Cambridge AS & A Level- Physics

by Nandana Surendran

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of physics, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of physics ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics is ideal for learners who want to study physics or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

Aims of the Syllabus

The aims listed below are not in order of priority. The aims of a course based on this syllabus should be to-

  1. Provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all learners, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level and, in particular, to enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to-
    • Become confident citizens in a technological world and be able to take or develop an informed interest in scientific matters
    • Recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and appreciate its applicability in other disciplines and in everyday life
    • Be suitably prepared for studies beyond Cambridge International A Level in physics, in engineering or in physics-dependent vocational courses.

  2. Develop abilities and skills that-
    • Are relevant to the study and practice of science
    • Are useful in everyday life
    • Encourage efficient and safe practice
    • Encourage effective communication.

  3. Develop attitudes relevant to science such as-
    • A concern for accuracy and precision
    • Objectivity
    • Integrity
    • A spirit of enquiry
    • Initiative
    • Inventiveness.

  4. Stimulate interest in, and care for, the environment in relation to the environmental impact of physics and its applications.

  5. Promote an awareness-
    • That the study and practice of physics are co-operative and cumulative activities, and are subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations
    • That the applications of physics may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment
    • Of the importance of the use of IT for communication, as an aid to experiments and as a tool for the interpretation of experimental and theoretical results.

  6. Stimulate learners and create a sustained interest in physics so that the study of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying.

Syllabus

Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Physics study the following topics:
• Physical quantities and units
• Measurement techniques
• Kinematics
• Dynamics
• Forces, density and pressure
• Work, energy and power
• Deformation of solids
• Waves
• Superposition
• Electric fields
• Current of electricity
• D.C. circuits
• Particle and nuclear physics

Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Physics study the AS Level topics, including some topics in further detail, and additionally study the following topics-
• Motion in a circle
• Gravitational fields
• Ideal gases
• Temperature
• Thermal properties of materials
• Oscillations
• Communication
• Capacitance
• Electronics
• Magnetic fields
• Electromagnetic induction
• Alternating currents
• Quantum physics

All candidates study practical skills.

Objectives of Assessment

The assessment objectives listed below reflect those parts of the syllabus aims that will be assessed in the examination.

1. Knowledge with understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of-
• Scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories
• Scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units)
• Scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety
• Scientific quantities and their determination
• Scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.
The syllabus content defines the factual knowledge that candidates may be required to recall and explain. Questions testing these assessment objectives will often begin with one of the following words: define, state, describe, or explain.

2. Handling, applying and evaluating information
Candidates should be able (in words or by using symbolic, graphical and numerical forms of presentation) to-
• Locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources
• Translate information from one form to another
• Manipulate numerical and other data
• Use information to identify patterns, report trends, draw inferences and report conclusions
• Present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships
• Make predictions and put forward hypotheses
• Apply knowledge, including principles, to new situations
• Evaluate information and hypotheses
• Demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of physical theories and models.
These assessment objectives cannot be precisely specified in the syllabus content because questions testing such skills may be based on information that is unfamiliar to the candidate. In answering such questions, candidates are required to use principles and concepts that are within the syllabus and apply them in a logical, reasoned or deductive manner to a new situation. Questions testing these objectives will often begin with one of the following words: predict, suggest, deduce, calculate or determine.

3. Experimental skills and investigations
Candidates should be able to-
• Plan experiments and investigations
• Collect, record and present observations, measurements and estimates
• Analyse and interpret data to reach conclusions
• Evaluate methods and quality of data, and suggest improvements.

Assessment

Candidates for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) certification take Papers 1, 2 and 3 (either Advanced Practical Skills 1 or Advanced Practical Skills 2) in a single examination series.

Candidates who, having received AS certification, wish to continue their studies to the full Advanced Level qualification may carry their AS marks forward and take Papers 4 and 5 in the examination series in which they require certification.
Candidates taking the full Advanced Level qualification at the end of the course take all five papers in a single examination series.

Candidates may only enter for the papers in the combinations indicated above.
Candidates may not enter for single papers either on the first occasion or for resit purposes.
All components are externally assessed.

COMPONENT

Paper 1 Multiple Choice
This paper consists of 40 multiple choice questions, all with four options. All
questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will
answer all questions.
Candidates will answer on an answer sheet.
1 hour 15 minutes
40 marks
AS Level- 31%
A Level- 15.5%

Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions
This paper consists of a variable number of questions of variable mark value.
All questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will
answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
1 hour 15 minutes
60 marks
AS Level- 46%
A Level- 23%

Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills
This paper requires candidates to carry out practical work in timed conditions.
The paper will consist of two experiments drawn from different areas of
physics. The experiments may be based on physics not included in the syllabus
content, but candidates will be assessed on their practical skills rather than their
knowledge of theory. Candidates will answer both questions.
Candidates will answer on the question paper.
2 hours
40 marks
AS Level- 23%
A Level- 11.5%

Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions
This paper consists of a variable number of questions of variable mark value. All
questions will be based on the A Level syllabus but may require knowledge of
material first encountered in the AS Level syllabus. Candidates will answer all
questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
2 hours
100 marks
A Level– 38.5%

Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
This paper consists of two questions of equal mark value based on the practical
skills of planning, analysis and evaluation. The context of the questions may be
outside the syllabus content, but candidates will be assessed on their practical
skills of planning, analysis and evaluation rather than their knowledge of theory. Candidates will answer both questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
1 hour 15 minutes
30 marks
A Level– 11.5%

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