9749 H2 Physics

Subject description

Science as a discipline is more than the acquisition of a body of knowledge (e.g. scientific facts, concepts, laws, and theories); it is a way of knowing and doing. It includes an understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and how this knowledge is generated, established and communicated. 

Physics encompasses the study of systems where a number of basic principles and laws when applied to the study can help us make better sense of a wide variety of simple and complex systems. A few core ideas will be introduced in the curriculum to provide students with a broader way of thinking about the physical world and to help them integrate knowledge and link concepts across different topics. The main core ideas examined in the syllabus include:

1. Systems and Interactions

2. Models and Representations and

3. Conservation Laws 

The syllabus content is organised into sections according to the main branches and knowledge areas of physics, they are 

1. Newtonian Mechanics 

2. Thermal Physics 

3. Oscillations and Waves 

4. Electricity and Magnetism and

5. Modern Physics 

Experimental work is an important component and will underpin the teaching and learning of H2 Physics. 

The syllabus document for H2 Physics can be found on the SEAB website: 

9749 H2 Physics (Assessment in 2024)

Pre-requisites

Candidates taking H2 Physics are assumed to have knowledge and understanding of Physics at 'O' level, as a single subject or as part of a balanced science course. Candidates may not simultaneously offer Physics at H1 and H2 levels.

Candidates offering H2 Physics must attain at ‘O’ level:

At least C6 in Pure Physics  OR  At least C6 in Combined Science (Physics / --)

*Offered only if a student offers H2 Mathematics.

Scheme of Assessment

Papers and respective weightage for A level 9749 H2 Physics as shown. 

All candidates are required to enter for Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Enrichment opportunities in YIJC / Unique teaching approach

A wide range of pedagogies will be employed by YIJC Physics teachers to engage students in critical thinking, reasoning and argument, e.g. inquiry-based approaches. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools such as simulation applets are also used throughout the course to enhance visualization and understanding of abstract Physics concepts which promotes greater motivation for students to explore deeper into a phenomenon presented to them. In addition, through practical and hands-on activities, students will learn and assimilate key concepts and skills better. 

Students who perform well in the course after JC1 are given the opportunity to pursue ‘A’ Level Physics at the H3 Level. 

The following are some enrichment opportunities for learning in YIJC:

• Physics Olympiad

• NUS Physics Enrichment Camp

• NUS Women in Engineering

• EEE Innovation Challenge

• Science research attachment programme 

Skill attainment

Students who intend to offer H2 Physics should ideally be keen and strong in mathematics as a unique feature in the study and practice of physics is the extensive use of models, especially those expressed in mathematical language, to explain real life observations and make predictions.

H2 Physics aims to enable our students, who are the future leaders of the country, to become scientifically literate citizens who can make informed decisions, based on scientific knowledge and principles, about current and emerging issues which are important to self, society and the increasingly technologically-driven world. 

H2 Physics also enhances the development of 21st Century Competencies (21CC) in our students, in particular the critical and inventive thinking skills which are highly valued in the present Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) environment.

FAQ

1)  If I did not take O level Physics, am I able to take A level H2 Physics?

H2 Physics syllabus is a rigorous 2 year course where candidates are assumed to have acquired knowledge and have a good foundation on the content of the O Levels Physics. Candidates taking H2 & H1 Physics at A level are assumed to have knowledge and understanding of Physics at O level, as a single subject or part of a balanced science subject. 

Priority of spaces in the subject will be offered to students who performed better in their relevant O Level subject. 

Please refer to our college’s website for subject eligibility criteria for more information.

https://yijc.moe.edu.sg/curriculum/subject-combination-n-eligibility/subject-eligibility-criteria

2) What’s the difference between H1 and H2 Physics?

Answer: H2 Physics has a wider range of topics than H1 Physics. For example. Superposition and Quantum Physics are taught in H2 but not in H1. There is greater breadth and depth for some topics in H2 Physics as compared to H1 Physics. For the same topics taught in both H1 & H2 Physics, there might be less learning objectives in the syllabus covered in H1 compared to H2. However the academic demand and rigor are comparable.

H2 Physics has a practical assessment component while H1 doesn’t. 

Do take note that the same Science subject cannot be offered at both H1 and H2 levels concurrently. 

Any other relevant info

H2 Physics prepares students to take on careers in science and engineering-related sectors as well as opens up in-roads to many opportunities even in fields not traditionally associated with Physics. 

Although H2 Physics is usually not listed as a necessary prerequisite to most of the university courses, offering H2 Physics would be highly beneficial for a student who intends to pursue a university course in the science, mathematics, engineering and computing field. Do check university websites for the subject pre-requisites for the respective courses. 

The following website host some resources on the career prospects for Physics students: 

https://www.iop.org/careers-physics/your-future-with-physics