Geneva English School
Physics
Physics
Physics explains your place in the world around you. It also attempts to show how your world fits into the vast space that is the universe. The laws of physics transcend borders, so wherever you are it puts maths into practice and teaches you to think and develop intellectually.
As possibly the most versatile subject to pursue at A Level it will make you attractive to university recruiters. It will open doors into all kinds of interesting career choices and complements most other A Level subject choices.
You don’t have to be a genius to study physics but you’d be pretty smart to choose it.
Course content
Being the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, Physics seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between the galaxies.
In year 12, we will build on prior knowledge and topics such as Mechanics, Waves and Electricity. We’ll also introduce new topics such as Particle Physics and Quantum Phenomena.
In year 13, we will develop these ideas further through the study of Electrical, Gravitational and Magnetic Fields.
Other topics will include Thermal Physics and Nuclear Physics.
In addition, you will study one of the following:
- Astrophysics,
- Medical physics,
- Engineering physics,
- Turning points in physics, or
- Electronics.
Inspirational Starting Point
For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge Of Time – A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics by Walter Lewin
Course Preparation
We recommend the GCSE to A Level progression activities and additional reading:
- GCSE to A Level Progression
- Six Easy Pieces by Richard P Feynman
Future pathways
Studying Physics at A Level or degree level opens up all sorts of career opportunities. Here are just a few:
- Geophysicist/field seismologist
- Healthcare scientist, medical physics
- Higher education lecturer or secondary school teacher
- Radiation protection practitioner
- Research scientist (physical sciences)
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Meteorologist
- Structural or Acoustic engineer
- Product/process development scientist
- Systems developer
- Technical author
You can also move into engineering, astrophysics, chemical physics, nanotechnology, renewable energy and more. With physics, the opportunities are endless.
- Entrance Criteria
- Exam Board & Specification
- Assessment