Physics

Course Overview

The purpose of the Advanced Higher Physics Course is to develop learners’ skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to analyse and solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. It offers opportunities for collaborative and independent learning set within familiar and unfamiliar contexts. It also seeks to illustrate and emphasise situations where the principles of physics are used and applied, thus promoting awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice. The course allows candidates an opportunity to engage in some independent research. 

There are three units: 

Rotational Motion and Astrophysics:  Develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving angular motion. An astronomical perspective is developed through a study of gravitation; general relativity and stellar physics. 

Quanta and Waves:  Quantum theory and waves; non-classical physics and consideration of the origin and composition of cosmic radiation. Simple harmonic motion and wave theory. 

Electromagnetism : Develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving electromagnetism. Electric and magnetic fields and capacitors and inductors used in dc and ac circuits. 

Investigation Report: Students will also be required to complete a project of their choosing, this will involve both practical work and research which they must present as a scientific report. This is completed in school and assessed by the SQA 

Homework

Students must be prepared to commit themselves to at least 2 hours a week of homework. This will include answering questions, research and revising notes to ensure the work carried out in class is fully understood. 

Assessment Approaches

Course assessment at Advanced Higher: 

• An investigation report (20% of mark) 

• Question paper: (80% of mark)