Yeah. It's kind of fundamental to physics.
Last edited by mariejuana; 1 week ago
there would be too much overlap with maths.
(Original post by ajj2000)
Is there any calculus in GCSE maths? Is that the issue?
No. Only in A Level maths and further.
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Last edited by Crow_M; 1 week ago
It depends on what the aim of A-level physics is. If it's to prepare students for physics based degrees or further study, then it should; if it's to be accessible to those without the equivalent level of maths, then it probably shouldn't.
What would we kick out of the physics curriculum to make the lesson space for duplicating content from Maths?
Seems alright to me providing everyone choosing their A levels understands that Maths A level is also required to go into Physics and Engineering degrees.
The ones that are doing maths will spot where the calculus goes for themselves and the ones that aren't can still learn something useful and interesting.
The origins of calculus are lost in the depths of time but it is known that Isaac Newton developed calculus in a functional and usable form for physics calculations. Several A Level physics topics cannot be properly understood without the use of a bit of simple calculus. It's empowering.
Basic calculus for A Level physics is not too difficult to learn.
I have thought about whether there should be a standardised further mathematics GCSE developed which includes topics for several A Level subjects, such as calculus. There are currently a few further and additional mathematics level 2 qualifications although the syllabus varies between them.
AS Level mathematics has been devalued because it can no longer be converted into an A Level by taking extra modules. This has opened up the door to the creation of a new GCSE.
What you are talking about I did in A level maths, the 2 books on mechanics is essentially the overlap between maths and physics. Realistically they could have put those mechanics textbooks in the physics A level course and nothing would change. If they included it separately in the physics as well as maths you would be learning the same stuff twice.
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Last edited by Jono*; 1 week ago
Yes.
The A-level changes of removing one sixth of the A-level maths modules by having four core modules and only two 'others' needs undoing too.
I'm inclined to say no because maths A Level already involves a lot of calculus.
If you are going to be taking physics higher than A Level, such as going for a degree or masters, then most Universities will require maths anyway. Those that don't I imagine will teach the fundamentals to you.
And if you aren't going to take physics to a higher level then, well, why learn calculus? :P
There are several equations from GCSE level physics, notably those with a 1/2 and a squared term, that are derived using integration. At GCSE students can just accept these equations as they are but at A Level it helps to know how and from where these equations were derived which can only be achieved with knowledge of simple calculus.
Calculus is not officially on the A Level electronics course but my teacher at college ran through the basics for students who had never done it before because it could help understand certain topics including maximum power transfer and capacitors charging and discharging.
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