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CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL AS & A2 PHYSICS

Introduction

Why consider Physics for your A-Level studies? Physics is a rigorous course designed to develop sound
thinking skills and to provide a fundamental background for todays technological world. Physics is essential
for many of the following career opportunities and important in all of them.

Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural Science, Air-traffic Control, Air Force, Architecture, Army, Astronaut,
Astronomy, Audiology, Automobile Engineering, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Building Technology,
Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Civil Service Science Provision, Computer-aided Design, Computer Programming, Dentistry,
Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology, Electronics Engineering, Electronics Technology, Environmental Health,
Ergonomicist, Film Production, Film Stunt Control, Flight Engineering, Food Science, Geophysics, Health & Safety Control,
Industrial Engineering, Information Science, Journalism (Science), Laboratory Technology, Lighting Technology, Marine
Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Physics, Medical Care, Merchant Navy, Metallurgy,
Meteorology, Mining Engineering, Motor Repair, Navy, Nuclear Engineering and Science, Optometry, Patent Agency,
Pharmaceutical, Physics, Physiotherapy, Piloting Aircraft, Production Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Radio & TV Service,
Radiographer, Recording Studio Services, Space Science & Engineering, Structural Engineering, Systems Analysis, Teaching
(Science & Mathematics), Technical Writing, Telecommunications and Veterinary Science.

Cambridge International AS & A2 Level Physics qualifications are accepted by universities and employers as
proof of essential knowledge and ability. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition.

This syllabus is designed:

to give a thorough introduction to the study of Physics and scientific methods
to develop skills and abilities that are relevant to the safe practice of science and to everyday life:
concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, the skills of enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
to emphasise the understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles, rather than the
recall of factual material
to enable candidates to become confident citizens in a technological world and to take an informed
interest in matters of scientific importance
to promote the use of IT as an aid to experiments and as a tool for the interpretation of experimental and
theoretical results.

Aims

The aims of our AS & A2 Level Physics courses based on this syllabus are to:

1. provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational
experience for all students, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level and, in particular,
to enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to:

become confident citizens in a technological world and be able to take or develop an informed
interest in scientific matters
recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and to appreciate its applicability in
other disciplines and in everyday life
be suitably prepared for studies beyond A Level in Physics, in Engineering or in Physics-dependent
vocational courses.

2. develop abilities and skills that:

are relevant to the study and practice of science

are useful in everyday life
encourage efficient and safe practice
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encourage effective communication.

3. develop attitudes relevant to science such as:

concern for accuracy and precision

objectivity
integrity
the skills of enquiry
initiative
inventiveness.

4. stimulate interest in, and care for, the environment in relation to the environmental impact of Physics
and its applications.

5. promote an awareness:

that the study and practice of Physics are co-operative and cumulative activities, and are subject to
social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations
that the implications of Physics may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community
and the environment
of the importance of the use of IT for communication, as an aid to experiments and as a tool for the
interpretation of experimental and theoretical results.

6. stimulate students and create a sustained interest in Physics so that the study of the subject is enjoyable
and satisfying.

Syllabus Content Showing Distribution Across AS & A2

Section Content AS A2
Section AS A2
I General Physics 1. Physical quantities and units
2. Measurement techniques
II Newtonian mechanics 3. Kinematics
4. Dynamics
5. Forces
6. Work, energy, power
7. Motion in a circle
8. Gravitational field
III Matter 9. Phases of matter
10. Deformation of solids
11. Ideal gases
12. Temperature
13. Thermal properties of
materials
IV Oscillations and waves 14. Oscillations
15. Waves
16. Superposition

V Electricity and magnetism 17. Electric fields

18. Capacitance
19. Current of electricity
20. D.C. circuits
21. Magnetic fields
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22. Electromagnetism
23. Electromagnetic induction
24. Alternating currents
VI Modern Physics 25. Charged particles
26. Quantum physics
27. Nuclear physics
VII Gathering and 28. Direct sensing
communicating 29. Remote sensing
information 30. Communicating information

Assessment - AS Level (Year 12)

Paper 1
The paper will consist of 40 questions, all of the multi choice type with four options. All questions will be
based on the AS syllabus. Candidates will answer all questions.

Paper 2
This paper will consist of a variable number of structured questions of variable mark value. All questions will
be based on the AS syllabus. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question
paper.

Paper 3
This paper will consist of two experiments drawn from different areas of Physics. Candidates will be
allowed to use the apparatus for each experiment for a maximum of 1 hour. The examiners will not be
restricted by the subject content. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the
question paper.

Assessment - A2 Level (Year 13)

Paper 4
This paper will consist of two sections:
Section A (70 marks) will consist of questions based on the A2 core, but may include material first
encountered in the AS syllabus.
Section B (30 marks) will consist of questions based on Applications of Physics, but may include
material first encountered in the core (AS and A2) syllabus.
Both sections will consist of a variable number of structured questions of variable mark value. Candidates
will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.

Paper 5
This paper will consist of two questions of equal mark value based on the practical skills of planning, analysis
and evaluation. The examiners will not be restricted by the subject content. Candidates will answer all
questions,
on the question paper.

Delivery
The course is delivered over 5 periods per week, by Mr G Linscott and Mr G Cranwell, covering both theory
and practical laboratory work. The Cambridge Endorsed Text Book, International A/AS Level Physics by
Chris Mee, Wendy Brown et al, has been carefully prepared for the University of Cambridge International
Examinations course for A and AS Level Physics It covers the main theoretical concepts and current
applications of physics, with a strong emphasis on the required practical skills, providing an excellent resource
for those wishing to study physics at university level, or to follow a career in science. The material is
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approachable to students from the very start of their course, and gives them all the guidance and information
needed to enable them to face their exams with confidence.

Students are encouraged to adopt a mature approach from the beginning to the question of self study,
including homework. They are expected to keep up with the course on a daily basis, working through all the
examples in the text book and approaching their teachers for help when they find difficulty.

Entry requirements
Students wishing to take this course must receive a minimum grade of CC at IGCSE or equivalent level(s).

Learn more about AICE at http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/aice

Conclusion

Graduate physicists often find themselves gainfully employed in areas which do not seem directly related to
their undergraduate courses for example in the insurance industry. This is because the rigourous approach
to physics courses, so necessary for success, provides qualities much sought after by all employers, even in
unrelated fields.