Course Layout

Units:

• Rotational Dynamics and Astrophysics

• Quanta and Waves

• Electromagnetism

Course Assessment:

The external examination (3 hours (76%)) and project (10 – 15 hours of practical work plus write-up (24%) have to be completed under SQA examination regulations.

Unit awards can be gained through unit test passes and evidence of competence in practical work.

Course Details:

Pupils will be developing their understanding of many of the tics in the Higher course. They will also study a number of topics that are quite specialised and conceptual – continuing the intellectual development process. They will also be able to perform problem solving tasks relating to that knowledge.

Pupils will learn through a number of different mediums, however there are fewer experiments that can be performed with the equipment we have available. With the smaller class sizes, a tutorial style of learning is possible, and this enables a greater focus on conceptual thinking. Pupils will attend a workshop at Dundee University where they will carry out experiments and gain experience of the university environment. The project allows much more autonomy and the opportunity to carry out complex experiments to an exacting standard. Pupils will also further develop the process of learning to ask good questions to find out answers to problems. This is at the heart of physics and is an excellent ability to carry through to later life. Similarly, learning to take a systematic approach to problem solving will be an important transferable skill to develop throughout the course.