Physics
Higher
Course Overview
The course develops candidates’ interest and enthusiasm for physics in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed throughout the course. The relevance of physics is highlighted by the study of the applications of physics in everyday contexts.
The course develops scientific understanding of issues relating to physics. It enables candidates to gain an in-depth knowledge of concepts in physics, and to develop confidence in the skills of scientific inquiry.
Candidates develop their ability to describe and interpret physical phenomena using mathematical skills, and practise scientific methods of investigation from which general relationships are derived and explored.
Faculty Principal Teacher
Mr M Stage
Course content
Our Dynamic Universe
motion – equations and graphs
forces, energy and power
collisions, explosions, and impulse
gravitation
special relativity
the expanding Universe
Particles and Waves
forces on charged particles
the Standard Model
nuclear reactions
inverse square law
wave-particle duality
interference
spectra
refraction of light
Electricity
monitoring and measuring AC
current, potential difference, power, and resistance
electrical sources and internal resistance
capacitors
semiconductors and p-n junctions
Assessment Methods
The Course assessment is externally assessed and composed of the following 3 components:
Question paper 1: multiple choice (17%)
40 minutes
Question paper 2 (63%)
2 hours and 20 minutes
Assignment (20%)
2 hours write up in class time
Entry Requirements
National 5 Physics at grade A or B
Recommended Next Steps in S6
Advanced Higher Physics (A or B only)
Another Higher Science course
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