CONTENT
The course comprises four mandatory units :
Mechanics and Heat (40
hours)
Electricity and Electronics (40 hours)
Waves and Optics (20 hours)
Radioactivity (20 hours)
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
For each unit, there is an end of unit test. An experimental report
has also to be written.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
There will be one examination lasting 2 hours.
HOMEWORK
Intermediate students should plan to allow around 1½ hours
per week for Physics study. Formal homework will include learning,
revision, written questions and sub-unit tests (as formative assessment).
Informal homework will include reading, private study, consolidation
work, revision, watching out for Physics-related magazine and news
articles and TV programmes.
VALUE OF COURSE
Physics touches almost every aspect of our lives. Students should
acquire increased knowledge and understanding of facts and ideas,
of techniques and of the applications of Physics in society;
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 and analysing the information obtained.
The study of Intermediate 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 open-minded
and willing to recognise alternative points of view are promoted.
The course will also provide those who wish to proceed beyond Intermediate
Physics with a suitable basis for further study. A Physics qualification
can open many doors in the world of work.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students will normally be expected to have attained either Standard
Grade Physics at 3 or 4 (KU and PS) or Standard Grade Biology or
Chemistry at 1, 2 or 3 (KU and PS) or Standard Grade Science at 1,2
or 3 (KU and PS) or Intermediate 1 Physics and Standard Grade Mathematics
at 3 or 4 or Intermediate 1 Mathematics
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Physics Higher
CONTENT
The course comprises three mandatory units :
Mechanics and Properties
of Matter (40 hours)
Electricity and Electronics (40 hours)
Radiation and Matter (40 hours)
INTERNAL
ASSESSMENT For each unit, there is an end of unit test. An experimental report
has also to be written.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
There will be one external examination of 2½ hours.
HOMEWORK
Higher Physics students should plan to allow around 2 hours per
week for Physics study.
Formal homework will include learning, revision, written questions
and sub-unit tests (as formative assessment) and a short summer holiday
assignment. Informal homework will include reading, private study,
consolidation work, revision, watching out for Physics-related magazine
and news articles and TV programmes.
VALUE OF COURSE
Physics touches almost every aspect of our lives. Students should
acquire increased knowledge and understanding of facts and ideas,
of techniques and of the applications of Physics in society;
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 and analysing the information obtained.
The study of 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 open-minded
and willing to recognise alternative points of view are promoted.
The course will also provide those who wish to proceed beyond Higher
Physics with a suitable basis for further study. A Physics qualification
can open many doors in the world of work.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students will normally be expected to have attained either Standard
Grade Physics at 1 or 2 (KU and PS) or Intermediate 2 Physics and
Standard Grade Mathematics at 1 or 2 or Intermediate 2 Mathematics.
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Physics Advanced
Higher
CONTENT
The course comprises four mandatory units :
Mechanics (40 hours)
Electrical Phenomena (40 hours)
Wave Phenomena (20 hours)
Physics Investigation (20 hours)
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
For each of the first three units, there is an end of unit test.
There is also a short experimental report and a longer investigation.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
There will be an examination of 2½ hours and an external
assessor will grade the investigation.
HOMEWORK
This is very much a study course and it is difficult to distinguish
between homework and self-study activities. However, the list below
shows the various tasks :
• digestion and consolidation of ‘lectures’ -
background reading
•
preparation of seminar or talk
•
weekly tutorial sheet
•
fortnightly ink exercise based on past examination questions
•
preparation for end of unit tests
•
writing up practical work
•
reviewing/planning and writing up project.
VALUE OF COURSE
This is an opportunity to take to a further level a subject which
is respected by many employers. The content gives students a flying
start to a university course in science or engineering and can be
used to obtain direct entry into second year. Much advice is given
on how to study successfully at university. The project develops
practical skills as well as confidence and initiative.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students will normally be expected to have achieved at least a pass
(grade C) in Higher Physics and in Higher Mathematics.
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