A Level Physics

OCR A
Quick Guide


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1. Guide Contents

1. Guide Contents ___________________________________________________________ 2
2. Course Outline: AS Physics OCR A (H158 _______________________________________ 3
3. Course Outline: A2 Physics OCR A (H158 _______________________________________ 4
4. Course AS Specification Outline ______________________________________________ 5
5. Course AS Specification Outline ______________________________________________ 6
6. Physics Department at St Gregorys Catholic College _____________________________ 7
What is Physics? ___________________________________________________________________ 7
Why study Physics? _________________________________________________________________ 7
7. Physics Curriculum at St Gregorys Catholic College ______________________________ 8
Aims _____________________________________________________________________________ 8
Expectations __________________________________________________________________ 8
Attendance ________________________________________________________________________ 8
Completing homework _______________________________________________________________ 9
Keeping records of your work __________________________________________________________ 9
Reviewing work ____________________________________________________________________ 10
Contacting your teachers ____________________________________________________________ 10
8. Assessment _____________________________________________________________ 11
Homework ____________________________________________________________________________ 11
Tests _________________________________________________________________________________ 11
Monitoring and increasing your progress _____________________________________________________ 11
External assessment _____________________________________________________________________ 11
9. Coursework: G483 Practical Skills in Physics Assessment _________________________ 12
10. Mark Allocation for AS units ______________________________________________ 13
11. Some Basics ___________________________________________________________ 14
12. How to answer written questions in Physics _________________________________ 15
13. Course Specifications and Exam Past Papers _________________________________ 15
14. Equipment & Books for A level Physics______________________________________ 16
Revision Guides ___________________________________________________________________ 16
Physics review ____________________________________________________________________ 16









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2. Course Outline: AS Physics OCR A (H158)


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3. Course Outline: A2 Physics OCR A (H158)


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4. Course AS Specification Outline

AS Unit G481: Mechanics
This unit consists of three teaching modules:

Module 1: Motion
1.1.1 Physical quantities and units
1.1.2 Scalars and vectors
1.1.3 Kinematics
1.1.4 Linear motion

Module 2: Forces in action
1.2.1 Force
1.2.2 Nonlinear motion
1.2.3 Equilibrium
1.2.4 Car safety

Module 3: Work and energy
1.3.1 Work and conservation of energy
1.3.2 Kinetic and potential energies
1.3.3 Power
1.3.4 Behaviour of springs and materials

AS Unit G482: Electrons, Waves and Photons
This unit consists of five teaching modules:

Module 1: Electric current
2.1.1 Electric current
Module 2: Resistance
2.2.1 Circuit symbols
2.2.2 E.m.f. and p.d.
2.2.3 Resistance
2.2.4 Resistivity
2.2.5 Power

Module 3: DC circuits
2.3.1 Series and parallel circuits
2.3.2 Practical circuits
Module 4: Waves
2.4.1 Wave motion
2.4.2 Electromagnetic waves
2.4.3 Interference
2.4.4 Stationary waves
Module 5: Quantum physics
2.5.1 Energy of a photon
2.5.2 The photoelectric effect
2.5.3 Wave-particle duality
2.5.4 Energy levels in atoms




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5. Course AS Specification Outline

AS Unit G484: The Newtonian World

This unit consists of three teaching modules:

Module 1: Newtons laws and momentum

4.1.1 Newtons laws of motion
4.1.2 Collisions
Module 2: Circular motion and oscillations

4.2.1 Circular motion
4.2.2 Gravitational Fields
4.2.3 Simple harmonic oscillations

Module 3: Thermal Physics

4.3.1 Solid, liquid and gas
4.3.2 Temperature
4.3.3 Thermal properties of materials

AS Unit G485: Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics

This unit consists of five teaching modules:

Module 1: Electric and magnetic fields

5.1.1 Electric fields
5.1.2 Magnetic fields
5.1.3 Electromagnetism
Module 2: Capacitors and exponential decay

5.2.1 Capacitors

Module 3: Nuclear physics

5.3.1 The nuclear atom
5.3.2 Fundamental particles
5.3.3 Radioactivity
5.3.4 Nuclear fission and fusion
Module 4: Medical imaging

5.4.1 X-rays
5.4.2 Diagnostic methods in medicine
5.4.3 Ultrasound
Module 5: Modelling the universe

5.5.1 Structure of the universe
5.5.2 The evolution of the universe
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6. Physics Department at St Gregorys Catholic College

We are delighted that you have chosen to study A Level physics and we hope that
this course will give you a greater understanding of how and why Physics is so
important in the modern world.

What is Physics?

Physics is the study of matter and its motion through time and space, including
the related concepts of force and energy. Physics concerns everything from the
smallest building blocks of matter created in the big bang to the ultimate fate of
the whole universe.
Physics is not set in stone and fixed for all time. Like other sciences it is constantly
evolving as new theories, discoveries and ways of thinking gradually take the
place of previous knowledge and understanding. You can be part of this new age
of discovery.

Isaac Newton describes the fun and excitement of studying Physics:
I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have
been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself in now
and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst
the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.
You will study things that you never knew before, and learn about relatively new
discoveries that have changed our ways of thinking.
Why study Physics?

Physics is not only interesting, it is also highly marketable. Of all the subjects listed
for entry on to a degree, physics came second only to maths in the number of
times it was listed as essential in a recent report by twenty of the leading UK
universities. Not only is physics a preferred subject for university, it is also the first
step towards careers in not just engineering and science, but also finance, law,
architecture and journalism.
With an A level in Physics you have proved that you possess a wide range of key
skills, exactly what employers and universities are looking for. A level Physics
covers a wide range of transferable skills from the use of IT in data-logging
experiments; to the numerical skills that are the bedrock of the subject, essential
in problem-solving and in practical work; to skill in written expression needed to
write explanations.
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7. Physics Curriculum at St Gregorys Catholic College
Aims

The course has been designed to:
provide seamless progression from the Key Stage 4 programme of study and
enable students to sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in,
physics and its applications
develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment and
foster the development of skills in the design and execution of experiments
develop essential knowledge and understanding in physics and, where
appropriate, the applications of physics with an appreciation of their
significance and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing
situations
demonstrate the importance of physics as a human endeavour that interacts
with social, philosophical, economic and industrial matters
be a suitable preparation for higher educational courses in physics and related
courses.

You will have two physics teachers who will take you through the series of OCR A
modules, examined in the Summer term.
Our approach begins with the consideration of an application that draws on many
different areas of physics, and then moves on to the laws, theories and models of
physics underlying this application.
Expectations

Studying Physics at A level requires commitment. You will have at least 9 hours of
Physics per fortnight and most of you will need to put in at least as much time
again outside of lessons if you are to achieve your best.

Attendance

It is important that you attend all lessons. If you miss any lessons it is your
responsibility to catch up the classwork and the homework by the next lesson.
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Completing homework
Your teachers set your homework for you to practice using what you have been
learning and so that you and they can assess your progress. This enables your
teachers to give you the best support going through the course.

It is a basic expectation that homework will be handed in on time. Teachers have
a constant cycle of setting and marking work and cannot be expected to mark
work just when you feel like doing it.
If you experience difficulties in completing homework it is essential that you
contact your teacher before the deadline.
Keeping records of your work
We ask you to be organised, and keep everything in a place where you can easily
find your work and notes easily. Since we live in the 21st century, not everything
is now done on paper. There will be times when you are required to do work on
paper (still very common!), and times when an electronic activity is the only
option/requirement.
So, in most cases, you will need a hybrid system of organising your work..

Paper-based storage system
This is a traditional way of storing notes/information. Very heavily dependent on
your organisational skills, and still required in many aspects of your studies at A-
level, such as practical work, and individual note-taking
Have two files for the subject:
You should have a ring binder to store all your current notes. This is convenient
since the specification breaks down into well-defined sections. After the
completion of each section, transfer the notes into the second ring binder. Label
the dividers with the different sections of the physics specification.

Electronic Storage system
You can use a laptop/desktop to store the notes/work you produce in class and
resources that you want to take from the VLE.
1. Make a folder such as Physics AS,
2. Make subfolders for each Unit you study (Unit 1, Unit2, etc.)
3. Make any further subfolders in the Unit folder for different sections
(Good enough to eat, Probing the heart of matter, etc.)
Using this method you do not have to do any transfer any notes, since they will be
automatically in the right folder.
Essential: Backup your work on a weekly basis. This can be done by using a USB
stick, or external hard drive. In this way, you will always have a backup set of
notes if your laptop develops a problem, or goes missing.
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Reviewing work

From the very first lesson, you will need to make sure that you understand the
work that you have done. Passive reading is not a constructive way of
consolidating knowledge and understanding.
Highlight the main key points
If you have any questions, annotate your notes and ask a teacher.
Practice calculations
Remember that the questions set by your teacher are a minimum if you need
more practice, do it!
Ask for assistance
Your teachers can and will assist you with any areas of work that you need
assistance with, but you need to let them know! Contact them by email or speak
to them in person, either at the end of a lesson, or via the Physics room in G2.
Definitions and equations
We suggest that you build up a list of definitions (could be done as a spreadsheet
so that you can sort by module or alphabetically) and an equations page that you
can use for reference throughout the course and while revising.

Contacting your teachers

Should you be experiencing any difficulties with anything physics related, please
speak to us. If you cannot see us in school, your teachers can be contacted by
email and at normal times you should get a response within a couple of days.


MR BURN (Room G2)

burns@st-gregorys.bathnes.sch.uk


MR COOPER (Room S5)

cooperm@st-gregorys.bathnes.sch.uk


St Gregorys Science Website

Access to all course information can be found on the science website:

http://st-gregorys-science.weebly.com/
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8. Assessment
Homework

You will be set regular homework by your teachers. Some of this you will be
expected to mark yourself and some they will collect in for marking.

Tests

To enable you and us to assess your suitability for the course, you will be given a
test in class in the middle of October in year 12 and 13. If you are working hard
and making good progress, this should be no problem.
In year 12 you will have mock exams just to make sure that you are on track.

Monitoring and increasing your progress

Above all, we want you to enjoy and succeed at Physics. Even if at times you do
not seem to be working towards this goal, your teachers will to everything that
they can to get you there.
You will be told your minimum target grade early on in the year. It is likely that
this will be considerably lower than you are aiming for because the calculation
takes a lot of data into account, rather than focussing on your physics ability. Your
teachers will discuss this with you and agree a challenge target grade which you
will work towards.
If at any stage your teachers think that you could be doing better, they will put
things into place to support you in this. In the first instance this might be a
suggestion that you come and see them outside lessons to go through something
that you are struggling with, or to come to the twilight lesson for a period until
you are up to speed. If your teachers have more serious concerns they may start
you on the sixth form staging procedure.

External assessment

You will sit two external exams each summer (there are no January exams in
Physics); one for each module. Your coursework (see chapter 6) will also be
submitted in the summer term.

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9. Coursework: G483 Practical Skills in Physics Assessment

We have to submit three marks for you. One for each of the following:
Qualitative task
Quantitative task
Evaluation task

These are tasks set by the exam board that can be done at any time (in exam
conditions) which you will do on your own and will get no help.
The board will supply us with three different tasks of each type (i.e. a total of 9).

Qualitative task (10 marks)
An experiment that requires fewer measurements.

Follow instructions to carry out an experiment safely and skilfully.
Make observations, record and communicate them clearly.

Quantitative task (20 marks)
Similar to the qualitative task but requires more careful/numerous measurements
and therefore more analysis can be carried out.

Demonstrate and describe safe and skilful practical techniques.
Make and record measurements with appropriate precision.
Analyse your results.
Interpret and explain results.

Evaluation task (10 marks)
For the same experiment as the quantitative task but using data supplied by the
exam board.

Evaluate results and method of experiment
Assess reliability and accuracy by calculating percentage differences and
uncertainties.
Identify weakness and suggest improvements.





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10. Mark Allocation for AS units

Unit Name Duration Mode of
Assessment

Marks Weighting
AS A2
G481 Mechanics 1 hr Exam 60 30% 15%
G482 Electrons, waves and
photons
1hr 45 Exam 100 50% 25%
G483 Practical skills 1 Each 1 hr Practical 40 20% 10%
G484
The Newtonian world
1 hr 15 Exam 60 15%
G485
Fields, particles and
frontiers of physics
2hrs Exam 100 25%
G486 Practical skills 2 Each 1 hr Practical 40 10%


You will have to pay to retake any modules you do not do well enough
in the first time.

Universities will know if you have had to re-take modules to get the
grade that you required.

Students nearly always do worse when they re-take a module (unless
they work a lot harder than normal or get a tutor).
Make sure you do well enough the first time!














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11. Some Basics

1. Prior knowledge:
You will be expected to remember and be able to use all the physics you
studied at GCSE. If you had revision books etc. for GCSE do not throw them
away. They will still be useful to remind you the basics whilst you are
studying A-level physics.

2. What are you meant to learn?
At the start of each chapter you will be given a content checklist.
Each chapter in the textbook also has a summary at the end.
Understand all this and you won't go far wrong!

3. Reviewing notes
We expect you to complete this activity every week. Look through notes
with your textbook, any other reference books you have and possibly a
computer with CD and internet access.

4. Homework:
Don't leave it until the night before it is due - try it as soon as it is set so you
can get help if you need it.
Get it done by the date when you are asked to. The rest of the class are not
going to wait for you.

5. Attendance and Punctuality:
You need to attend all your lessons and get there on time. You may think
you are the next Einstein but if you are not in the lessons you won't learn
anything.

6. Revision
People often find their own techniques that best suit them. Some general
guidelines:
Do not just read notes or a book. You will remember very little.
Make brief written notes of some sort.
Try to actually work out if you understand it!
Make a note of what you need help with.
Working with someone else could be very helpful (or could distract you).
You will need to practice old exam questions (but do not rely on this
alone).
Make a list of the key terms you come across in a topic and write you
own definitions.
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12. How to answer written questions in Physics

When you first read an A level question you may not have any idea how to do it.
Do not panic; do not give up; this is normal.
Follow the following procedure to help you do the question. It will also help you
get all the marks when it comes to doing questions in exams.

Firstly:

1. Read the question carefully, more than once.
2. Write down (or highlight) all of the key bits of info given in the question.
3. Write down any equations that you know are needed.
4. Draw a diagram of the situation the question relates to (if you can).
5. Read carefully what the question is asking you to do.
6. Try to start the question.

If you are still stuck do the following:

7. Look up any equations that you might need.
8. Find a book or website that can explain the physics or give you examples of
similar questions.
9. Ask a fellow student for help (if any of them will talk to you) but do not copy
their work - this is pointless.
10. Ask your teacher for help (before the deadline for handing in the work).

If you hand in homework and you have not tried all these things then you have
not done you HW properly!
13. Course Specifications and Exam Past Papers

All course information can be obtained on the OCR website.
http://www.ocr.org.uk/


Good luck

Remember we are here to help you!
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14. Equipment & Books for A level Physics

You will obviously need to come to all lessons with a minimum of your current
notes, your textbook, a calculator, pen, pencil and ruler.

Keep your notes tidy with one folder / section for each teacher and with the pages
kept in order (you can number them). Keep notes and HW on separate pages.

Course textbook:
You will need to purchase a copy of the course textbook:

AS Physics (OCR A)
Physics 1 for OCR with CD-ROM
By David Sang & Gurinder Chadha
Published by Cambridge OCR Advanced
Sciences
ISBN-13: 978-0521724555
A2 Physics (OCR A)
Physics 2 for OCR with CD-ROM
By David Sang & Gurinder Chadha
Published by Cambridge OCR Advanced
Sciences
ISBN-13: 978-0521738309

The textbook comes with A CD ROM which has lots of useful resources such as
checklists and ideas about revision techniques. The school will also be able to sell
you a revision guide that is designed for this course.

The school library includes various useful books and other resources some for
loan and some just for reference.
Revision Guides
A revision guide is an invaluable companion to the course. We strongly
recommend the OCR specific revision guide which you can buy yourself of through
the school.
Physics review
To aid you the A level physics course, Philip Allen Publishers offer a magazine
called Physics Review which provides specially written articles for A level
students and grade boosting advice from examiners.
Each issue features:
Specially written articles by leading scientists on how physics works, helping
students apply theory to the real world
Grade-boosting advice from examiners who know that they need to do to get
those top grades
Additional online support each issue features tailored resources to revise,
research and improve understanding of key topics
To find out more go to http://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/magazines