PHYSICS

Name of Course / Levels / Recommended Entry Qualifications
Physics / Intermediate 2 / Standard Grade Physics – grades 3 or 4 in KU
and PS or Intermediate 1 Physics or
Standard Grade Biology or Chemistry – grades 1, 2
or 3 in KU and PSand
Standard Grade Mathematics at grades 3 or 4 or
Intermediate 1 Mathematics
Physics / Higher / Standard Grade Physics – grades 1 or 2 in KU and
PS or Intermediate 2 Physics and
Standard Grade Mathematicsat grades 1 or 2 or
Intermediate 2 Mathematics
Physics / Advanced Higher / Higher Physics and Higher Mathematics.

INTERMEDIATE 2

Course Structure

The course is made up of 4 units:Mechanics and Heat1 credit

Electricity and Electronics1 credit

Waves and Optics0.5 credit

Radioactivity0.5 credit

The course is similar to Standard Grade Physics but includes some new concepts such as Momentum, Vectors and MOSFET transistors. It is a good “stepping stone” to Higher Physics.

Assessment

Assessment consists of Unit Assessment and Course Assessment.

Unit Assessment is by(i) an end-of-unit test of ‘Knowledge and Understanding’ and

‘Problem Solving’,

and(ii) a report of an experimental activity.

Course Assessment is by an externally set question paper consisting of objective questions and extended answer questions on ‘Knowledge and Understanding’ and ‘Problem Solving’. To gain the award it is necessary to pass all the unit assessments as well as the external assessment.

Progression

Pupils who achieve Intermediate 2 Physics might progress to:

  • Higher Physics
  • Science, mathematics, engineering courses at college.

HIGHER

Course Structure

The course is made up of 3 units:Mechanics and Properties of Matter

Electricity and Electronics

Radiation and Matter

These units are of equal size and are linked to the topics studied in Standard Grade Physics and Intermediate 2 Physics.

Mechanics and Properties of Matter is linked to Transport and Energy Matters.

Electricity and Electronics is linked to Using Electricity and Electronics.

Radiation and Matter is linked to Health Physics and Telecommunication.

Assessment

Assessment consists of Unit Assessment and Course Assessment.

Unit Assessment is by(i)an end-of-unit test of ‘Knowledge and Understanding’ and

‘Problem Solving’,

and (ii)a report of an experimental activity.

Course Assessment is by an externally set question paper consisting of objective questions and extended answer questions on ‘Knowledge and Understanding’ and ‘Problem Solving’. To gain the award it is necessary to pass all the unit assessments as well as the external assessment.

Progression

Pupils who achieve Higher Physics might progress to:

  • Advanced Higher Physics

A degree in science, mathematics, engineering or other courses at college or university.

ADVANCED HIGHER

Course Structure

The course is made up of 4 units:Mechanics1 credit

Electrical Phenomena1 credit

Wave Phenomena0.5 credit

Physics Investigation0.5 credit

The units are linked to the topics studied in Higher Physics. The course also includes some Modern Physics such as the Theory of Relativity and Particle Physics.

Assessment

Assessment consists of Unit Assessment and Course Assessment.

Unit Assessment is by(i) an end-of-unit test on ‘Knowledge and Understanding’ and

‘Problem Solving’,

and(ii) a report of an experimental activity.

Course Assessment is by an externally set question paper consisting of questions on ‘Knowledge and Understanding’ and ‘Problem Solving’. The Physics Investigation is worth 20% of the total marks.

To gain the award it is necessary to pass all the unit assessments as well as the external assessment.

Progression

Pupils who achieve Advanced Higher Physics might progress to:

  • A degree in science, mathematics, engineering or other courses at college or university.

SPECIAL POINTS TO NOTE

The Physics Department believes strongly in Equal Opportunities. Girls are encouraged to consider careers in science and engineering as the nation must not be deprived of the significant contribution, from the point of view of both quantity and quality, which girls make to its scientific, engineering and technological activity.

Physics courses provide excellent training in logical and systematic problem solving, skills that are applicable in many areas and are highly desirable to employers. If, after studying physics, you move away completely from a physics-based career, the intriguing uses of physics all around you will always remain of interest. The ideas, techniques, and ways of thinking, which you have learnt will always help you in whatever career you ultimately pursue.