Higher Physics

Course Rational

Through learning in physics, candidates develop their interest in and understanding of the world. They engage in a wide range of investigative tasks, which allows them to develop important skills to become creative, inventive and enterprising, in a world where the skills and knowledge developed by physics are needed across all sectors of society. Physics courses should encourage resilience, and give candidates opportunities to think creatively through analysing and solving problems. The Higher Physics course allows candidates to understand and investigate the world in an engaging and enjoyable way. It develops candidates’ ability to think analytically, creatively and independently, and to make reasoned evaluations. The course provides opportunities for candidates to acquire and apply knowledge, to evaluate environmental and scientific issues, to consider risk, and to make informed decisions. This can lead to candidates developing an informed and ethical view of complex issues. Candidates develop skills in communication, collaborative working and leadership, and apply critical thinking in new and unfamiliar contexts to solve problems. 

Who is this course for? 

The course is suitable for candidates who are secure in their attainment of National 5 Physics or an equivalent qualification. It may also be suitable for those in S6 wishing to study physics for the first time. The course emphasises practical and experiential learning opportunities, with a strong skills based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all candidates, and provides sufficient flexibility to enable candidates to achieve in different ways. 

Course content

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 content includes the following areas of physics: 

Our Dynamic Universe 

The topics covered are: 

• motion — equations and graphs  

• forces, energy and power  collisions, explosions, and impulse  

• gravitation  

• special relativity  

• the expanding Universe 

Particles and Waves

The topics covered are:  

• forces on charged particles 

• the Standard Model  

• nuclear reactions  

• inverse square law  

• wave-particle duality  

• interference  spectra  

• refraction of light 

Electricity

The topics covered are:  

• monitoring and measuring AC  

• current, potential difference, power, and resistance  

• electrical sources and internal resistance  

• capacitors  

• semiconductors and p-n junctions 

Skills, knowledge and understanding 

The following provides a broad overview of the subject skills, knowledge and understanding developed in the course:  

• demonstrating knowledge and understanding of physics by making accurate statements  

• describing information, providing explanations and integrating knowledge  

• applying physics knowledge to new situations, interpreting information and solving problems  

• planning and designing experiments/practical investigations to test given hypotheses or to illustrate particular effects  

• carrying out experiments/practical investigations safely, recording detailed observations and collecting data  

• selecting information from a variety of sources  

• presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms  

• processing information (using calculations, significant figures and units, where appropriate)  

• making predictions from evidence/information  

• drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification  

• quantifying sources of uncertainty  

• evaluating experimental procedures and suggesting improvements  

• communicating findings/information effectively 

Homework

Homework will be issued on a regular basis, and at the teachers discretion.  

All homework should be submitted on time so that marking and feedback can happen in a timely manner.

Recommended entry

The course is suitable for candidates  who have achieved a grade C or better at National 5 Physics.
It is also helpful to be working at Higher Mathematics.

Assessment and progression

The course assessment has two components, both of which are marked externally

• question paper (80%) and 

• assignment (20%).

Those candidates who achieve grade C or better can progress to Advanced Higher Physics.

Careers

The study of physics is of benefit, not only to those intending to pursue a career in science, but also to those intending to work in areas such as the health, energy, leisure and computing industries.