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The Physics Stage 6 Syllabus 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 Physics Stage 6 Syllabus 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.
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.
Who should do this course?
Who should do this course?
Students who:
gain a Grade A to C in Year 10 Science course and have an interest in investigating Earth and Environmental Science through theoretical work, fieldwork, research and practical work.
Note: Consider combining this course with Biology, Chemistry, Investigating Science and Earth & Environmental Sciences if you are considering tertiary studies in Science.
Student reflections
Student reflections
All science subjects demand the use of adequate written skill and comprehension to be able to successfully answer assessment questions.
Here are some comments made by students currently studying Physics:
“Physics requires a strong math background which in the future will help you in engineering, IT etc. It is very difficult but has a lot of skills which I know will pay off. I have been spending over 10 hours a week outside of school completing physics work and studying in order to do well. Physics requires a lot of logical, problem solving thinking. I think you have to really like physics and the theory behind it to enjoy this subject because it is very hard”
“Physics is hard but easier if you enjoy the theory behind it. I think extension maths is very important in doing well in Physics as there is a lot of graphing and difficult formulas involved. The theory is highly relatable to everyday life which is what I enjoy about Physics. I spend around 5-7 hours a week outside of class during homework, studying and researching further to do well in Physics. At first the topics can be hard but the further in you get to the course the more interesting it gets”
“Physics is a different course to many other subjects in Year 11. It requires a lot of homework and effort outside of school to do well. It is difficult to understand sometimes but you can eventually understand the concepts from working with your teacher and your fellow peers. The topics are interesting and I have found that I have been more engaged in Physics this year than Year 10. I would tell anyone who wants to do Physics to put in the hard work early on to avoid struggling and falling behind”
How is this course taught
How is this course taught
The subject has a Preliminary course and a HSC course. The courses are organised into 8 modules.
The Preliminary Course studies Kinematics, Dynamics, Waves and Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism. This is a 120 hours’ course with 15 hours allocated to Depth studies within the mandatory indicative hours.
The HSC course builds on the preliminary course. It includes the study of advanced Mechanics, Electromagnetism, The Nature of Light and From the Universe to the Atom. This is a 120 hours’ course with 15 hours allocated to Depth studies within the mandatory indicative hours.
Scientific investigations include both practical investigations and secondary-sourced investigations. Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 course and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time, including time allocated to practical investigations in depth studies.
How is the work assessed
How is the work assessed
60% Skills in working scientifically
40% Knowledge and understanding of course content
What are Depth Studies
What are Depth Studies
A depth study is any type of investigation/activity that a student completes individual or collaboratively that allows the further development of one or more concepts found within or inspired by the syllabus. It may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities.
Requirements for Depth Studies:
A minimum of 15 hours of in-class time is allocated in both Year 11 and Year 12.
At least one depth study must be included in both Year 11 & Year 12.
The two Working Scientifically outcomes of Questioning and Predicting and Communication must be addressed in both Year 11 and Year 12.
A minimum of two additional Working Scientifically skills outcomes, and further development of at least one Knowledge and understanding outcome, are to be addressed in all depth studies.
What should I be able to do at the end of this course
What should I be able to do at the end of this course
Understand and critically evaluate basic concepts in modern Physics.
Apply experimental skills in observation, manipulation, measurement and experimental design including fieldwork.
Engage in solving equations based on models, make predictions, and analyse the interconnectedness of physical entities.
How will this subject help me in the future?
How will this subject help me in the future?
Career opportunities within Chemistry include health science, aviation, sports science, chiropractic, medicine, engineering, Energy and the Environment, Lifestyle & Recreation, nursing, Forensic Science, Science publicist, environmental science and metallurgy.
Careers can include
Engineer, Data analyst, NASA, Lab technician, Airforce technician, Nuclear Science, Research scientists, Astrophysicist, Biomedical engineering
What does this course cost?
It may cost a charge for an e-book/workbook.
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