Physics

Course summary

WHY STUDY PHYSICS? Physics is crucial to understanding how the world around us works, from light bulbs to driverless cars, from earthquakes and tsunamis to leptons, quarks and quasars. From the prosaic to the profound. Physics helps us to see the connections between seemingly disparate phenomena. Physics gives us powerful tools to help us to express creativity. It provides the quantitative and analytical skills needed for analysing data and solving problems in the field of science, engineering and medicine as well as in economics, finance and law. CONTENT OF THE COURSE: The A Level course starts with a study of the laws, theories and models of physics and finishes with an exploration of their practical applications. Students will develop essential skills, knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject, including the scientific method, and how they relate to each other. They will develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills and an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. In SFC1, you will cover varied topics such as Mechanics, Materials, Electricity, Waves, Quantum and Particle Physics. In SFC2, the course will explore Electric, Gravitational and Magnetic Fields, Nuclear Physics, Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics. In addition to this, an option is studied with a choice of Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Electronics, Engineering Physics or Turning points in Physics. Practical work will be a core part of the course and is assessed through the written exam papers. The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course. Students will carry out a minimum of 12 core practicals and will be internally assessed against Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC).