The course will provide a good basis for students who intend to study an Engineering- or science-based discipline at the tertiary level or pursue a science-based occupation. Students taking this course should concurrently select a tertiary Mathematics course, usually Specialist Methods/Options; Mathematical Methods is the recommended level.
Course Pattern
In Year 11, students start semester 1 with Linear Motion and Waves, followed by Electrical, Thermal and Nuclear Physics in semester 2.
Units are sequential.
Students intending to study Physics at university are strongly recommended to complete a major in this course.
In addition to introducing core practical investigation skills, this unit covers the foundational concepts of motion and waves. Students will analyse motion, momentum, energy and collisions using models and practical experience. Wave motion and properties with special reference to light are examined in depth.
Students investigate properties of heat, temperature and energy transfer. Nuclear energy is studied in depth, with an emphasis on radiation, fission, and fusion. In the study of electrical circuits and the physical principles that govern them, investigations often use practical activities. Energy and its conservation are the uniting themes in this topic.
Gravitational, electrical and magnetic fields and their applications are the focus of this unit. Vector analysis and motion in fields are studied at depth.
This unit investigates relativity, the quantum light model and its applications and the standard model for the building blocks of matter.