Physics
Embedded Files
Home > Grade 11/12 Academic Learning Programme > Academic Subject Choices > Group 4 > Physics
course overview
course overview
To study physics is to attempt to understand the nature of the universe itself. It is the search for answers from how the universe exploded into life in the Big Bang to what the nature of time is itself. Some of the greatest discoveries in history have been made by physicists and these discoveries have revolutionised our world—and physicists are continuing to change the way we think today.
Physics encompasses everything that we do as human beings. The very meaning of the word is “the study of nature”. Indeed, when the discipline was first defined, it was about observing the Milky Way, the entire known universe at the time, while wondering about the existence of the atom. As with the universe, physics knowledge is constantly expanding. The existence of black holes, gravitational forces so strong that even light is unable to escape, was first theorised in the 18th century. In 2019, an image of a black hole was captured for the first time.
However, physics is not just about staring into the vastness of space or scrutinising the tiniest particles that make up the fabric of the universe. The fact is that discoveries in physics are the root of ideas that revolutionise the technology used in our daily lives. It is an everyday, grounded science encompassing advances in communication, medical technology and renewable energy.
It is above all a creative discipline. Physics requires solid knowledge of basic principles and a willingness to put them to the test in new ways. It requires curiosity and an appetite to explore what might be.
"Look up at the stars and not down at your feet ... Be curious"
Stephen Hawking
Physics Overview
IB Physics HOD informationStudent Experience
IB Physics subject choice information.mp4course description
course description
Course Content
Core curriculum (Standard Level)
measurement: uncertainties and errors, vectors and scalars
space, time and motion: kinematics, forces & momentum, work, energy & power
the particulate nature of matter: thermal energy transfers, greenhouse effect, gas laws, current & circuits
wave behaviour: oscillations, wave model, wave phenomena, standing waves & resonance, doppler effect
fields: gravitational fields, electric & magnetic fields, motion in electromagnetic fields
nuclear physics: structure of the atom, radioactive decay, fission, fusion & stars
Additional Higher Level (AHL)
space, time and motion: rigid body mechanics, galilean and special relativity
the particulate nature of matter: thermodynamics
wave behaviour: simple harmonic motion, wave phenomena, doppler effect
fields: gravitational fields, electric & magnetic fields, induction
nuclear quantum physics: structure of the atom, radioactive decay, quantum physics
For Physics IB syllabus, click here.
Skills and Attitudes Developed
Buildings, aircraft, Formula One cars, computers and saucepans all obey the laws of physics. It provides an understanding of how the world around us works. It can supply answers to some important questions in topics such as energy demand and the environment. It will make you more informed on issues such as nuclear power and climate change. As well as learning how to plan experiments and process uncertainties in measurement, you will develop your critical and analytical thinking skills.
Assessment
External assessment – 80%
paper 1: multiple choice & data-based questions – 36%
paper 2: short-answer & extended response questions – 44%
Internal assessment – 20%
The internal assessment component occupies about 10 hours of class time and comprises experimental work investigating a research question of your choice
University Courses and Careers
Physics underpins most of the benefits of the modern world in which we live and will hopefully provide some of the solutions to the problems that humanity will face in the future. Physics is used by anyone who discovers, makes or designs. Its emphasis on logical thought develops skills useful in many businesses, financial or legal careers, and is helpful to those who work with scientists and engineers. It has applications in daily life, and provides a background understanding of technology in an increasingly technological world.
Page updated
Report abuse