Physics

What is it? At AS you study the basic principles of physics, including mechanics, waves and electricity. At A2 you branch out. You may look at cosmology, astronomy or particle physics, depending on your school or college.

Why do it? "Because physics has an enormous impact on our lives, " says Ken Price, a chief examiner in physics for AQA. "Computers, telephones and televisions have developed from the work of physicists."

What skills do you need? There's no need to be a genius. As long as you have at least a C grade in GCSE double-award science and GCSE maths, you have the prerequisite skills. "I had a well motivated student who insisted on taking the A-level having only a C grade in general science GCSE, who ended up with a C grade." says Ken Price. To get the top grades, however, you will need a good science grade at GCSE and should highly numerate and literate.

How much practical work is there? Between one quarter and one third practical work. In A2, you might do an experiment investigating what happens to particles when they hit a television screen.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 20: 80 in most specifications.

Is it hard? "It depends who you are," says Ken Price. " It's recognised as one of the harder A-levels, but if you're talented it can be easy and not that time-consuming."

Who takes it? More boys than girls. However, Ken Price says girls shouldn't be put off. "Some of the best physicists I have taught have been female," he says. HOW COOL IS IT? Physics is at the forefront of technological developments, says Ken Price. "For example, it's currently enabling us to expand the memories on computers. Physics also furthers what we understand about the universe."

Added value: Trips to see ground-breaking research first-hand. Several schools visit the Centre for European Nuclear Research near Geneva where the search is on for new particles.

What subjects go with it? Maths, chemistry, biology, economics or business studies. If you want to study physics after A-level, you'll need to take A-level maths.

What degrees does it lead to? Physics, engineering and medicine.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? Yes. The skills honed by A-level physics are very desirable – especially with employers in the City. WHAT DO THE STUDENTS SAY? "You get to do lots of practical work. I enjoyed studying electricity because I got to blow things up" says John Wilkinson, 17, who is also studying for A-levels in biology, chemistry and German at Rossall School, Lancashire. "Studying cosmology was also interesting because we looked at black holes, which destroy things."

Which awarding bodies offer it? AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and CCEA.

How widely available is it around the country? Very.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk