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Physics: A Level

Exam board: OCR

What is the course about?

Physics explains the world around us and beyond using forces and energy. You will look at the very smallest, the building blocks of matter i.e. quarks and leptons, to the very largest, the evolution of our Universe. You will learn how Einstein’s E = mc2 equation lead to the development of nuclear bombs. You will understand about the dual-nature of light. Is light a wave? Is it a particle? Or both? You will also cover applications of physics in society e.g. medical imaging. Doing AS Physics at Leyton Sixth Form College is a highly rewarding experience with students studying the subject achieving better results than the comparative national average.

Duration of course:

2 years.

What units/topics will be studied?

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in physics
Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation assessed in a written examination and practical endorsement

Module 2 – Foundations of physics
Physical quantities and units; making measurements and analysing data; nature of quantities

Module 3 – Forces and Motion
Motion; forces in action; work, energy and power; materials; Newton’s laws of motion and momentum

Module 4 – Electrons, waves and photons
Charge and current; energy, power and resistance; electrical circuits; waves; quantum physics

Module 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics
Thermal physics; circular motion; oscillations; gravitational fields; astrophysics and cosmology

Module 6 – Particles and medical physics
Capacitors; electric fields; electromagnetism; nuclear and particle physics; medical imaging

What do I need to study this subject?

You need a grade 6 in Maths and 5 in English language as well as 6/6 in Double Science. You also need a GCSE score of 34 or above.

What can I do to prepare myself to study this subject?

A really good text book is 'A Level Physics for OCR A Student Book' which should help you prepare for this course.

Recommended websites:
• Physics questions on Socratic
• Physics concepts

Where can this lead me?

Physics is highly valued by universities and employers as a subject that prepares candidates in critical thinking and the ability to reason out or explain data. You can progress on to degree courses in for example physics, astronomy, engineering and computer science. It is essential for careers in optometry or radiography and many other science-based industries.