GCSE

GCSE
AQA GCSE Physics subject code 4451. See www.aqa.org for further details.
This is a modular course and consists of four sections, each worth 25% of the total marks. Three modular tests based mostly on the course content and a Centre Assessed Unit (CAU) based mostly on How Science Works.
Unit 1: This module can be examined by either a multiple choice paper or by a written paper. The multiple choice paper has two parts: 1a Energy and Electricity and 1b Radiation and the Universe. This multiple choice option is normally examined at the end of Year 11, with the possibility of repeating 1a, 1b, or both at the end of Year 12. The written paper covers 1a and 1b and can be a repeat option for those students who do not suit the multiple choice method.
Unit 1 content includes:
Heat transfer, energy transfer and efficiency
Energy resources used to generate electricity
The applications and hazards of the waves that form the Electromagnetic Spectrum
The uses and dangers of Radioactive Sources
The origins of the Universe
Unit 2: This module can only be examined in the written format but can be done in January of Year 12 and repeated in June of Year 12 if necessary.
Unit 2 content includes:
Speed, velocity and acceleration
Forces, work, energy calculations and momentum
Static electricity, circuits and household electricity
Radioactive decay and its uses
Nuclear Fission and fusion
Unit 3: This module can only be examined in the written format and only once at the end of Year 12.
Unit 3 content includes:
Moments
Circular motion, planets, satellites and the life cycle of stars
Mirrors and lenses
Sound and ultrasound
Electric motors, generators and transformers
Centre Assessed Unit (CAU):
This unit replaces the old GCSE coursework and is worth 25%. It involves students completing a specified experiment where they have to produce a full set of results and a graph of these results. They then take an Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) that asks questions based on the experiment they completed, the results, graph and How Science Works. There will also be some marks for Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) based on the student’s ability to safely and independently carry out experimental work.
 
A-LEVEL
AS LEVEL:
From September 2008 AS students will be studying the new CCEA AS/A2 level Physics Course, code 1210. For more details see www.ccea.org.uk.
There are three modules covered at this level:
Module 1 – Forces, Energy and Electricity (worth 37% of AS)
Module 2 – Waves, Photons and Medical Physics (worth 37% of AS)
Module 3 – Practical Techniques (worth 26% of AS)
 EXAMINATIONS
There are 2 modular papers and a practical exam. Modular papers are 1 hour 30 minutes in length. Module 3 has a 1 hour 30 minutes practical. Module 1 will be examined in January of Year 13, to be repeated in June if necessary. Modules 2 and 3 will be examined in the Summer of Year 13 and can be repeated in year 14 if necessary.

A2 PHYSICS
There are three modules covered at this level. The AS modules will account for 50% of the marks awarded for the full A-level Physics course.
Module 4 – Momentum, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics (worth 18.5% of A-level)
Module 5 – Fields and their Applications  (worth 18.5% of A-level)
Module 6 – Practical Techniques (worth 13% of A-level)

Again there are 2 modular papers and a practical exam. Modular papers are 1 hour 30 minutes in length. Module 6 has a 1 hour 30 minutes practical. Module 4 will be examined in January of Year 14, to be repeated in June if necessary. Modules 5 and 6 will be examined in the Summer of Year 14.
Careers
The employment prospects for those with qualifications in physics are generally good. Physics provides a route into many careers, and opportunities exist both in Britain and throughout Europe, and North America. These prospects are not confined to research, they extent into a wide range of industries, IT, medicine, high finance, marketing, business and management. The general skills of analysis and problem-solving that a physics degree fosters, help physics graduates to contribute effectively to most areas of an organisation’s activities.
While some physics graduates go on to work in academic research and teaching, many, possibly most, physics graduates move into jobs where they are not working as ‘physicists’ as such, but in which they are using the skills they developed through studying physics. They are challenged by moving into new fields but succeed because of their skills and training in physics. Some physics graduates are employed in industry, on the research and development side – industries such as those concerned with opto-electronics, computing, telecommunications, materials, motor vehicle technology, semiconductors and power generation. Physics graduates, because of their broadly based training, often become leaders of the increasingly common multi-disciplinary teams employed on development projects.
A physicist’s work may involve experimental investigations and theoretical analysis, but physicists are increasingly employed in the world of IT using advanced computers in the solution of scientific and engineering problems, or predicting financial futures. A physicist’s ability to model complex processes is particularly valued.
Teaching physics at school or college level offers not only the opportunity to work with young people, but it is also challenging in that teachers explain complex concepts while sharing the enthusiasm for the subject.
In summary a degree course in physics brings you face-to-face with the important fundamental concepts and knowledge which are at the heart of our understanding of nature. A degree course in physics also opens doors to a wider range of careers than almost any other subject.