Physics AS A2

Exam Board OCR

Course Content

Physics is everywhere, from the tiny sub-atomic world to the mind-boggling huge distances across the universe itself. Physics is even needed in the imaginary worlds of computer gaming and modelling. A level physics is a thought-provoking, practical subject. It can lead onto interesting and very well paid careers. So, if students are up for a challenge and have an imaginative, inquisitive and lively mind A level physics is a great subject.

AS modules :

• Mechanics, including motion, forces in action, work and energy.
• Electrons, waves and photons, including electric current, resistance, DC circuits, waves, quantum physics
• Practical skills in physics ( 1 )
• Internal assessment of practical skills ( based on completing OCR set tasks. Each task is marked by the teacher using specific, OCR mark schemes ).

A2 modules :

• Newtonian World including Newtons laws and momentum, circular motion and oscillations, thermal physics
• Fields, particles and frontiers of physics, including electric and magnetic fields, capacitors and exponential decay, Nuclear Physics, medical imaging, modelling the universe
• Practical skills in Physics ( 2 )
• Internal assessment of practical skills ( based on completing OCR set tasks. Each task is marked by the teacher using specific, OCR mark schemes ).

Assessment

AS: 2 written exams and 1 practical assessment
A2: 2 written exams and 1 practical assessment

Students with grade B in GCSE Sciences and grade B GCSE maths cope well with the content.

Possible Careers

An understanding of physics is useful when planning and designing improvements in agriculture, broadcasting, car design, digital music technology, electricity supply, footwear for sport, golf clubs, x – ray machines, yacht design.