Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences. In this two year course, we seek to explain the entire universe from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Physics requires a combination of experimental, conceptual and mathematical thinking.Â
Clearly explaining complex ideas.
Weaving mathematical and conceptual thinking.
Making physical predictions based on models.
Understanding how conceptual models are turned into precise mathematical relationships.
Analysing experimental data to come to valid conclusions.
Space, Time & Motion - The study of motion according to first Newton's classical laws, and in Einstein's Theory of Relativity.
The Particulate Nature of Matter - Thinking through what we can discover about the world by thinking on smaller scales, including the molecular theories of heat and chemistry. In this section we also look at how electrical circuits work, both practically and conceptually.
Wave Behaviour - In this unit we look at how Sound, Light, Vibrations, Water waves, etc, can be understood using very similar models, and look at some of the surprising predictions of these models.
Fields - We look at how objects can interact across space, even when they are not in contact. In this unit we develop a sophisticated mathematical understanding of how the fundamental force work and how they store energy.
Nuclear & Quantum Physics - We look at how the world works on the smallest and most fundamental scales, from the weird behaviour of quantum mechanics to the nuclear processes that power stars.
Over the two years, the IBO awards students a score based on Examination results (80%) and one Internal Assessment (20%) completed at school. The internal assessment is a student-designed practical investigation.
Additionally, there are school-based assessments, which count towards reports but not final IB grades. These are typically tests, data analysis tasks, pracs and practice IAs.
Narrowly, Physics is relevant for any career in Engineering, Science and Computer Science. More broadly, physics is the most successful system of problem-solving that humans have ever devised, so it's handy to have.