Philosophy - Why should I study Physics?

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles – quarks, which may be truly fundamental - to the vast distances between galaxies. The DP Physics course gives students a taste of the exciting extremes of modern physics while building a solid foundation of physics skills and knowledge. It is a challenging and rewarding course, well suited to (although not limited to) students who wish to study science or engineering at university.

Physics in the IB Diploma Programme principally involves two scientific domains – scientific knowledge and scientific activity - whose aims are to produce in the student scientific ability and scientific skills as related to Physics, an awareness and appreciation of the limitations and strengths of the subject, its societal impact and the responsibilities of practising scientists in this discipline.

If you are interested in the limits of space, the beginning of time and everything in between this is the subject for you.

Course Content - What will I be studying?

Below is the list of topics covered by the syllabus - but not in the order in which they are taught. Some topics are common to HL and SL, and some are HL only. 

A Space, time and motion 

A.1 Kinematics 

A.2 Forces and momentum 

A.3 Work, energy and power 

A.4 Rigid body mechanics 

A.5 Galilean and special relativity 

B.The particulate nature of matter 

B.1 Thermal energy transfers 

B.2 Greenhouse effect 

B.3 Gas laws 

B.4 Thermodynamics

B.5 Current and circuits 

C.Wave behaviour 

C.1 Simple harmonic motion 

C.2 Wave model 

C.3 Wave phenomena 

C.4 Standing waves and resonance 

C.5 Doppler effect 

D.Fields 

D.1 Gravitational fields

D.2 Electric and magnetic fields

D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields

D.4 Induction

E.Nuclear and quantum physics 

E.1 Structure of the atom 

E.2 Quantum physics

E.3 Radioactive decay 

E.4 Fission 

E.5 Fusion and stars 

Assessment - How will I be assessed? 

Prerequisites - What do I need to know before choosing Physics? 

Completion of MYP Physics or an equivalent level course, such as I/GCSE Physics, Combined or Coordinated Sciences. To study Physics at HL for the Diploma, a ‘5’ in the MYP grading system, or an 7/8/9  in I/GCSE is generally required. For SL, an MYP 4 in Physics or a ⅚ in any I/GCSE Science course is an important prerequisite. 

What will allow me to be successful? 

At home:

• Do as much exam practice questions as possible. 

• Do all the Questionbank questions you are given. (retrieval practice)

• Do a little often. E.g. 30/40 minutes every 2nd day. Gives @2 hours a week, is much better than 2 hours in one go. (spaced practice)

• Watch screencasts BEFORE class.

• Switch off your phone and put it in a drawer.

At school: 

• Switch off your phone and leave it in your bag.

What can I do with Physics in the future? 

Physics A Level and degree courses not only provide you with excellent career opportunities in the Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Cosmology, Computing industry and Geology, but also in a host of other disciplines such as Management, Law, Banking and Finance.

With an ongoing shortage of people to fill STEM roles, pursuing subjects such as Physics can lead to excellent employment prospects after university. Even if you don't go on to become a physicist, learning to think like one will equip you with excellent problem-solving skills in particular.