students develop a working knowledge of vital units, skills and numerical treatments that underpin the course and their practical work. • Particles and radiation: Extends the students' knowledge of atoms, nuclei and electromagnetic radiation and then introduces them to the more recent developments and discoveries in the cutting edge field of Particle Physics. • Waves: Gives a deeper understanding of phenomena such as refraction, diffraction and interference of waves. • Mechanics and materials: Students explore forces, energy and momentum in more detail and are introduced to materials technology. They learn to apply their skills and understanding in a range of everyday as well as scientific and engineering contexts. • Electricity: Builds on the understanding of current electricity students developed at GCSE and introduces new concepts such as potential dividers and internal resistance. Year 2 Course Content: • Further mechanics and thermal physics: This section applies the mechanics techniques covered previously and applies them to more complex oscillating systems. Students then look into the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and how we can explain the behaviour of matter as temperature changes. • Fields and their consequences: Students study gravitational, electric and magnetic fields and look at how they are applied in important contexts such as satellite motion, capacitor circuits and electrical generators. • Nuclear physics: Students study unstable nuclei and their behaviour, gaining hands-on practical experience of using radioactive sources and the safety considerations that must be made. • Medical physics: This section gives students an insight into the vital role of Physics in the field of medicine. This includes looking at the Physics of the body as well as its application in diagnostic and treatment techniques. Mechanics scalars and vectors; moments; motion along a straight line; projectile motion; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; conservation of energy.