Year one content
Development of Practical Skills in Physics- A broad range of practical sessions will be undertaken which will cover the majority of the concepts taught during the course. Your skills will be tested by undertaking six formal practical exercises at key points during the year.
Foundations of Physics- You will examine and be able to explain the need for different quantities and their units in conjunction with developing your abilities in estimation. You will also master the use of equations of motion and their application to a variety of situations including projectiles and objects in freefall.
Forces and Motion- You will apply your existing mathematical knowledge and some new mathematical techniques to the motion and the forces acting on everyday objects such as bridges, cars and aircraft. On completion of this unit you will have mastered the fundamental mathematical ideas that underpin the function of speed cameras and safety features in cars. Practical activities as well as theory lessons will enable you to visualise how physics works in a range of different situations.
Electrons, Waves and Photons- This unit will introduce ideas related to waves, electromagnetism and quantum physics through practical work, demonstrations and study of theory. You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that can be applied to new situations, building your confidence to address the more challenging concepts. The concept of electricity through to practical electric circuits and basic concepts of waves through to the particle nature of waves will all be covered in this course.
Year two content
The second year will build on the learning from year one in the following areas:
Development of Practical Skills in Physics 2- Building on your skills from the first year, this unit will include a more advanced range of practical work that will enable you to further hone your practical skills. You will undertake another six formal practical experiments to complete a logged programme of practical work. When you complete all practical assignments you will be eligible for a practical endorsement as well as being fully prepared for practical related questions in the theory examinations.
Newtonian World and Astrophysics- You will develop a deeper understanding of mathematical physics by studying Newton’s Laws in more detail. By exploring the ideas of momentum and gravitation and relating to theory you have already mastered, you will develop a richer understanding of the fundamental concepts of motion and to understand how satellites work and why time isn’t the same for everybody. A new way of looking at the behaviour of gases will also be introduced, and you will develop a more advanced understanding of gas laws and the thermal properties of materials.
Particles and Medical Physics- This will be the most challenging part of the two years, where you will be introduced to the current cosmological theories of the origins of the universe, the evolution of stars and the nuclear processes that power stars. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the structure of atoms and elementary particles and, after studying more electromagnetism, you will be able to apply this understanding to how medical imaging equipment works.
