Higher

Award received

Higher Physics is graded A, B, C, D or No Award.

Entry level – what do you need to do it?

For entry into Higher Physics an A or B is recommended at National 5 level. Taking Higher Maths alongside this course is also strongly recommended.

Course content: what will you learn?

Our Dynamic Universe

In this unit you will learn how to model the paths of moving objects, and how to predict their movement when acted on by a force and during collisions. You will learn about gravity, and how it affects moving objects. You will learn about Einstein’s theory of special relativity, and how time and space contract and dilate for fast-moving objects. You will learn about our current understanding of the Universe, how to work out its age, and the evidence supporting the existence of dark matter and dark energy.

Particles and waves

In this unit you will learn about how particles move in electric and magnetic fields, and how this understanding is applied to particle accelerators, the biggest machines ever made by humans. You will learn about the Standard Model, a theory about the smallest particles ever discovered. You will learn about nuclear reactions, and how mass can be converted into pure energy according to Einstein’s famous equation: E = mc2. You will learn about the properties of light and quantum theory, and some of the experiments that shook up Physics in the 20th century.

Electricity and Energy

You will extend your understanding of alternating current, and how to analyse electronic circuits. You will learn more about capacitors and how they charge and discharge. You will learn about the internal resistance of batteries and how to measure it in a real circuit.

Skills

The skills you learn in Higher Physics are greatly valued by employers. You will develop your problem-solving skills and apply them to real-world problems. You will build on your practical skills by conducting experiments and analysing and interpreting your results, including handling uncertainties in your measurements.

Teaching – what will you do?

You will learn through teacher-guided activities, including practical experiments and investigations and problem-solving activities.

Assessment – how will you be assessed?

You will be assessed as follows:

· Unit assessments, covering knowledge and understanding and problem solving.

· Practical investigations, including planning, carrying out and reporting on an experiment.

· Externally-marked practical assignment, which includes researching and reporting on a relevant topic of your choice.

· External SQA exam at the end of the course.

Homework

You will be given regular homework tasks including practice questions, research and revision tasks.

Progression – what can you do next?

Students who achieve an A or a B (Assignment and final exam combined) and want to continue with Physics would be recommended to progress to Advanced Higher Physics. Higher Physics is required for many university courses, especially Engineering and Physics related courses. The problem-solving, data-analysis and practical skills you gain are greatly valued by many employers.

Careers

There is a vast range of jobs and careers open to those who have studied Physics at any level. Physics qualifications can lead to diverse careers in engineering, technology, scientific research, finance and healthcare. Careers directly related to Physics include Medical Physicist, Aerospace Engineer, Data Scientist, Astronomer, Geophysicist, Renewable Energy Specialist, Sound Engineer and Software Developer; and there are, of course, many more.