A Level Physics

A Level Physics Course Overview

You’ll gain a better understanding of foundation physics and the fascinating areas of waves and nuclear physics. By having the opportunity to carry out practical experiments, you’ll delve into more complex aspects of physics and its applications.  You’ll begin to develop an appreciation of the bigger picture and the ability to explore causal relationships in a rational way.

Pre-requisites

GCSE Double Science/ Physics at Grade C

Qualification

‘A’ Level in Physics

Specification

AQA A-Level Physics A (2450)

Support and benefits

• Flexible terms times
• Stepped learning approach
• Access to a dedicated tutor and student advisors to guide you through your studies
• Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
  

A Level Physics Key Topics

Unit 1 – Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity

• Particles and Radiation
• Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Phenomena
• Current Electricity

Unit 2 – Mechanics, Materials and Waves

• Mechanics
• Materials
• Waves

Unit 3 – Investigative and Practical Skills in AS Physics

• Practical Theory
• Conducting Experiments

Unit 4 – Fields and Further Mechanics

• Further Mechanics
• Gravitation
• Capacitance
• Magnetic Fields

Unit 5 - Nuclear Physics, Thermal Physics and Astrophysics

• Radioactivity
• Nuclear Energy
• Thermal Physics
• Lenses and Optical Telescopes
• Non-Optical Telescopes
• Classification of Stars
• Cosmology

Unit 6 - Investigative and Practical Skills in A2 Physics

• Practical Theory
• Conducting Experiments

A Level Physics Course Code

H13

Technical Requirements

Scientific calculator

ICS Support Period

18 months

AS Examinations

Unit 1 – PHYA1 Particles, quantum phenomena and electricity

• Written Examination – (70 marks), 6 or 7 structured questions
• 1¼ hours
• 40% of the total AS marks
• 20% of the total A Level marks
• Available January and June

Unit 2 – PHYA2 Mechanics, materials and waves

• Written Examination – (70 marks), 6 or 7 structured questions
• 1¼ hours
• 40% of the total AS marks
• 20% of the total A Level marks
• Available January and June

Unit 3 PHA3X  Investigative and practical skills in AS Physics

• Practical Skills Verification (PSV – teacher verification)
• Externally Marked Practical Assignment (EMPA – 55 raw marks)
• 20% of the total AS marks
• 10% of the total A Level marks
• Available June only

Note: You are required to sit the Externally Marked Practical Assignment at an approved AQA exam centre.

A2 Examinations

Unit 4 – PHYA4 Fields and further mechanics

• Written Examination – (75 marks)
• 1¾ hours
• Section A is 25 multiple choice questions, each worth one mark.
• Section B is a written paper of 4/5 structured questions and consists of 50 marks.
• 20% of the total A Level marks
• Available January and June

Unit 5 – One of Units PHA5A, PHA5B, PHA5C, PHA5D

• Written Examination – (75 marks)
• 1¾ hours
• Section A: Nuclear and Thermal Physics – 40 marks – Compulsory section 4/5 structured questions
• Section B: Astrophysics
• Paper has 4/5 structured questions and 35 marks.

Unit 6 PHA6X  Investigative and practical skills in A2 Physics

• Practical Skills Verification (PSV – teacher verification)
• Externally Marked Practical Assignment (EMPA – 55 raw marks)
• 10% of the total A Level marks
• Available June only

Note: You are required to sit the Externally Marked Practical Assignment at an approved AQA exam centre.