National 5

Award received

National 5 Physics is graded A, B, C, D or No Award.

Entry level – what do you need to do it?

Entry into National 5 Physics will normally depend on your attainment in the S3 Physics course.

Your S3 Physics teacher will advise you on whether National 5 is an appropriate level of study for you. Studying National 5 Maths alongside this course is also strongly recommended.

Course content: what will you learn?

Waves and Radiation

You will learn about wave characteristics and how to describe the different properties of waves; with a focus on sound waves and how SONAR is used. You will learn about the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, including X-rays and gamma rays, and how these are used in everyday applications. You will learn how to use various equations to carry out calculations. You will investigate some of the properties of light, with a focus on refraction. You will also learn about nuclear radiation, along with its applications and risks.

Electricity and Energy

You will look at various definitions and formulas relevant to electrical circuits, including a focus on charge, current, voltage, resistance and power. You will build your own circuits – including circuits which automatically switch other components on or off – and learn how to measure various quantities. You will also learn about the gas laws and the effects of temperature and pressure on the volume of a gas, as well as specific heat capacity and specific latent heat which explain the process of solids turning into liquids then into gases.

Dynamics and Space

You will learn about vectors and scalars, as well as motion, forces and energy. There will be a specific focus on velocity-time graphs, acceleration, Newton’s laws and projectile motion (useful for sports such as football and archery, as well as other applications). The practical applications of what has been learnt will then be looked at in the context of space. You will find out about satellites and how they are used, and you will go on a (virtual!) exploration of space to learn about the scale of the universe and some of the theory surrounding its age, space exploration and its benefits and challenges, and the possibility of life on another planet.

Skills

Along with the units above, you will learn how to use the correct units, prefixes and Scientific Notation; how to carry out experiments and investigations safely; how to draw graphs and analyse them in order to draw conclusions and make evaluations. A keen interest in, and aptitude for, Maths is a valuable asset for this course.

Teaching – what will you do?

You will learn through teacher-guided activities, including practical experiments and investigations, written work, calculations, research and presentation tasks.

Assessment – how will you be assessed?

You will be assessed as follows:

· Unit assessments, covering knowledge & 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 a pass in National 5 Physics (Assignment and final exam), ideally at Grade A or B, would be recommended to progress to Higher Physics. Studying Higher Mathematics is also recommended.

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.