National 4 Physics
Who is this course for?
The Course is suitable for learners who have experienced learning across the sciences experiences and outcomes. The Course may be suitable for those wishing to study physics for the first time. This Course has a skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all learners and provides sufficient flexibility to enable learners to achieve in different ways.
Course structure
The Course has four mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit.
The first three Units listed below are designed to provide progression to the corresponding Units at National 5.
Each of the component Units is designed to provide progression to the related Unit at National 5.
Electricity and Energy
The Unit covers the key areas of generation of electricity, electrical power, electromagnetism, practical electrical and electronic circuits, gas laws and the kinetic model.
Waves and Radiation
The Unit covers the key areas wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation.
Dynamics and Space
The Unit covers the key areas of speed and acceleration, relationships between forces, motion and energy, satellites and cosmology.
Added Value Unit: Physics Assignment
In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
Skills, knowledge and understanding
This includes:
demonstrating knowledge and understanding of physics by making statements, describing information and providing explanations
applying knowledge of physics to familiar situations, interpreting information and solving problems
planning and safely carrying out experiments/practical investigations to illustrate effects
using information handling skills by selecting, presenting and processing information
making predictions based on evidence/ information
drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence
suggesting improvements to experiments/practical investigations
communicating findings/information
Assessment
To achieve the National 4 Physics Course, learners must pass all of the required Units, including the Added Value Unit.
National 4 Courses are not graded.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
National 5 Physics or related areas
further study, employment and/or training
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.