COURSES

Physics
Overview
If you choose to study Physics you will learn
something about the workings of nature – from the
smallest sub-atomic particles to the processes at
work in the largest stars and galaxies. Your
imagination will be challenged and you will develop
your ability to express ideas in writing and also your
ability to handle the ‘language’ of mathematics.
Physics at A level is a sound basis for careers in a
wide range of fields such as physics research,
engineering, the teaching profession, ICT, astronomy,
medical physics and even areas such as molecular
biology, finance, banking and government.
The Physics A level course has been designed to
provide a natural transition from the material
covered at GCSE and to encourage and excite
interest and enthusiasm for the subject.
Approach
You will be taught in a group of approximately
12 pupils. Each group normally has two tutors –
each teaching one half of the course. You will be
encouraged to take an active interest in your learning,
to be inquisitive about the physical world and to
develop a determined approach to tackling problems
and difficulties. Laboratory practical work plays a
significant part in the structure of the course, with
laboratory sessions held at regular intervals.
Course outline
AS
Unit 1: Particles, Quantum Phenomena
and Electricity.
The nucleus including particles, antiparticles and
photons; hadrons and leptons; quarks;
photelectricity; wave-particle duality;
electrical circuits.
Unit 2: Mechanics, Materials and Waves.
Mechanics, including motion along a straight line;
projectiles; Newton’s Laws of Motion; properties
of materials; waves - including diffraction and
interference.
Unit 3: Investigative and Practical Skills.
A2
Unit 4: Fields and Further Physics.
Momentum; uniform circular motion; simple
harmonic motion; gravitational and electrical fields;
capacitors; electromagnetic induction.
Unit 5: Nuclear and Thermal Physics
plus Astrophysics.
Probing the nucleus; nuclear instability; kinetic
theory; optical and radio telescopes; Doppler Effect;
Hubble’s Law; Quasars.
Unit 6: Investigative and Practical Skills.
You will work independently to produce a written
report on each practical assignment. Practical work
on a regular basis is intended to encourage you to
display initiative in researching your experiments
prior to the laboratory sessions, as well as to develop
the skills of making careful observations and
measurements, processing data, analysing results
and evaluation – all of which are assessed in
Units 3 and 6.
Experiments will be set which will allow you to
develop your ability to use IT skills in data capture,
data processing and also when writing reports.
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Millfield Sixth Form Courses 2014-2015