Physics
A Level Physics (AQA)
Aims
The specification encourages students to:
- Develop their interest and enthusiasm for physics, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with physics
- Develop essential knowledge and understanding of difference areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
- Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
- Use theories, models and ideas to develop scientific explanations
- Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems, present scientific arguments and scientific ideas
- Use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer scientific questions and solve scientific problems
- Carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts
- Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships
- Evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence
- Know that scientific knowledge and understanding develops over time
- Communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology
- Consider applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks
- Consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the environment
- Evaluate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity
- Evaluate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision making.
Content
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Fields and their consequences
- Nuclear physics
- Astrophysics
- Medical physics
- Engineering physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics
Assessment
Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
Paper 3 |
What’s assessedSections 1-5 and periodic motion |
What’s assessedSections 7 and 8, and thermal physics |
What’s assessedSection A: Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis Section B: students enter for one of sections 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 |
Assessed
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Assessed
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Assessed
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Questions60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. |
Questions60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content. |
Questions45 marks of short and long answer questions on practical experiments and data analysis. 35 marks of short and long answer questions on optional topic. |