OCR A Level Physics
Course Title A Level Physics (Specification A)
Examining Body OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA)
Course Duration 2 Years
Overview of the Course Physics allows you to understand how the universe works, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the movement of galaxies. This course challenges you to model physical systems using mathematics and logic. You will explore forces, energy, waves, and fields, applying these concepts to real-world contexts like medical imaging and space exploration.
How the Course is Examined Assessment consists of three exams taken at the end of the course.
- Paper 1: Modelling Physics (37% of total A Level) – Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes) covering modules 1, 2, 3, and 5.
- Paper 2: Exploring Physics (37% of total A Level) – Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes) covering modules 1, 2, 4, and 6.
- Paper 3: Unified Physics (26% of total A Level) – Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) covering all modules (1–6).
- Practical Endorsement in Physics: Assessed separately via a portfolio of practical work completed during the course (Pass/Fail).
Further Information Content is structured into six modules:
- Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics.
- Module 2: Foundations of physics (physical quantities, units, measurements).
- Module 3: Forces and motion (Newton’s laws, momentum, work, energy, materials).
- Module 4: Electrons, waves and photons (circuits, waves, quantum physics).
- Module 5: Newtonian world and astrophysics (thermal physics, circular motion, gravity, cosmology).
- Module 6: Particles and medical physics (capacitors, electric fields, nuclear physics, medical imaging).
Where the Qualification Can Lead To Physics is a key STEM subject that signals high numeracy and problem-solving ability.
- University: Physics, Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Aeronautical), Mathematics, Computer Science, Astrophysics, and Architecture.
- Careers: Engineer, Data Analyst, Software Developer, Medical Physicist, Research Scientist, and roles in Banking/Finance.