A-level Physics Specification Overview

Physics Accessibility of Papers

• Improving the accessibility of academic papers in the field of physics.
• Additional information can be found on improving accessibility.

2.0 Specification at a Glance

• Overview of the qualification structure.
• Linear Qualification:
    - Students are required to sit all the AS exams at the end of their AS course.
    - All A-level exams are taken at the end of the A-level course.

3.0 Subject Content

• Core content areas for the courses:
    1. Measurements and Their Errors
       - Focus on understanding measurements and types of errors in physics.
    2. Particles and Radiation
       - Study of fundamental particles and the nature of radiation.
    3. Waves
       - Exploration of wave phenomena and their properties.
    4. Mechanics and Materials
       - Introduction to mechanics, material properties, and applications.
    5. Electricity
       - Fundamental principles of electricity, circuits, and components.
    6. Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics (A-level only)
       - Advanced concepts in mechanics and thermal energy transfer.
    7. Fields and Their Consequences (A-level only)
       - Study of gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields and related effects.
    8. Nuclear Physics (A-level only)
       - Topics related to atomic structure and nuclear reactions.
    9. Astrophysics (A-level only)
       - Examination of astronomical phenomena and principles.
    10. Medical Physics (A-level only)
        - Application of physics in medical technologies and practices.
    11. Engineering Physics (A-level only)
        - Examination of physics principles as they apply to engineering problems.
    12. Turning Points in Physics (A-level only)
        - Significant developments in the history of physics and their implications.
    13. Electronics (A-level only)
        - Basics of electronic circuits, components, and applications.

4.0 Scheme of Assessment

• Assessment structure broken down by paper:

Paper 1

• What’s assessed: Sections 1 - 5 and section 6.1 (Periodic motion).
• Exam Details:
    - Format: Assessed written exam.
    - Duration: 2 hours.
    - Marks: 85.
    - Percentage of A-level: 34%.
    - Question structure: 60 marks through short and long answer questions; 25 multiple choice questions.

Paper 2

• What’s assessed: Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7, and 8.
• Assumed Knowledge: Sections 1 to 6.1.
• Exam Details:
    - Format: Assessed written exam.
    - Duration: 2 hours.
    - Marks: 85.
    - Percentage of A-level: 34%.
    - Question structure: 60 marks through short and long answer questions; 25 multiple choice questions.

Paper 3

• What’s assessed:
    - Section A: Compulsory section on practical skills and data analysis.
    - Section B: Choice of one from sections 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13.
• Exam Details:
    - Format: Assessed written exam.
    - Duration: 2 hours.
    - Marks: 80.
    - Percentage of A-level: 32%.
    - Question structure: 45 marks on practical experiments and data analysis; 35 marks on the chosen optional topic.

5.0 General Administration

• Contact points for administrative queries regarding the A-level physics specifications.

6.0 Mathematical Requirements and Exemplifications

• Details regarding the mathematical skills required for the course and specific exemplifications for assessment.

7.0 Practical Assessment

• Emphasis on practical skills within physics as a critical component of the curriculum and assessment criteria.

Additional Information

• Details about becoming an examiner for AQA, services provided, and contact information for AQA.
• Notations on terms and conditions, accessibility, and cookie management.
• AQA’s public injunction related to public examinations, with information on how to submit concerns if needed.