Further Details | |
|---|---|
Course Code | LA00090 |
Location | Yale |
Duration | Full Time, The AS qualification is taught in the first year of study. The A2 qualification is taught in the second year of study. |
Department | A Levels |
Start Date | 04 Sep 2024 |
End Date | 20 Jun 2025 |
Course Overview
The AS level Physics syllabus followed at Coleg Cambria is that of the WJEC and consists of two theory units which are examined at the end of the first year. An additional three units are studied by those students who wish to achieve a full A level qualification in the second year of the course. One of the second year units is a practical examination. A brief overview of the course content is given below.
UNIT 1 (Motion Energy & Matter): This covers the topics of Basic Physics, Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy concepts, Solids under stress, Using radiation to investigate stars, Particles & nuclear structure.
UNIT 2 (Electricity and Light): This covers the topics of Conduction of Electricity, Resistance, DC circuits, The nature of waves, Wave properties, Refraction, Photons and Lasers
UNIT 3 (Oscillations and nuclei): This covers the topics of Circular motion, Vibrations, Kinetic theory, Thermal Physics, Nuclear decay and nuclear energy.
UNIT 4 (Fields and Options): This covers the topics of Capacitance, Electrostatic & Gravitational fields, Orbits and the wider universe, Magnetic fields and Electromagnetic Induction. There is also one Option topic to be chosen from: Alternating Currents, Medical Physics, The Physics of Sports and Energy & the environment. NOTE: The option unit chosen will depend upon availability of practical equipment and other resources.
UNIT 5 is the practical examination. This consists of two tests which are marked externally by the WJEC; an Experimental Task lasting 1.5 hours and a Data Analysis Task lasting 1 hour. Both of these are set in the spring term of the A2 year.
UNIT 1 (Motion Energy & Matter): This covers the topics of Basic Physics, Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy concepts, Solids under stress, Using radiation to investigate stars, Particles & nuclear structure.
UNIT 2 (Electricity and Light): This covers the topics of Conduction of Electricity, Resistance, DC circuits, The nature of waves, Wave properties, Refraction, Photons and Lasers
UNIT 3 (Oscillations and nuclei): This covers the topics of Circular motion, Vibrations, Kinetic theory, Thermal Physics, Nuclear decay and nuclear energy.
UNIT 4 (Fields and Options): This covers the topics of Capacitance, Electrostatic & Gravitational fields, Orbits and the wider universe, Magnetic fields and Electromagnetic Induction. There is also one Option topic to be chosen from: Alternating Currents, Medical Physics, The Physics of Sports and Energy & the environment. NOTE: The option unit chosen will depend upon availability of practical equipment and other resources.
UNIT 5 is the practical examination. This consists of two tests which are marked externally by the WJEC; an Experimental Task lasting 1.5 hours and a Data Analysis Task lasting 1 hour. Both of these are set in the spring term of the A2 year.
Units 1 and 2 are each worth 50% of the AS award and the AS qualification itself contributes 40% towards the full A level qualification with Units 1 and 2 each worth 20% of that award. The first year units are examined in two written papers, each lasting 1.5 hours. In the second year, Units 3 and 4 are each worth 25% of the full A level award. Unit 3 is examined through a paper lasting 2.25 hours which includes a comprehension question. Unit 4 is examined through a paper pasting 2 hours. In all of these theory examinations across both years, some of the questions will be about practical work that has been undertaken throughout the course. The final 10% of the full A level award is reserved for the Practical examination itself (Unit 5) which students sit in the Spring Term. The whole course is assessed through formal examinations; there is no assessed coursework during the year. Units 1 and 2 may be retaken in the summer of the second year. Internal mock examinations will also be set on published dates to provide students with a realistic examination experience.
6 GCSEs at grade C or above including English or English Language. Applicants will also need grade B in Maths, grades BB in Science and Additional Science or grade B in GCSE Physics (all Maths and Science qualifications must be attained on the Higher Tier paper).
Physicists are very versatile people who possess a broad and adaptable range of skills. Employers rate Physics qualifications very highly indeed and, as a result, by studying AS/A level Physics students will open doors to a surprising variety of jobs. It should be noted that possession of an A level Physics qualification is an essential requirement for progression to some University courses (such as all forms of Engineering) as well as being an essential subject for students wanting to embark upon undergraduate apprenticeship courses such as that offered by the local employer Airbus.
Some courses may require equipment and/or uniforms to be purchased. Please see attached equipment list for further information.
Useful downloads
Ready to begin your journey?
Our Open Days
Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out about the range of courses we offer.
Open Event – Bersham Road
13/11/2024
17:00
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
Accessible Open Event – Llysfasi
28/11/2024
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Bersham Road
21/11/2024
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Northop
27/11/2024
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
