Examining Board - AQA Specification B
Subject Content
On choosing this syllabus we want you to have the opportunity to further your studies in Physics by studying how Physics has an impact on our every day lives as well as how Physics tries to answer some of the "big questions". It is suitable for those of you who want to carry on your studies at University in Physics & Engineering and those of you who have a curiosity about the world/universe about you.
Methods of Study
We want you to come out of this course as independent learners. To achieve this we will split each unit into a number of sub-modules and you will be set a number of tasks that you as a part of a team will undertake throughout the sub-module. The tasks will build to form a portfolio that will evidence your learning. The tasks will include practical work, research, homework, numerical practice, practice exam questions etc. You will be encouraged to present your portfolios using ICT including producing PowerPoint presentations, animations, Podcasts, video presentations etc..
Methods of Assessment
AS Units:
Unit 1 Harmony and Structure in the Universe
In this unit you will be finding out musical instruments sound different from each other and how we can record, transmit and store music with an emphasise on digital techniques. You will also discover the achievements of particle physicists studying matter at the scale of fundamental particles to cosmologists working to understand the structure of the Universe.
Unit 2 Physics Keeps Us Going
In this unit you will be finding out about the Physics of motion as it affects athletes, sports equipment and vehicles. You will also focus on the problem of satisfying increasing energy demands and the effect this has on the fate of the planet and future generations.
A2 Units:
Unit 4 Physics Inside Out
In this unit you will learn how Physics is used to send probes and astronauts into space and the problems that need to be overcome in order to do this. How Physics is used to design thrilling theme park rides including the physics of freefall, loop-de-loops and simply spinning around. This unit also includes how Physics is used by geophysicists and archaeologists to investigate things that cannot be seen directly with the eye.
Unit 5 Energy under the Microscope
In this unit you will be studying how macroscopic quantities such as temperature and pressure be explained by the molecular model of matter and how this is used to design steam and internal combustion engine. This unit also covers how Physicists visualise the structure of matter and how they experiment with high energy particles. You will also study the benefits and risks of the use of radioactivity and nuclear energy.
Unit 3 (AS) & 6 (A2)
Investigative and Practical Skills
Throughout the course you will be undertaking many practical investigations. These activities will deepen and extend your subject knowledge while honing your investigative skills for units 3 and 6.
The assessment of these units is through two methods, both of which are assessed by your teacher:
- Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) – an assessment of your practical and collaborative skills
- Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) – an assessment of your data collection and interpretation skills with an exam testing your understanding of scientific investigation, analysis and evaluation.
Entry Requirements
There are no special qualifications required for AS/A2 level Physics other than the standard
GCSE quota needed for study at Rainford College