The A-level Physics Practical Endorsement course at BioGrad Education comprises a minimum of 12 experiments in total, each carefully selected to allow students to demonstrate their competency in the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). The oscillations of springs and pendula, and the dropping of objects from height are the classic approaches towards confirming Newtonian mechanics, whilst the use of magnetic fields to induce standing waves for the measurement of density might be considered somewhat less conventional. Investigating electrical circuits enables the student to study capacitance and resistivity, and links neatly into the topic of electromagnetism. The gas laws of Charles and Boyle can be demonstrated with elegance, using surprisingly simple equipment. Students will have access to specialist kit and will be taught how to use a micrometre barrel scale and the Vernier scale on a travelling microscope. They will be encouraged to evaluate their results by analysing errors and uncertainties in their measurements, hence allowing them to be critical about what constitutes a ‘true’ value.
The course is as much a learning experience as an assessment. The aim is for the student to improve their general approach and practical skills during practical work over the course of the week and to provide a tangible framework upon which preparations for A-level can be firmly secured.
Practical 1 – Standing waves on a wire under tension.
Practical 2a – Measuring the separation of Young’s slits.
Practical 2b – Measuring the wavelength of light with a diffraction grating.
Practical 3 – Measuring g by freefall.
Practical 4 – Young’s modulus of a metal wire.
Practical 5 – Measuring the resistivity of a metal wire.
Practical 6 – Measuring the EMF and internal resistance of a power supply.
Practical 7a – Oscillations of a mass on a spring.
Practical 7b – Investigating the oscillations of a simple pendulum.
Practical 8a – Boyle’s law.
Practical 8b – Charles’ law.
Practical 9 – Slow discharge and charging of a capacitor.
Practical 10 – Force on a current-carrying wire.
Practical 11 – Magnetic flux.
Practical 12 – Investigation of the inverse- square law for gamma radiation.
The cost of this course varies depending on location and subject. From £899
You can reserve your place on this course with a deposit of just £224.75 if you are booking more than 28 days in advance. The remaining balance is due four weeks prior to the course start date
You can also choose to pay for this course in 6 instalments if you are booking more than 26 weeks in advance, or 12 instalments if you are booking more than 54 weeks in advance
Science Park, Liverpool, L3 5TF
University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD
London (Location TBC), TBC
Life Science Centre International Centre for Life Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP
ARC Exams, The Bordesley Centre, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 1AR
The Eden Project, Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
This course lasts for 5 days
9am - 4pm
All places on this course for the current academic year have been filled. Please check availability for the next academic year by clicking below.
Our courses for the next academic year will be available soon. Join the BioGrad Education waiting list by clicking here, and our team will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
Our courses for the next academic year will be available soon. Join the BioGrad Education waiting list by clicking here, and our team will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
Our courses for the next academic year will be available soon. Join the BioGrad Education waiting list by clicking here, and our team will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
Our courses for the next academic year will be available soon. Join the BioGrad Education waiting list by clicking here, and our team will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
Our courses for the next academic year will be available soon. Join the BioGrad Education waiting list by clicking here, and our team will contact you as soon as a place becomes available.