Physics
AIMS OF SUBJECT:
The aims of the syllabus, common to both levels, are:
-
To give students an understanding of the fundamental principles of Physics and their application to everyday life and technology.
-
To develop an appreciation of Physics as a human endeavour, thereby enriching the students’ experience of life.
-
To provide a reasonably broad perspective of Physics, thus developing an understanding of the physical environment and of how human beings interact with it.
-
To provide a general education in Physics for all students whether or not they proceed to further studies in Physics.
-
To develop the ability to observe, to think logically, and to communicate effectively.
-
To develop an understanding of the scientific method.
-
To develop an appreciation of Physics as a creative activity, using informed intuition and imagination to create an understanding of the beauty, simplicity and symmetry in nature.
RATIONALE FOR SUBJECT:
Why study physics?
Physics lies at the heart of the natural sciences
Almost any scientific problem can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics.
Physics explains how the world works
Physics helps us understand why things in the natural world happen the way they do. It enables us to explain, for example, how buildings move in an earthquake, why a car takes as long as it does to come to a stop when the brakes are applied, why the sky is blue and grass green, and why the supports of a bridge have to be of certain dimensions.
Physicists – and students studying physics – are able to use their understanding to predict how an object will behave under particular conditions, improve the functioning of everyday objects, and envisage totally new developments.
Physics is useful and exciting -
The knowledge and processes used by physics have produced new and exciting technologies that are in everyday use. Almost any example of modern technology has its origins in mechanics, optics, electronics, thermodynamics, nuclear physics, or some other branch of physics. Physicists are challenged to discover how nature works; along the way, they get to know the excitement of explaining, seeing, or doing something that no one has understood or done before.
Learning in physics opens up career opportunities
Learning in physics will come in useful no matter what you go on to do. Employers value the kinds of skills that studying physics develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, plus problem solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills.
People with a background in physics are found in all these areas and more: telecommunications, space, medicine, finance, law, music, television, environment, architecture, civil engineering, sports, gaming, energy, and education.
SUBJECT TOPICS/ SYLLABUS CONTENT:
The course covers aspects of the following main areas,
• Optics
• Mechanics
• Heat and Temperature
• Waves
• Electricity
• Magnetism
• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
ASSESSMENT:
Physics is currently examined by a 100% final exam. There are experiment write ups which are a compulsory element of the course but they do not contribute marks to the final exam result.
Physics is available to study at both Higher and Ordinary level.
POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS:
Common job titles for physics and engineering physics bachelor's degree recipients include:
• Accelerator Operator
• Applications Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Design Engineer
• High School Physics Teacher
• IT Consultant
• Lab Technician
• Laser Engineer
• Optical Engineer
• Research Associate
• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Specialist
• Web Developer
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Additional material can be viewed on Edmodo, please search for Mr. Speight, Midleton Cbs Secondary School, 6th Year Physics.
AIMS OF SUBJECT:
The aims of the syllabus, common to both levels, are:
- To give students an understanding of the fundamental principles of Physics and their application to everyday life and technology.
- To develop an appreciation of Physics as a human endeavour, thereby enriching the students’ experience of life.
- To provide a reasonably broad perspective of Physics, thus developing an understanding of the physical environment and of how human beings interact with it.
- To provide a general education in Physics for all students whether or not they proceed to further studies in Physics.
- To develop the ability to observe, to think logically, and to communicate effectively.
- To develop an understanding of the scientific method.
- To develop an appreciation of Physics as a creative activity, using informed intuition and imagination to create an understanding of the beauty, simplicity and symmetry in nature.
RATIONALE FOR SUBJECT:
Why study physics?
Physics lies at the heart of the natural sciences
Almost any scientific problem can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics.
Physics explains how the world works
Physics helps us understand why things in the natural world happen the way they do. It enables us to explain, for example, how buildings move in an earthquake, why a car takes as long as it does to come to a stop when the brakes are applied, why the sky is blue and grass green, and why the supports of a bridge have to be of certain dimensions.
Physicists – and students studying physics – are able to use their understanding to predict how an object will behave under particular conditions, improve the functioning of everyday objects, and envisage totally new developments.
Physics is useful and exciting -
The knowledge and processes used by physics have produced new and exciting technologies that are in everyday use. Almost any example of modern technology has its origins in mechanics, optics, electronics, thermodynamics, nuclear physics, or some other branch of physics. Physicists are challenged to discover how nature works; along the way, they get to know the excitement of explaining, seeing, or doing something that no one has understood or done before.
Learning in physics opens up career opportunities
Learning in physics will come in useful no matter what you go on to do. Employers value the kinds of skills that studying physics develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, plus problem solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills.
People with a background in physics are found in all these areas and more: telecommunications, space, medicine, finance, law, music, television, environment, architecture, civil engineering, sports, gaming, energy, and education.
SUBJECT TOPICS/ SYLLABUS CONTENT:
The course covers aspects of the following main areas,
• Optics
• Mechanics
• Heat and Temperature
• Waves
• Electricity
• Magnetism
• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
ASSESSMENT:
Physics is currently examined by a 100% final exam. There are experiment write ups which are a compulsory element of the course but they do not contribute marks to the final exam result.
Physics is available to study at both Higher and Ordinary level.
POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS:
Common job titles for physics and engineering physics bachelor's degree recipients include:
• Accelerator Operator
• Applications Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Design Engineer
• High School Physics Teacher
• IT Consultant
• Lab Technician
• Laser Engineer
• Optical Engineer
• Research Associate
• Software Developer
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Specialist
• Web Developer
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Additional material can be viewed on Edmodo, please search for Mr. Speight, Midleton Cbs Secondary School, 6th Year Physics.