Advancing Physics
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Advancing Physics is an A-level physics course examined by OCR which was developed in association with the Institute of Physics with assessment through written examinations and teacher-assessed coursework. It may also be referred to Physics 'B' to distinguish it from the OCR's other Physics course.
The course, in line with all other A-level courses consists of 6 modules. The first three make up the AS Level, the last three representing the A2 section of the course. All six are required in order to obtain the full A-level qualification.
Contents |
[edit] Modules
The modules are, in the order they are studied:
- Physics In Action
- Understanding Processes (Both assessed via. 1h 30m examinations)
- Physics In Practice (A teacher-assessed coursework module)
- Rise and Fall of the Clockwork Universe
- Field and Particle Physics (Both assessed via. 1h 15m examinations and a piece of coursework)
- Advances In Physics (Assessed via. a 1h 30m examination)
[edit] Physics In Action
This module is intended to provide a transition from a double-award GCSE in Science to the A-level course. This module focuses on practical uses of physics. Topics covered are Imaging, Sensing, Signalling, Testing Materials and Looking Inside Materials.
[edit] Understanding Processes
This module focuses on previously unexplored aspects of physics including the basics of quantum mechanics as well as calculating expected outcomes. Topics covered are Wave Behaviour, Quantum Behaviour, Mapping Space and Time and Computing the Next Move.
[edit] Physics In Practice
This module consists of three main coursework tasks. An instrumentation task, a presentation on a material of the candidates choice and a data analysis task.
[edit] Rise and Fall of the Clockwork Universe
This module focuses on the idea of the universe as a machine with all events being part of a mathematical model. Topics covered are Creating Models, Out into Space, Our Place in the Universe and Matter: Ideal and Extremes. Also assessed under this unit is the Practical Investigation coursework, an investigation to be carried out over a period of two weeks on a topic of the candidates choice.
[edit] Field and Particle Pictures
This module focuses on fields and how they affect us on both and atomic and macroscopic level. Topics covered are Electromagnetic Machines, Charge and Field, Probing Deep into Matter, Ionising Radiation and Risk. Also asssessed under this unit is the Research Report coursework, a report on a physics related topic of the canditate's choice covering various aspects of the course.
[edit] Advances in Physics
This module is a synoptic module, recapping concepts learnt throughout the whole course. There are two main sections, the first is a printed text which candidates receive several weeks before the examination. They can then examine the text and predict possible questions which may arise, being sure to revise carefully any related aspects of the course. They will then receive a clean copy of the text in the exam, along with questions based on the text. The second part of the module consists of questions not based on the article but taken from across all other sections of the course.
[edit] Course Support Materials
The Institute of Physics (IoP) have produced and published two books and two CD-ROMs to support the course. There is one book and CD-ROM for both the AS section of the course and A2 section. The two books contain all theory and methods that will be required in the exam whilst the CD-ROM offers a more in depth look at every topic as well other resources such as diagrams for show on an interactive whiteboard. The main method of browsing the text and other data on the CD is via. the Folio Views software. Also included on the CD are a number of software packages such as Modellus, a package to demonstrate the effects of mathematical models and Worldmaker, a package that can help students model situations and run simulations based on events occurring. The IoP have also created examples using these programmes linked to the course and these are included on the CD and also accessible through the main browser. In addition support materials are provided via. the IoP Advancing Physics website.
