Physics
Aims of the Physics Department
The Physics Department aims to:
instil, in pupils, a spirit of curiosity in the natural world
encourage logical thinking
provide some knowledge and understanding of facts, ideas and applications of Physics in society
develop problem solving skills
foster attributes such as being open-minded and showing initiative
raise awareness of how decisions affect ourselves, others and the environment
encourage mutual respect, tolerance and understanding of others.
Staff Names and Roles
Mr K. Carr (Curriculum Leader)
Mr G. Corrigan
Mr M. Flynn
Mr M. Gallagher
Mr S. Hutton
National 4 Physics
N4 Physics is intended to provide a coherent progression leading to a deeper understanding of a wide range of Physical issues. The Physics Course enables learners to develop the ability to solve problems and establish relationships in physics by acquiring a broad knowledge base and practical skills.
To achieve a National 3/4 award in Physics pupils must pass all of the required units and the added value unit. There is no final exam and the course is not graded.
Internal Assessment
All Units are internally assessed against the requirements shown in the Unit Specification. They will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.
The assessment of the Units in this Course will be as follows:
N4 Physics is split into 3 units that builds on Knowledge gained from S1-3:
Dynamics and Space: This unit covers how we actually make different types of measurements such as vectors and scalars, velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws, projectile motions, space travel and observations and cosmology.
Electricity and Energy: This looks further at fossil fuels and renewable energies, the generation and distribution of electricity to society, the construction of different types of electrical circuits to carry out simple and complex tasks, heat, pressure and how gas particles around us behave in everyday situations.
Waves and radiation: This unit develops understanding of wave characteristics and behaviours, how we use the electromagnetic spectrum and light through refraction and reflections, nuclear radiation and nuclear reactions and how the world around us has been affected through use of nuclear reactions.
All course work is marked internally for N4. This includes:
End of unit test (NAR): This assesses both knowledge and problem solving skills.
Practical Investigation: Pupils will carry out a practical experiment and write a full experimental report of their results.
Added Value Unit: This is a larger research topic. Pupils will choose a topic that links to one of the units above. They will then research this topic of their choice and write a report on it.
National 5 Physics
The aims of this course are for learners to:
develop and apply knowledge and understanding of physics
develop an understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues and relevant applications of physics, including the impact these could make on society and the environment
develop scientific inquiry and investigative skills
develop scientific analytical thinking skills in a physics context
develop the use of technology, equipment and materials, safely, in practical scientific activities
develop planning skills
develop problem solving skills in a physics context
use and understand scientific literacy, in everyday contexts, to communicate ideas and issues and to make scientifically informed choices
develop the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in physics
develop skills of independent working
In addition to scientific skills, learners will continue to develop and acquire the capabilities of the four capacities as well as skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. They will continue to develop their skills in literacy, numeracy and communication.
To achieve a National 5 award in Physics pupils must pass all of the required units as well as the course assessment. The added value unit will focus on breadth, challenge and application. The added value unit and the exam will be externally assessed.
Mandatory Units:
Electricity and Energy
The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of electricity and energy. The Unit covers the key areas of energy transfer, heat and the gas laws. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Waves and Radiation
The Unit covers the key areas of waves and nuclear radiation.
Dynamics and Space
The Unit covers the key areas of kinematics, forces and space.
Course Assessment:
Component 1 - External Exam
The question paper will have two Sections and will take place over 2 hours as the External Exam.
Section 1 Multiple Choice worth 20 marks.
Section 2 will contain restricted and extended response questions and will have 60 marks.
Component 2 - Assignment
The assignment will have 20 marks out of a total of 100 marks. This is 20% of the overall marks for the Course assessment.
The assignment will give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and understanding by:
applying knowledge of physics to new situations and interpreting information
selecting information and presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms
processing the information (using calculations and units, where appropriate)
drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification
communicating findings/information
Higher Physics
A one year Course for students who wish to continue their study of Physics beyond National 5 Physics.
The main aims of this Course are for learners to:
develop and apply knowledge and understanding of physics
develop an understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues and relevant applications of physics, including the impact these could make in society and the environment
develop skills of independent working
Advances in physics mean that our view of what is possible is continually being updated. This Course allows learners to deepen their understanding of the processes behind scientific advances, and thus promotes awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice. The Course will therefore enable learners to become scientifically literate citizens who will recognise the impact physics makes on their lives, the environment and society, and be able to appreciate topical scientific debate. Learners will develop skills for learning beyond Higher and for employment.
Entry Level
N5 Award A to C pass in Physics
N5 Award A to C pass in Maths
Course Content
Our Dynamic Universe
The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of our dynamic universe. Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of our dynamic universe on our lives, as well as the implications on society/the environment. This can be done by using a variety of approaches, including investigation and problem solving. The Unit covers the key areas of kinematics, dynamics and space-time. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Particles and Waves
The Unit covers the key areas of particles and waves. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Electricity
The Unit covers the key areas of electricity, and electrical storage and transfer. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Researching Physics
The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills relevant to undertaking research in Physics. Learners will collect and synthesize information from different sources, plan and undertake a practical investigation, analyse results and communicate information They will also consider any applications of the physics involved and implications for society/the environment. The Unit offers opportunities for collaborative and for independent learning. Learners will develop knowledge and skills associated with standard laboratory apparatus and in the recording and processing of results.
Course Assessment
The course assessment will consist of two components: a question paper and an assignment.
Component 1 - External Exam
The purpose of the question paper is to assess breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding from across the Units.
The question paper will have 100 marks (77% of the total mark) and will have two sections.
Section 1 - Multiple Choice will have 20 marks.
Section 2 - 'Paper 2' will contain restricted and extended response questions and will have 80 marks.
Component 2 - Assignment
The assignment will have 30 marks (23% of the total marks)
In preparation for the controlled assessment, the pupil will carry out an investigation stage:
select an appropriate chemistry topic within the set guidelines provided by SQA
investigate/research the topic, focusing on applications and impact on society
process the information collected
In the controlled assessment stage, the pupil will present evidence of:
the process they have undertaken
applying physics knowledge and understanding related to the topic investigated
a balanced evaluation of the impact on society
a reasoned conclusion
Advanced Higher Physics
Advanced Higher Physics is studied in S6. The course is designed for pupils wishing to further extend their knowledge and understanding of the dynamic arena of Physics. Advanced Higher Physics is highly regarded for entry into further education courses in Engineering, Aeronautics and Physics.
The content of the Advanced Higher course covers a proportion of the 1st year University Physics content resulting in a smoother transition from school to University.
The aims of the course are to enable learners to:
extend and apply knowledge, understanding and skills of physics
develop and apply the skills to carry out complex practical scientific activities, including the use of risk assessments, technology, equipment and materials
develop and apply scientific inquiry and investigative skills, including planning and experimental design
extend and apply problem solving skills in a physics context
Entry Level
N6 Award A to C pass in Physics
N6 Award A to C pass in Maths
Course Content
Rotational Motion and Astrophysics
This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to rotational motion and astrophysics. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving angular motion. An astronomical perspective is developed through a study of gravitation, leading to work on general relativity and stellar physics.
Quanta and Waves
This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to quanta and waves. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving quantum theory and waves. The Unit introduces non-classical physics and considers the origin and composition of cosmic radiation. Simple harmonic motion is introduced and work on wave theory is developed.
Electromagnetism
This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to electromagnetism. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving electromagnetism. The Unit develops knowledge and understanding of electric and magnetic fields and capacitors and inductors used in d.c. and a.c. circuits.
Investigating Physics
In this Unit, learners will develop key investigative skills. The Unit offers opportunities for independent learning set within the context of experimental physics. Learners will identify, research, plan and carry out a physics investigation of their choice.
Course Assessment
The course assessment will consist of two Components:
Component 1 — External Exam
The purpose of this question paper is to assess breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding from across the Units. The question paper will assess scientific inquiry skills and analytical thinking skills.
The question paper will have 100 marks.
The question paper will have two Sections.
Section 1 will contain objective questions and will have 30 marks.
Section 2 will contain restricted and extended response questions and will have 70 marks.
Component 2 — Project
The purpose of the project is to allow the learner to carry out an in-depth investigation of a chemistry topic and produce a project–report.
The project will have 30 marks. The majority of the marks will be awarded for applying scientific inquiry skills. The other marks will be awarded for applying related knowledge and understanding. The project will be externally assessed.
National 4 Practical Electronics
This course enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of key concepts in electronics. There are four mandatory units including the added value unit.
Circuit Design
You will develop a basic understanding of key electrical concepts and electronic components. You will analyse straightforward electronic problems and design solutions
Circuit Simulation
You will use simulation software to assist in the design, construction and testing of simple circuits and systems and investigate their behaviour
Circuit Construction
You will have experience in assembling a range of simple electronic circuits using permanent and non-permanent methods. You will develop skills in practical wiring and assembly techniques. You will also learn basic testing and fault finding skills
Added Value Unit
Developing an electronic solution – you will apply your skills and knowledge from all of the previous units to solve an electronics problem.
Assessment
To achieve the course award you must pass all of the above units including the added value unit. All course work is marked internally for N4 & is not graded.