Physics
Physics
Physics provides pupils with an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe. From the study of the electrical and heat energy used in our society, to the exploration of space, it covers a range of applications of the relationships that have been discovered through experiment and calculation, including those used in modern technology.
Advances in Physics mean that our view of what is possible is continually being updated. This Course enables learners to understand the processes behind scientific advances, and to appreciate and contribute to topical scientific debate. It also aims to give all learners the opportunity to develop their interest in, and understanding of, the Laws of the Universe. The Course is built around investigative tasks, developing the skills required to become creative, inventive and enterprising in a world where the skills and knowledge gained by physicists are in demand across all sectors of society today.
What will I Learn?
We will look at motion of objects like cars, plane and people.
Find out about forces, space exploration and cosmology.
Explore how waves behave and how we use them in everyday life.
What skills with I develop?
Numerical, analytical and problem solving skills are key to this course and you will have lots of opportunity to develop these as you learn.
What could be helpful?
If you are confident in Maths this will help you succeed with this course
An interest in finding out about the world around you and how things work.
Is there is an Exam?
During the S3 course you will have a number of progress checks throughout the year, practical write ups and assessed tasks.
This is to help you understand your progress through the year.
What comes next?
In S4 you can take either the N4 or N5 course dependent on progress.
The N4 course is assessed in school with no final exam.
The N5 course has a final SQA exam and assignment.
Where can this take me?
This course can lead to N5 level physics and on to Higher and Advanced Higher.
These courses open a lot of opportunities for various courses at College, University or life after school.
What will I Learn?
You will build on the knowledge and skills developed in S3.
You will focus on these three key areas:
Waves and Radiation
Dynamics and Space
Electricity and Energy
What skills with I develop?
An understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues, society and the environment.
Scientific inquiry, investigative, analytical and evaluative skills.
What could be helpful?
S3 Physics to ensure you have developed the core knowledge and skills required to succeed.
If you are confident in Maths would be very helpful and would help you succeed with this course.
Is there is an Exam?
During this course you will have a number of progress checks throughout the year, practical write ups and assessed tasks.
A National 3 in Physics is assessed through a end of Unit assessment, a practical write-up and a research task. All of these assessments are completed in class.
What comes next?
This can lead to the National 4 Physics course dependent on progress.
Where can this take me?
This course can lead to the National 4 Physics.
These courses open a lot of opportunities for various courses at College, University or life after school.
What will I Learn?
You will build on the knowledge and skills developed in S3.
You will focus on these three key areas:
Waves and Radiation
Dynamics and Space
Electricity and Energy
What skills with I develop?
An understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues, society and the environment.
Scientific inquiry, investigative, analytical and evaluative skills.
What could be helpful?
S3 Physics to ensure you have developed the core knowledge and skills required to succeed.
If you are confident in Maths would be very helpful and would help you succeed with this course.
Is there is an Exam?
During this course you will have a number of progress checks throughout the year, practical write ups and assessed tasks.
A National 4 in Physics is assessed through a end of Unit assessment, a practical write-up and a research task. All of these assessments are completed in class.
What comes next?
This can lead to the National 5 Physics course dependent on progress.
Where can this take me?
This course can lead to the National 5 Physics.
These courses open a lot of opportunities for various courses at College, University or life after school.
What will I Learn?
You will build on the knowledge and skills developed in S3.
You will focus on these three key areas:
Waves and Radiation
Dynamics and Space
Electricity and Energy
What skills with I develop?
An understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues, society and the environment.
Scientific inquiry, investigative, analytical and evaluative skills.
What could be helpful?
S3 Physics to ensure you have developed the core knowledge and skills required to succeed.
If you are confident in Maths would be very helpful and would help you succeed with this course.
Is there is an Exam?
During this course you will have a number of progress checks throughout the year, practical write ups and assessed tasks.
There is a final end of year SQA exam and Assignment.
What comes next?
This can lead to the Higher Physics dependent on progress during this course and we recommend an A - B at N5 to proceed to Higher science course.
Where can this take me?
This course can lead to Higher Physics.
These courses open a lot of opportunities for various courses at College, University or life after school.
What will I Learn?
We will look at our dynamic universe including motion and space exploration.
Particles and Waves that we all interact with on a daily basis.
We also look at Einstein theories of relativity.
What skills with I develop?
You will further develop numerical, analytical and problem solving skills.
Applying these skills to practical experiments is a key part of your development through the course.
What could be helpful?
You should aim to have an A or B at N5 physics to be successful in this course.
N5 maths A – C is important as you will need to apply your mathematical skills to a range of problems.
Is there is an Exam?
During the course you will have a number of progress checks throughout the year, practical write ups and assessed tasks.
The Higher course has a final SQA exam and assignment.
What comes next?
In S6 you can take Advanced Higher Physics or look at the L6 Scientific Technologies course as an alternative.
Where can this take me?
This course can lead to Advanced Higher physics
Keys skills developed in this course are in demand by lots of employers, Universities and Colleges.
What will I Learn?
We will start by looking at rotational motion and astrophysics.
We will build on this by exploring quanta and waves in detail and finally look at electromagnetism.
What skills with I develop?
Develop your ability to analyse the world around you.
Numerical, analytical and problem solving skills are key to this course and you will have lots of opportunity to develop these as you learn.
What could be helpful?
You should aim to have have an A or B grade in Higher Physics. A Higher A - C grade in Mathematics.
It would be helpful if you are confident in English and ICT.
Is there is an Exam?
There will be a number of progress checks throughout the year, practical write ups and assessed tasks.
There are two main components to the course.
Component 1 is a 3 hour question paper. This is examined through at the end of the year.
Component 2 is the project. This can be completed throughout the year in class and sent to SQA for marking.
What comes next?
This course will prepare you for a number of University and job opportunities for life and work after school.
Where can this take me?
This course can lead to specific physics, engineering and scientific related courses of study at University.
It is also a great qualification for demonstrating key skills in demand by all employers.