Physics

OCR

Physics is the study of why the world around us works, from what goes into making the atom to the birth and death of the universe. Physics is essential to the further study of many subjects and careers, including engineering, veterinary science and aviation. Physics teaches you how to break problems down, to deal with complicated relationships and look for patterns, so it is a good preparation for a wide range of careers.

Physics combines well with Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. Calculation becomes more important in the A2 course, and so you will need to study AS Mathematics or Use of Maths as part of your AS programme. Mathematics is also a common requirement if you wish to study Physics or Engineering at university.

The Paston course is taught through both theory lessons and practical work (conducted individually or in a group). The AS year is especially practically based as the concepts covered are ones which can easily be witnessed in the world around you. A2 tends slightly more towards theory but there is still a wide range of practical activity. The department has good links with UEA which means that we can visit to use their facilities and to take part in science competitions.

AS Physics

In AS Physics you will study:
• Forces: How we interact with the world around us.
• Motion and its patterns: How we can predict the way objects travel through substances other than just air.
• The physics of car safety: How science keeps cars on the road and how it helps us when things go wrong.
• The science of deforming: What happens when things are stretched or compressed.
• What goes on in an electrical circuit: What actually causes things to happen when you plug something into the mains and the real meaning of commonly used terms such as voltage and current.
• Waves: What they are, their different types, their dangers and their uses.
• How some things can appear to be two completely different entities at the same time.

Assessment

Two written and practical examinations.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English/English Language, and Mathematics and a B in Physics or Additional Science. Physics must be studied alongside AS Mathematics/Use of Maths and a second Mathematics or science subject.

A2 Physics

In A2 Physics you build on and develop the skills and understanding you gained at AS, and study:
• Advanced motion and how the laws of Physics help predict the outcome of collisions and explosions.
• The science of things moving in a circle, from conkers on strings to planets in the Solar System.
• The effects of gravity and how our understanding of them enables us to put satellites into orbit.
• How devices such as a simple pendulum allow us to measure time and calculate the strength of gravity.
• Temperature and what happens when something heats up, no matter if it’s a solid, liquid, gas or plasma.
• Generating electricity and the problems associated with storing it.
• What is happening inside the atom and in the strange and charming world of quarks.
• Radiation, what it is, its dangers and how we can attempt to predict its patterns.
• Physics and the world of medicine, X-rays and other ways of looking inside the body without causing harm e.g. how ultrasound allows us to see inside the womb.
• What there is in the universe, how it is made up and what really happened at the Big Bang. We explore the fate of the universe and the possible ways it might end.

Assessment

Two written examinations and practical assessments which take place during the course.