Physics AS Level
Pearson Edexcel
Space, time, energy… study our AS level Physics online course and start to ‘think big’ when it comes to explaining our fascinating physical world.
From exploring the tiniest subatomic particle to space exploration, our AS level Physics online course spans diverse and intriguing topics. This qualification is essential if you’re considering a physics degree or interested in a range of rewarding related career paths.
Using engaging distance learning materials you’ll explore topics such as mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, nuclear decay and space. This course will enable you to critically evaluate scientific information and evidence, as well as highlighting the key role of physics in everyday life.
AS levels give students the opportunity to start studying a subject in depth and think about whether they want to carry and study for an A level. AS levels are useful for university applicants who need to top up their UCAS points, or for students who want to study formally a subject they enjoy.
Our AS level Physics online course tackles complex ideas using relevant, engaging topics and high quality distance learning materials. Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll develop problem-solving, evaluation and analytical skills – all highly sought after by universities and employers.
You’ll have the flexibility to fit study around your lifestyle, learning at your own pace, with access to the support of a specialist personal tutor. Like many NEC students, perhaps you’ll go on to study a science-based subject at university, or use your qualification to support your next career move?
Our Physics AS level course is ideal if you:
- Are keen to build on the knowledge you’ve gained at GCSE level.
- Enjoy working scientifically: making predictions, testing theories and evaluating and communicating your findings.
- Would like to build your observational, investigative and problem-solving skills, to improve your employability.
- Want to discover how physics impacts everyday life.
Future opportunities
- Studying physics or STEM subjects at university.
- Physics develops a unique skill set, well suited to a diverse range of careers in fields such as biotechnology, astronomy, meteorology, medicine, astrophysics, radiography, nanotechnology, climate science, engineering, computer science, journalism, architecture and teaching.
- According to the Institute of Physics, graduates with a physics degree earn more due to their highly transferable and valued skill set.
Section 1: Working as a physicist
- Maths in physics
- Quantities and units
- Calipers and micrometers
- Practical skills
- Experiments with a spring
- Experiments with a laser pointer and a CD
Section 2: Mechanics
- Rectilinear motion
- Momentum
- Forces
- Resolved forces and moments
- Work, energy and power
- Applied mechanics
Section 3: Electricity
- Charge and current
- Potential difference, electromotive force and power
- Current-potential difference relationships
- Resistance and resistivity
- Internal resistance, series and parallel circuits and the potential divider
Section 4: Materials and vibrations
- Fluids
- Turbulence
- Solid materials
- Nature of waves
Section 5: Waves and the particle nature of light
- Transmission and reflection of waves
- The eye
- The oscilloscope
- Superposition of waves
- Particle nature of light
- Making a CD spectrometer
Study AS level Physics with us and benefit from:
- Flexible learning
- Support from a personal tutor by email, phone or Skype
- Any time enrolment
- Our exam booking service
- Assignments with tutor feedback
- Ongoing support from Student Support
- Forums to discuss your course with other students
learn@nec
Choose when and where you access your course, using learn@nec our 24/7 learning platform.
This easy-to-use learning platform includes interactive checkpoints, quizzes and activities to help you evaluate your progress.
You’ll have access to support from a personal tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience of supporting online learners.
Meet Julie who is just one of our first-class physics tutors:
“I love learning and I love inspiring other people to learn. I’ve worked with students from primary to undergraduate level as I have taught in schools and universities. Now, I specialise in home education and distance learning, teaching people in the UK and overseas. I have a degree in physics with astrophysics and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in physics, science and maths, both from the University of Birmingham, and an LLM in Law from the University of Leeds. A senior examiner for several exam boards, I am also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.”
Exam board
- Edexcel 8PH0
Format
- Online learning with support from a personal tutor
Hours
- Complete at your own pace
- Approx. 120-150* hours plus time for completing assignments
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments and prepare yourself for exams and some courses like English literature involve a lot of reading. Everyone is different so it’s impossible to say with certainty how long a course will take you, but you should expect to spend longer than 150 hours. Taken across the length of time we recommend, this equates to approximately 4 hours per week. This will increase if you choose to take it over a shorter time frame or may be less if you are retaking a subject and have covered a lot of of the course content.
Assignments
- 6 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
Resources
- Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course: Edexcel A level Physics Student Book 1, M Benn and G George, Hodder Education, 2015
Requirements
- Maths Skills for A level Physics, C Tear, Oxford University Press, 2013
- Internet access
- Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec
Our course fees are open and honest to help you plan for any additional costs.
Your course fee includes:
- Access to learn@nec
- All the course materials you need to complete the course
- Support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment
- Assignment marking
- Marking for one past paper
- Guaranteed exam place
- free e-book version of the essential textbooks
- NEC’s guide to study skills: How to Succeed as an Independent Learner
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar guide
- Time planner to help you plan your study timetable
- Information on how to apply for exams
Your course fee does not cover:
- Exam entry fees
- Additional textbooks
- Equipment for core practicals
Optional extras:
- Additional past paper marking
- Revision tutorial
- Optional tutorial
- Additional review
- UCAS application service
Two exams:
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of marks
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of marks
- The AS level exams are written, with no practical element, but throughout the exam you will be expected to use your understanding of practical theory to answer questions. You will have gained this knowledge through the 8 core practicals within your course.
Non-exam assessment (NEA):
- None
We know that our younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. In our experience learning online works best when either a parent or guardian are involved. This is why NEC has developed our unique Progress Tracker to help you to support your child.
NEC’s Progress Tracker will allow you to easily track your child’s progress across their subjects and gain insight to how well they are doing through access to their assignment grades and tutor feedback.
Read more about how we work with young students who are studying at home or through a school.
Would you like to talk to our Course Advice Team about the best route for you? Visit our Contact Us page, fill in the form and a member of the team will get back to you!
