IB Diploma Programme Course Outline
IB Physics
Course description
International Baccalaureate Physics programme is a two year rigorous pre-university course which is internationally well recognized. The focus of this programme is to impart in students the knowledge and skills required to excel in their university studies. By design this course allows students to experience the challenges which are normally felt at undergraduate level. The course introduces the students to Scientific methods and techniques which are needed for scientific investigations. Students are made aware of the moral and ethical social responsibility in the use of scientific knowledge. Students are encouraged to understand the relationship between the various scientific disciplines and carry out an interdisciplinary project.
Being a subject of universal application, students are encouraged to collaborate with students of other IB-schools nationally or internationally through the use of email and internet. Students could appreciate the extent to which the subject is applicable in various cultures and regions. Practical investigations are an integral part of the curriculum. Students are required to research a scientific problem, develop hypothesis, design an experiment, conduct investigations and draw conclusions. Special emphasis is given to manipulative skills required to carryout scientific investigations. Student assessment is conducted both externally through written examination and internally by means of practical investigations and an interdisciplinary project.
Distinction between SL and HL
Group 4 students at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) undertake a common core syllabus, a common internal assessment (IA) scheme and have some overlapping elements in the option studied. They are presented with a syllabus that encourages the development of certain skills, attributes and attitudes, as described in the “Assessment objectives” section of the guide.
While the skills and activities of group 4 science subjects are common to students at both SL and HL, students at HL are required to study some topics in greater depth, in the additional higher level (AHL) material and in the common options. The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.
Topics:
Core
Measurements and Uncertainties
Mechanics
Thermal Physics
Waves
Electricity and Magnetism
Circular Motion and Gravitation
Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Energy Production
Additional Higher Level
Wave Phenomena
Fields
Electromagnetic Induction
Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics
Options SL/HL
C Imaging
Time: 3/4 hour
SL: 20%
30 multiple- choice questions on the core (Topics 1-8)
The use of calculators is not permitted.
Time: 1 hour
HL: 20%
40 multiple – choice questions ( 15 common to SL plus about five more on the core and about 20 more on the AHL)
The use of calculators is not permitted.
Time : 1 ¼ hours
SL: 40%
Short-answer and extended-response questions on the core material (Topics 1-8).
Time : 2 ¼ hours
HL: 36%
Short-answer and extended-response questions on the core and AHL material (Topics 1-12).
Time : 1 hour
SL: 20%
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work. (Topics 1-8).
Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Time : 1 ¼ hours
HL: 24%
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work. (Topics 1-12)
Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
Time: Approx 40 hours for SL and 60 hours for HL (10 hours for Internal Assessment and 10 hours for Group 4 Project)
SL and HL: 20%
It consists of an interdisciplinary project, a mixture of short and long – term investigations. Student work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO. The performance is judged against assessment criteria each consisting of achievement levels 0 – 6.