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Key facts: 
AS-level
A2-level
2 Years
Full-time
Level 3
Main Campus
Post 16
Area: 
Science
Overview: 

It may be possible to study this subject on a part-time basis.

The course develops a wide understanding of physics and its applications from Newton to the present day. It will provide a sound basis for further study at higher education level, whilst also giving a good appreciation of physics to those who only wish to study the subject to AS or A level.

Next steps: 

Physics, applied sciences, engineering, business - leading to a wide variety of careers or progression onto courses at higher education level.

Entry requirements: 
Five GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
to include:
-English
-Science
-Maths
Entry is normally subject to interview
Federation learners will be admitted as normal after satisfying the entry requirements of their own school

Normally Grade B in GCSE Physics/Science & GCSE Maths

Mature Applicants - Each Application considered on individual merit

What you will learn: 

AS Level

Unit 1: Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity Particles of Radiation 

  • Subatomic particles and antiparticles
  • Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Phenomena
  • Current Electricity

Unit 2: Mechanics, Materials and Waves

  • Mechanics - Forces; Motion and Energy
  • Materials - Bulk properties of solids; The Young modulus
  • Waves - Longitudinal and transverse waves; Refraction at a plane surface; Stationary waves; Interference; Diffraction

Unit 3: Investigative and Practical Skills Verification(PSV)

  •  Centre assessment of the candidate's ability to follow and undertake 5 practical activities set by AQA.

Externally Marked Practical Assignment (EMPA): Candidates will be required to undertake practical work, collect and process data and use this to answer questions in a written test.

A2 Level

Unit 4: Fields and Further Mechanics

  • Further Mechanics - Momentum; Circular Motion; Simple Harmonic Motion; Resonance
  • Gravitation - Newton's Law; Field strength and potential; Orbits
  • Electric Fields - Coulomb's law; Field strength and potential
  • Capacitance - Energy stored; Capacitor discharge
  • Magnetic Fields - Magnetic flux density; Charges in magnetic field; Electromagnetic induction

 Unit 5: Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and an optional topic

  • Nuclear and Thermal Physics; Radioactive decay; Nuclear Instability; Nuclear Energy; Ideal Gases; Molecular Kinetic theory module

 Optional Topics-One of the following:

  • 5A Astrophysics - Lenses and Optical Telescopes; Non-optical telescopes; Classification of stars; Cosmology
  • 5B Medical Physics - Physics of the eye; Physics of the ear; Biological measurement; non ionising imaging; X ray imaging
  • 5C Applied Physics - Rotational dynamics; Thermodynamics and heat engines
  • 5D Turning points in Physics - The discovery of the electron; Wave-Particle duality; Special relativity

 Unit 6: Investigative and Practical Skills Verification (PSV):

  • Centre assessment of the candidate's ability to follow and undertake 5 practical activities set by AQA.
  • Externally Marked Practical Assignment (EMPA): Candidates will be required to undertake practical work, collect and process data and use this to answer questions in a written test.
Assessment: 
Written Examination
Practical Examination
The study of essential skills may be required
Equipment required: 

Candidates are expected to provide their own scientific calculator and the following recommended text books:

  • Text book "AQA Physics A AS", Published by: Nelson Thornes, ISBN 978-0-7487-8282-6
  • Text book "AQA Physics A A2", Published by: Nelson Thornes, ISBN 978-0-7487-8281-9
Fees: 
Full-time - No course fees
For further information on grants and funds available - click here
Stationery approximately - £30
Administration fee - £20 per student per year
Transport Fees for Over 19's - click here
Please note: 
Federation: Please note that Pembrokeshire College A-Levels and some vocational choices, are run jointly with Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton Schools in Haverfordwest. For more information contact our admissions team.
Thu, 27/10/2011 - 13:52

Disclaimer:

The College takes all reasonable steps to provide the educational services and courses as described above. Details are correct at the time of editing but may be subject to change without prior notice. Courses will not run if student numbers are insufficient. The College has the right to refuse individuals entry to courses in certain circumstances. Prospective students may be advised of more suitable alternatives, if appropriate.