OCR A-Level Physics
Physics involves the study of the world around us in order to understand how nature works. We describe how the world works by formulating laws and theories. We test our ideas by making predictions and completing experiments. Theories and laws can describe how the smallest known parts of matter work, through to the birth and evolution of the universe.
Entry Requirements: Students will need to achieve a 6/6 in combined Science or 6 In Physics and a 6+ Maths
Career Opportunities: Physics opens many doors. It is well respected for degrees, jobs or apprenticeships. Physics is rigorous. The way we analyse questions and the answers we give are well-thought through, thorough and logically sound. This means regardless of your chosen path after sixth form an A level in Physics will set you up for success. Some of the more popular choices after A level Physics include Engineering, Astrophysics, Architecture and Medicine.
What will I study?: The A Level in Physics A specification content is divided into six teaching modules. Each module is introduced with a summary of the physics it contains and each topic is also introduced with a short summary text.
Unit 1: Module 1 of the specification content relates to the practical skills learners are expected to gain throughout the course, which are assessed throughout the written examinations and also through the Practical Endorsement.
Unit 2: Foundations of Physics. The aim of this module is to introduce important conventions and ideas that permeate the fabric of physics. Understanding of physical quantities, S.I. units, scalars and vectors helps physicists to effectively communicate their ideas within the scientific community.
Unit 3: Force and Motion. In this module, learners will learn how to model the motion of objects using mathematics, understand the effect forces have on objects, learn about the important connection between force and energy, appreciate how forces cause deformation and understand the importance of Newton’s laws of motion.
Unit 4: Electrons Waves and Photons. The aim of this module is to ultimately introduce key ideas of quantum physics. Electromagnetic waves (e.g. light) have a dual nature. They exhibit both wave and particle-like behaviour. The wave–particle dual nature is also found to be characteristic of all particles.
Unit 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics. The aim of this module is to show the impact Newtonian mechanics has on physics. The microscopic motion of atoms can be modelled using Newton’s laws and hence provide us with an understanding of macroscopic quantities such as pressure and temperature. Newton’s law of gravitation can be used to predict the motion of planets and distant galaxies. In the final section we explore the intricacies of stars and the expansion of the Universe by analysing the electromagnetic radiation from space. As such, it lends itself to the consideration of how the development of the scientific model is improved based on the advances in the means of observation.
Unit 6: Particles and Medical Physics. In this module, learners will learn about capacitors, electric field, electromagnetism, nuclear physics, particle physics and medical imaging.
Assessment Overview:
Paper 1: Modelling Physics
- 2hr 15mins
- 37% of final grade
Paper 2: Exploring Physics
- 2hr 15mins
- 37% of final grade
Paper 3: Unified Physics
- 1hr 30mins
- 26% of final grade
Practical Endorsement for Physics: Students complete a minimum of 12 core practical activities to demonstrate practical competence assessment by their teacher.
Enrichment: Subject related trips are integrated into the course to give students experience of the real-life applications of the course. In previous years students have visited the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge and have attended a residential at the particle physics laboratories at CERN in Switzerland.