AS Physics
(Edexcel)

Despite some images of Physicists, a study of Physics can be the gateway to a variety of careers including Engineering, Archaeology, Radiography

If you enjoyed your study of topics such as Radioactivity, Electricity, Motion then this may be the course for you.

What does the course involve?

There are 3 components studied as follows:-

Unit 1 – Physics on the go (40%)

This involves further study of Mechanics (rectilinear motion, forces, energy and power) and materials (flow of liquids, viscosity Stokes’ Law, properties of materials, Young’s modulus and elastic strain energy).

Unit 2 Physics at work (40%)

This involves study of waves (refraction, polarisation, diffraction, and stationary waves), electricity (current and resistance, Ohm’s Law and non-ohmic materials, potential dividers, emf and internal resistance of cells, and negative temperature coefficient thermistors) and the wave/particle nature of light.

Unit 3 Exploring Physics (20%)

This unit involves an experiment based on a physics-based visit or a case study of an application of physics.

Entry requirements

You will need 2 grade B passes at GCSE Double Science. Mathematical ability is also a great advantage and those studying Mathematics at AS level find that the 2 courses complement each other very well.

Please note that Single Science, Applied Science, GNVQ or BTEC Science are not acceptable.

Progression Opportunities

You will be able to move onto A2 if you succeed in passing AS and this can lead to a variety of careers in Medicine, Engineering and related disciplines as well as the opportunity for study at degree level at University