Physics

COURSE INFORMATION

STANDARD GRADE
This course takes account of the large changes in technology over the last few years. It concentrates on areas in the modern world where physics principles operate.

Standard Grade Physics is offered at Credit and General levels.

The course consists of seven units:
 

• Telecommunications
• Electricity
• Health Physics
• Electronics
• Transport
• Energy
• Space Physics.

A wide range of topics is covered, from the foundations of mechanics and electrical circuits to the use of radioactivity in medical care, energy conservation and space travel.

Grades are given for Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving and Practical Abilities. The assessment of Practical Abilities takes place in the school throughout the course while Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving are assessed by an end of course exam.

 

HIGHER

Purpose

This course reinforces and extends the knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics and related problem solving skills and practical abilities acquired at Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 level by providing a deeper insight into the structure of the subject. The course endeavours to provide learning experiences leading to the acquisition of worthwhile knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Recommended Entry

While entry is at the discretion of the school, students would normally be expected to have attained Standard Grade Physics at 1 or 2 (KU and PS) or Intermediate 2 Physics course or its component units and Standard Grade Mathematics at 1 or 2, or Intermediate 2 Mathematics course.

Course Details

The course comprises three mandatory units (3 x 40 hours) plus 40 hours flexible time.

Unit - Title, Length and Brief Description

Mechanics and Properties of Matter (H) 40 hours
Content outline: vectors, equations of motion, Newton’s second law, momentum and impulse, pressure and density, gas laws.

Electricity and Electronics (H) 40 hours
Content outline: electric fields and resistors in circuits, alternating current and voltage, capacitance, analogue electronics.

Radiation and Matter (H) 40 hours
Content outline: waves, refraction of light, optoelectronics and semiconductors, nuclear reactions, dosimetry and safety.

Progression
 

• to Advanced Higher Physics
• to degree, HND or HNC in science, mathematics, computing or engineering field
• to completion of a Group Award

ADVANCED HIGHER

Purpose

The Advanced Higher Physics course has been designed to provide a progression from the Higher Physics course. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course aims to provide a challenging experience for those who wish to study the subject to a greater depth and to assist candidates towards an understanding of the use of mathematical models and techniques for describing the behaviour of nature.

As a result of following an Advanced Higher Physics course, candidates should acquire:
 

• A deeper knowledge and understanding of the nature of physics and its applications
• Skill in applying their knowledge and understanding in a wide variety of theoretical and practical problem solving contexts
• Skills associated with carrying out experimental and investigative work in physics and analysing the information obtained.

The study of Advanced Higher Physics should also foster an interest in current developments in, and applications of, physics, the willingness to make critical and evaluative comment and the acceptance that physics is a changing subject. Positive attitudes, such as being self-reliant, open-minded and willing to recognise alternative points of view, are promoted.

Recommended entry
Candidates will normally be expected to have attained the following:
 

• Higher Physics
• Higher Mathematics

Course description
The course has four units: Mechanics
Electrical Phenomena
Wave Phenomena
Physics Investigation.

There will be opportunities for the integration of skills developed through the study of the units, and for tackling problem solving of a more complex nature than that required for attainment of the performance criteria of the units.

Assessment
Assessment consists of end of unit assessments, written reports on practical work and an external examination.