The Advanced Level Physics course offered at QE is called "Advancing Physics". We concentrate on the most useful and up-to-date concepts in physics so that you can build up a firm knowledge of the subject. This enables students to continue in higher education or industry not only in physics and engineering but also in electronics, ICT, astronomy, medicine, horticulture, archaeology and many other careers.

Requirements

Double Science students should gain a B grade in Additional Science. Triple Science students should gain a B in Physics and at least a C in Chemistry and Biology. A grade C at GCSE Maths is also important. Many students combine Physics with Mathematics in the 6th form, but it is not necessary to do so.

What career could you follow with Advancing Physics?

Advancing Physics opens the door to higher education courses in Physics, engineering, mathematics and many more. Careers that could follow on include teaching, laboratory technician, information scientist, aeronautical engineer, astronaut, materials scientist, vehicle designer, medicine, radiographer, speech therapist, vet, acoustic engineer, geologist, IT, meteorologist and architect.

AS Level

There are two units of work, each with its own examination and worth 30% (Unit 1) and 50% (Unit 2) of the AS assessment and two pieces of coursework worth a total of 20%.

Unit 1: Physics in Action: Imaging, sensing, signalling and designer materials.
Unit 2: Understanding processes: Waves and quantum behaviour, space and time and motion.

Coursework:

• Quality of Measurement. A report of a measurement or study of a physical relationship.
• Physics in use. A presentation on the use, properties and structure of a material.

A2 Level

Again there are two units of work in Year 13. Each has its own external examination worth about 15% (Unit 1) and 25% (Unit 2) of the A2 assessment. There are two pieces of coursework worth a total of 10% of the assessment. The remaining 50% of the assessment is from the AS year.

Unit 1: The rise and fall of the Clockwork Universe: Ideas of decay, energy, momentum, orbits and astrophysics, as well as dark matter and black holes.
Unit 2: Field and Particle Pictures: Particle interactions, fields, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.

Coursework

• Research Briefing – research a topic of your choice.
• Practical Investigation – investigate a topic of your choice.

Get further information from your Physics teacher and visit the Advancing Physics web site http://advancingphysics.iop.org