Physics

Prerequisite

Students wishing to study Physics should have a good understanding of Stage 5 Science. Students are required to study Mathematics Advanced in conjunction with Physics. It should only be attempted by those students who have successfully and consistently met the course outcomes of the Stage 5 syllabus (A grade) in Stage 5 Science and Mathematics.

Course Description

The Physics course involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts that include energy and force. Physics deals with the study of phenomena on scales of space and time – from nuclear particles and their interactions up to the size and age of the Universe. This allows students to better understand the physical world and how it works, appreciate the uniqueness of the Universe, and participate in navigating and influencing the future. 

The problem-solving nature of physics further develops students’ Working Scientifically skills by focusing on the exploration of models and the analysis of theories and laws, which promotes an understanding of the connectedness of seemingly dissimilar phenomena. 

Students who study physics are encouraged to use observations to develop quantitative models of real world problems and derive relationships between variables. They are required to engage in solving equations based on these models, make predictions, and analyse the interconnectedness of physical entities. 

The Physics course builds on students’ knowledge and skills developed in the Science Stage 5 course and help them develop a greater understanding of physics as a foundation for undertaking post-school studies in a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. A knowledge and understanding of physics often provides the unifying link between interdisciplinary studies. The study of physics provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to support participation in a range of careers. It is a discipline that utilises innovative and creative thinking to address new challenges, such as sustainability, energy efficiency and the creation of new materials.

For whom is this subject intended

The study of Physics provides students with a valuable foundation at university and other tertiary institutions. This course is for students wishing to undertake tertiary courses include engineering, surveying, technology, aviation, optics, astrophysics and medical science. Physics is assumed knowledge for many science courses and it is wise to check careers information and university expectations.

Main Topics Covered

Year 11 course 

●        Kinematics

●        Dynamics

●        Waves and Thermodynamics

●        Electricity and Magnetism

HSC Course 

●        Advanced Mechanics

●        Electromagnetism

●        The Nature of Light

●         From the Universe to the Atom

Particular Course Requirements

Practical experiences should occupy a minimum of 35 hours in both the Preliminary and HSC course, including time allocated to practical investigations in depth studies.