A Level Physics

Course codes: OSC1291 / OSC1311 / OSC1312

Study A Level Physics from the comfort of your own home and choose when to take your exams. A convenient and stress-free way to study that fits around your existing commitments.

Gain up to 56 UCAS points to help you land your dream place at University
Official AQA Physics A Level
Develop both the theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject
Learn the necessary practical skills to apply Physics in further education
Carry out experimental and investigative activities in a range of contexts
Study at your own time and pace with no strict deadlines to contend with
Exam and practical fees included - we'll book your exams and practical assessment for you when you're ready!

Save money on your A Levels and GCSEs - buy any 2 and save £50, buy a third and save an additional £100. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Course Options	Please choose a course option to see prices	Course Material + Exams + Practical Course Material + Exams Course Material only
Study Options	Study Online Study Pack
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As well as your A Level course materials and tutor support, this course can include the examination fees and practical assessment needed to successfully gain your A Level Physics qualification and those all-important UCAS points.

Simply receive your course materials online or by post and start studying to gain that all-important A Level. If you add on your exams, when you are ready, we will book the exams for you so you can focus on your studies.

This course can be completed without taking the A Level exam and practical assessment.

Course Duration

Up to 2 years

Course Outcome

A Level in Physics (you must take the A Level exams to achieve this).

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

3 paper-based exams.

AQA Specification Code 7408

Topic 1

Measurements and their Errors

Fundamental (base) units
Mass, length, time, quantity of matter, temperature,
Electric current
SI units
SI prefixes, values and standard
Light intensity
Prefixes
Unit converting
Random and systematic errors
Uncertainty
Graph using error bars
Gradient uncertainties
Straight-line graph
Magnitude
Values of physical quantities

Topic 2

Particles and Radiation

Constituents of the atom
Stable and unstable nuclei
Particles, antiparticles and photons
Particle interactions
Classification of particles
Quarks and antiquarks
Applications of conservation laws
The photoelectric effect
Collisions of electrons with atoms
Energy levels and photon emission
Wave-particle duality

Topic 3

Waves

Progressive waves
Longitudinal and transverse waves
Formation of stationary waves
Interference
Diffraction
Refraction at a plane surface

Topic 4

Mechanics and Materials

Scalars and vectors
Moments
Motion along a straight line
Projectile motion
Newton’s laws of motion
Momentum
Work, energy and power
Conservation of energy
Bulk properties of solids
The Young modulus

Topic 5

Electricity

Basics of electricity
Current–voltage characteristics
Resistivity
Circuits
Potential divider
Electromotive force and internal resistance

Topic 6

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Circular motion
Simple harmonic motion (SHM)
Simple harmonic systems
Forced vibrations and resonance
Thermal energy transfer
Ideal gases
Molecular kinetic theory model

Topic 7

Fields and their Consequences

Fields
Newton's law
Gravitational field strength
Gravitational potential
Orbits of planets and satellites
Electric fields
Electric field strength
Electric potential
Capacitance
Parallel plate capacitor
Energy stored by a capacitor
Capacitor charge and discharge
Magnetic flux density
Moving charges in a magnetic field
Magnetic flux and flux linkage
Electromagnetic induction
Alternating currents
The operation of a transformer

Topic 8

Nuclear Physics Rutherford scattering

α, β and γ radiation
Radioactive decay
Nuclear instability
Nuclear radius
Mass and energy
Induced fission
Safety aspects

Topic 8

Astrophysics

Astronomical telescope consisting of two converging lenses
Reflecting telescopes
Single dish radio telescopes, I-R, U-V and X-ray telescopes
Advantages of large diameter telescopes
Classification by luminosity
Absolute magnitude, M
Classification by temperature, black-body radiation
Principles of the use of stellar spectral classes
The Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram
Supernovae, neutron stars and black holes
Doppler effect
Hubble's law
Quasars
Detection of exoplanets

Assessment

To achieve the full Physics A Level you will be assessed across the nine topics and 12 practical assessments. All units will be assessed by three paper-based examinations. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.

Practical Assessment

4 x practical sessions – these run at certain times of the year and must be attended prior to sitting your examinations and must be attended in the same year as your examination.

Course Duration

You will have 2 years to complete the full A Level from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines. Your only deadlines are the A Level examinations, which take place at certain times during the year.

If you add on the exams, the examinations for this course will be taken at a centre in Birmingham; we will book these for you when you feel you are ready. Additional exam centres in various locations will soon become available.

Study Method

This course enables you to study for an A Level in Physics by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent via email. Full tutor support will be available via email, so help is only a click away! Your course will include self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked study questions, so you can monitor your progress.

Course Outcome

Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive the AQA accredited A Level in Physics. These subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work.

Thinking of Going to University?

Open Study College are proud to partner with QA Higher Education, providing students with the unique opportunity to progress into higher education. This partnership aims to support our students in finding and securing a university place at one of QA Higher Education’s conveniently located teaching centres across the UK.

Paper 1

Type: Written examination
Duration: 2 hours
Weighing: 34% of A Level
Total Marks: 85
Assessment format: A mixture of short and long answer questions and multiple-choice questions

Paper 2

Type: Written examination
Duration: 2 hours
Weighing: 34% of A Level
Total Marks: 85
Assessment format: A mixture of short and long answer questions and multiple-choice questions

Paper 3

Type: Written examination
Duration: 2 hours
Weighing: 32% of A Level
Total Marks: 80
Assessment format: A mixture of short and long answer questions

Is this the same qualification as an A Level from a school or college?

Yes! You study the same coursework, take the same examinations and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is designed to be studied from home, and you receive full tutor support via email.

What skills are needed to enrol on this course?

It is recommended that you have a GCSE in Physics or a related science subject at grade C or above. You are also required to have a grade C or above in the higher tier Mathematics GCSE as up to 10% of the marks awarded in this course will be related to mathematical principles.

What is included in the cost of the course?

Dedicated personal tutor support
Dedicated student support
Assignment marking and feedback
FREE CV critique service
FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers
FREE XO Student Discounts card
Practical assessments
*Comprehensive study guide
*Open Study College study pack

* Not included with the online study option

Is there a required reading list?

There is no required reading for this A Level, however you will need to conduct your own research using the internet.

Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. If you add these on, we will book these exams for you. Please note, if you add these on the package, you will need to sit these exams in the Birmingham examination centre.

Students will also need to attend the practical elements of this course in Birmingham in the same educational year as the examinations; we will also book these practical assessments for you.

Are there any additional costs?

No, all costs are included within the price! If you don’t add on the exams, you will need to book and pay for these separately. You may want to purchase textbooks to supplement your course, but this is entirely optional.

What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A Level course but must take the examinations within the UK as this is the only guaranteed way to access examination centres.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our Student Adviser Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.

A Level Physics

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