International Advanced Level in Physics [Pearson EDEXCEL

International Advanced Level in Physics [Pearson EDEXCEL]         

Overview

Physics is one of the key disciplines in science and aims to provide explanations for natural phenomena from the very big (motion of planets) to the very small (interactions of sub-atomic particles). The A-Level course encourages students to develop their knowledge and understanding in Physics and, where appropriate, the applications of Physics. They will also build the skills needed to apply this knowledge in new and changing situations. Study of Physics will develop your ability to think logically and apply mathematical techniques. 

Course Description

The International A Level qualification is examined in six written unit papers. Units 1, 2 and 3 are sat in Term 3 of Year 12 and Units 4, 5 and 6 are sat in Term 3 of Year 13. Details of these and the general order of teaching are listed below. Practical skills are taught and developed throughout the course and are examined in Unit 3 in Year 12 and Unit 6 in Year 13. These are written papers and there is no practical examination or assessed practical coursework.

International Advanced Level Specification Code: YPH11

Unit Code Unit Content

1

WPH11/01 

Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials

• Vectors and Scalars, dynamics and uniform motion • Forces, momentum and impulse • Moments, work and power • Solid materials and fluid dynamics Written examination: (1 hr 30 mins)

This paper consists of a multiplechoice section and a mixture of shortopen, open-response and calculation questions.

2

WPH12/01 

Unit 2: Waves and Electricity

• Wave motion and standing waves • Superposition and interference effects • Optics, spectra and quantum physics • EMF, potential difference and current • Resistance and resistivity Written examination: (1 hr 30 mins)

This paper consists of a multiplechoice section, a mixture of shortopen, open-response and calculation questions.

Assessment

Weighting: 20% of the International A-Level 

Weighting: 20% of the International A-Level 

3

WPH13/01

Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I

This unit will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of experimental procedures and techniques that were developed in Units 1 and 2. Written examination (1 hr 20 mins) 

This paper may include short-open, open-response and calculation questions.

Weighting: 10% of the International A-Level  

4

WPH14/01

5

WPH15/01

6

WPH16/01

Unit 4: Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles

• Momentum in 2S and Circular motion • Electric fields and capacitance • Gravitational fields and potential • Electromagnetism and E-M induction • The standard model, particle accelerators and particle interactions Written examination: (1 hr 45 mins)

This paper consists of a multiplechoice section, a mixture of shortopen, open-response calculations and extended-writing questions and a data or calculation question.

Weighting: 20% of the International A-Level 

Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology

• Thermodynamics and ideal gases. • Nuclear decay, Activity and exponential decay • Simple harmonic motion, resonance and damping • Binding energy, fission and fusion and stellar life cycle • Red shift, cosmological expansion, big bang theory and the ultimate fate of the universe Written examination: (1 hr 45 mins)

This paper consists of a multiplechoice section, a mixture of shortopen, open-response calculations and extended-writing questions.

Weighting: 20% of the International A-Level 

Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II

This unit will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the experimental procedures and techniques that were developed in Units 4 and 5. Written examination (1 hr 20 mins) 

This paper may include short-open, open-response and calculation questions.

Weighting: 10% of the International A-Level 

Course Requirements

To study a Science subject in the sixth form, it is necessary that the applicant can demonstrate competence in the subject up to (I)GCSE level or similar. For existing Tanglin students the POP is a requirement, while a good track record in Maths is recommended. Students applying from outside Tanglin are likely to be asked to sit an entrance examination. 

Opportunities

Course combinations: Students who study Physics A Level must also study Mathematics at A Level. Other complimentary subjects include Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Art and Further Maths. 

Career Path:

Physics is recognised as an entry qualification for a wide range of Higher Education courses, ranging from Physics, the Sciences, Medicine to Engineering. Physics could also lead directly into employment - in the areas of radiography, and biotechnology for example.