Physics A Level
Course Overview
Physics affects every part of our daily lives, from civil and motor engineering to how we harness nuclear energy to heat and light our homes. In this exciting and challenging subject, you will examine the origins and structure of the universe, from subatomic particles to the vast areas of the cosmos.
You will be able to show how gravitational fields change as you move further away from planets and be able to explain the origins and fate of the universe. You will know how Einstein’s theory can be used to predict the output of energy from fusion and fission reactions.
In Year 1 we cover Forces Motion, Electrons, Waves and Photons. You will study the ideas behind why things move the way they do and the way that materials behave when forces act on them. You will study ideas relating to electricity, waves and quantum physics. You will carry out practical work to test theories and study the results of experiments to explain the behaviour of waves. Year 2 covers a Newtonian World, Astrophysics, Fields, Particles and Medical Physics.
Strong emphasis is placed on developing your practical skills; you will become familiar with SI units and standard prefixes used throughout Physics, and learn the scientific skills of planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating through practical work completed in our Physics laboratory. You will assess errors and the accuracy of your experimental results and make a decision on the validity of your results and the conclusions which you have made.
Year 1 Modules
- Forces and Motion
- Electrons, Waves and Photons
Year 2 Modules
- Newtonian World and Astrophysics
- Fields, Particles and Medical Physics
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:
- Grade 6 in GCSE Maths
- Grade 6 in GCSE Physics
- Grade 6 in another GCSE Science or GCSE Double Science
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature
Assessment
- 100% Exam
- Exam Board: OCR Physics A
Exam Results 2022: 38% A* - B
120
Total students
17
Average class size
Why choose this course?
If you have a genuine interest and ability in the subject, and a desire to achieve your very best, you will enjoy this course.
You will have the opportunity to meet and be mentored by STEM professionals while participating in Project days, Engineering Education Scheme projects, lectures and master classes at the University of Cambridge Cavendish Laboratories.
Our excellent location on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus means you are in a prime position to visit internationally-renowned and highly-relevant local STEM companies and research institutions; our Physics students have recently visited the Sanger Institute, TWI, TTP, Amazon, the University of Cambridge Engineering Department and the Kalvii Institute of Cosmology.
Skills you'll gain
We place a strong emphasis on developing your practical skills; you will become familiar with SI units and standard prefixes used throughout Physics, and learn the scientific skills of planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating through practical work completed in our Physics laboratory.
You will assess errors and the accuracy of your experimental results and make a decision on the validity of your results and the conclusions which you have made.
After Long Road
Many of our students go on to take Physics related degrees including:
- Motor Sport Engineering
- Computer Games Technology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Architecture
...and of course all branches of Engineering, for which Physics is essential!
Some of our students have successfully entered Higher Apprenticeships with companies.
I like the way everything is interlinked and how it relates to real life.
