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Physics

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Entry Requirements

Normal BSFC entry requirements for an AS programme of study including grade BB in GCSE Science Double Award or grade B in GCSE Physics and Grade B in GCSE Maths. 

About the Subject

Physics is a key part of science and technology; it deals with how and why things behave as they do. It’s about practical things and is used to solve problems of many sorts. Physics is related to many other areas - particularly Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Design Technology. Physics lies at the heart of all science, engineering and much of our everyday lives. For example, a knowledge and understanding of Physics is necessary:

  • to produce weather forecasts;
  • to understand how aircraft fly;
  • to design bridges, buildings, roads, aircraft, cars...
  • to take scans of the human body;
  • to date archaeological remains.

The Edexcel (Salters Horners) Physics course offered at the College differs from other Physics courses by focussing on examples of Physics being used in everyday life. There are many experiments and demonstrations. ICT is used for simulations, processing data, web research and all our resources are on the College network. We have an electronic whiteboard in the lab, which is used in most lessons.

AS Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting
in AS		 Weighting in
A2
PSA1 Physics on the Go Written exam
(1 ½ hours)		 June 40% 20%
PSA2 Physics at Work Written exam
(1 ½ hours)		 June 40% 20%
PSA3 Exploring Physics
(Coursework)		 A practical
assessment and a
written report of a
visit.		 Nov -
April		 20% 10%

A2 Year

Assessment
Unit		 Name Type of
Assessment		 Date of
Exam		 Weighting in
A2
PSA4 Physics on the Move Written exam
(1 ½ hours)		 Jan (2nd year) 20%
PSA5 Physics from Creation to
Collapse		 Written exam
(1 ½ hours)		 June (2nd year) 20%
PSA6 Experimental Physics
(Coursework)		 A practical
assessment		 March (2nd year) 10%

General Information

The AS course.

Physics at Work, Rest and Play
  • The production of sound by musical instruments and the operations of a CD player. Includes using computer software to analyse sounds.
  • Mainly electricity, using a satellite running on solar power as an example.
  • The study of motion, energy and materials related to a variety of sports.
Physics for Life
  • The Physics needed in the production of foods. Mechanical properties of materials, such as strength, stiffness and hardness. Includes testing the properties of sweets.
  • Physics used in archaeology from geophysical surveys to analysis of objects found.
  • Physics used in medicine. The properties of materials used in hip replacements; ultrasound scanning.

The A2 course.

Moving with Physics
  • Electromagnetism and mechanics applied to railways.
  • Physics of visual dsiplays.
  • The small-scale structure of matter (e.g. what protons and neutrons are made of) and the experiments which investigate this.
Physics from Creation to Collapse
  • The physics of vibrations waves, and earthquakes. Designing buildings to resist earthquakes.
  • A range of topics about physics in Astronomy -stars, gravity, gases, nuclear fission and fusion; the structure of the Universe, its eginning (the Big Bang) and its end. 

What Next?

A-Level Physics is essential to a number of professional careers, and opens doors to many more. Universities prefer (or require) you to have studied it for degree courses in the physical sciences (including Physics, Electronics, Astronomy, Materials Science), the medical sciences (including dentistry, physiotherapy, and radiography), and applied subjects such as Architecture, and the many types of engineering.

People with the skills associated with Physics are also particularly welcome in areas such as Law, Accountancy and Computing. There is a shortage of students with an A level in Physics and the Universities and industry are continually on the lookout for young people with Physics qualifications. You should therefore have good prospects!