Physics

Course No: 11310 Year 11, 15330 Year 12

Course Description

The Physics course develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the study of motion, how we describe it and what causes it. The course also examines energy in its different forms, and how we describe and measure electricity and magnetism and their interrelated effects. Students examine electromagnetism and the nature of light as well as the atomic properties of matter.

Students are provided with 15 hours of course time for depth studies in both Year 11 and Year 12. During this time students may undertake an investigation/activity that allows for the further development of one or more scientific concepts.

What Students Learn

Module 1 Kinematics
Module 2 Dynamics
Module 3 Waves and Thermodynamics
Module 4 Electricity and Magnetism
Module 5 Advanced Mechanics
Module 6 Electromagnetism

Module 7 The Nature of Light
Module 8 From the Universe to the Atom

Is Physics hard?

The Physics course builds your understanding from Year 10 through to Year 12. You need to be able to think conceptually and grasp concepts in order to move through the course. Having said that, if you are currently doing well in Science and Mathematics and you are prepared to work hard, Physics may be ideal for you.

Will I get scaled up if I pick Physics?

Do not pick Physics because of scaling. If you perform poorly in Physics, scaling will not help. Pick Physics because you enjoy the subject, are mathematically competent and are capable of progressing.

How much homework will I get?

On average, about three hours a week every week. As well, you are expected to summarise your work as you go and manage assessments.

Do I need to study Mathematics Extension in order to take this course?

No, but you will need to be able to rearrange equations, calculate logarithms to base 10 and use exponentials. You also need to be comfortable with using scientific notation.

Can I still take Physics if I'm not doing well in Science this year?

I highly recommend you talk to your Science teacher and ask what you need to do to improve your marks in Science and then follow their advice. If you are motivated to study Physics then making sure you have the prerequisite knowledge in place by working hard this year to improve is essential.

Dux 2021 Interview

Choosing Science Subjects for your HSC

Important NESA Information

2 units for each of Year 11 and Year 12

Board Developed Course

Exclusions: Nil (max of 6 units of Science courses in Year 11)

Course Description

The Year 11 course develops student’s knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the study of motion, how we describe it and what causes it. The course also examines energy in its different forms and how we describe and measure electricity and magnetism and their interrelated effects.

The Year 12 course provides avenues for students to apply the concepts they were introduced to in Year 11 to motion in two dimensions, electromagnetism, theories of light, the atom and the Universe.

Topics Covered

Year 11

Kinematics
Dynamics
Waves and Thermodynamics
Electricity and Magnetism

Topics Covered

Year 12

Advanced Mechanics
Electromagnetism
The Nature of Light
From the Universe to the Atom

Particular Course Requirements

A depth study may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies may be included in one module or across several modules.

Practical investigations are an essential part of the Year 11 and Year 12 courses and must occupy a minimum of 35 hours of course time each year.

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