IAL Physics

“It doesn’t matter how beautiful your theory is, it doesn’t matter how smart you are. If it doesn’t agree with the experiment, it’s wrong.”                                                                 Richard P. Feynman

 

Physics is a challenging and interesting subject which will help you to understand the world and universe around you!

From the birth and death of stars to the fleeting interactions of tiny particles, Physics studies how our world works.  The International A Level course includes traditional areas of mechanics, waves, thermal properties, electricity and magnetism as well as some of the more recent discoveries in particle physics and cosmology.  It is a fascinating subject, driven by the desire to find out how and why matter behaves the way it does.  Physics is not only interesting, it is also highly marketable. With an International A level in Physics you have proved that you possess a wide range of Key Skills, exactly what employers and universities are looking for today. Indeed there can be few subjects at A level that cover such a wide range of transferable skills – from the use of IT in data-logging experiments (downloading data from sensors to spreadsheets); to the numerical skills that are the bedrock of the subject, essential in problem-solving and in practical work; to the skills of expression needed to write clear explanations.

Physics suits someone who is fascinated by how things work, by fundamental questions about the way the world is and by the exactness of science.  Studying the subject you will feel that what you learn builds upon what you did at GCSE but in a more mathematical way. Physics is most often studied alongside Maths, Economics, Biology, Computing or Chemistry, but – as an AS or a full A level – it can give an analytical edge to any combination of subjects. It suits someone who enjoys problem-solving and is interested in explaining how the material world works.

The International A-level Physics is also an important qualification for many careers. Some students go on to study physics at university. Perhaps the majority of those who study A-level Physics do so in order to apply their physics knowledge in another subject area at university.  Examples of this are the many branches of engineering, electronics and meteorology. For these careers, A-level Physics is essential.  It is also useful for Economics, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Computing.  Others may want to follow a career in a completely unrelated area such as law, finance or accountancy.

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