Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. It is the basis of many other sciences including chemistry, astronomy, seismology and oceanography. The fundamentals of physics are also central to the technology that drives modern society. A Level Physics is a challenging course that covers a diverse set of topics.
In Year 12 we will cover the following topics: measurements and their errors; particles and radiation; waves; mechanics and materials; electricity.
In Year 13 we continue to improve the practical skills developed through the measurement and errors topic as well as covering: further mechanics and thermal physics; fields and their consequences; nuclear physics; astrophysics.
It is very difficult to achieve a good grade at A Level in Physics without also studying A Level Mathematics. Physics complements the other sciences (Biology, Chemistry).
A Level Physics is an excellent foundation for any university course involving science, mathematics, engineering or computer science. Physicists are problem solvers and their analytical skills are in huge demand across a variety of industries. You can find physics graduates working in journalism, law, finance, medicine as well as in industrial, university and government labs. So whether you would like to discover the origins of dark matter and energy, develop a world changing piece of new technology or save lives by predicting the next major earthquake; studying Physics will give you the tools to do it all.
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.”