Why Study Physics?

It has always been part of the human condition to marvel at the world we live in — stars and rainbows, the apple that falls to the ground or the lodestone that always points north — and to ask why the world should be that way.

In Western culture, this way of speculating about the world became known as natural philosophy, and over time separated into distinct sciences such as biology, chemistry and physics. Physics developed particular methods and procedures that valued precise measurement and highly reproducible experiments, and developed a powerful and fruitful partnership with mathematics. Physics is concerned with the discovery, understanding and application of the fundamental laws of nature.

Physics is not a static body of facts. It is a collection of mutually supporting physical and mathematical models that gives the best explanation of natural phenomena and provides simultaneously a platform for deeper understanding.

These models and theories are used to predict the outcomes of other new situations. If experiments do not verify these predictions, or if certain behaviours are found that cannot be explained by the relevant theory, then the model has to be redefined or discarded. Thus, quite often, presently accepted theories need to be modified as the results of more accurate observation and experimental data come to hand.

Knowledge of physics has led to developments in technology and remains a basis for technology in the foreseeable future. Telecommunications, electrical appliances and computers have had a profound impact on social structures. Through the application of its findings, physics is also indirectly responsible for generating much of the intellectual and material wealth of our way of life. A knowledge of physics is useful to people in exercising responsibilities as citizens, confronting technologies, understanding the physical and social environments, pursuing hobbies and appreciating the challenge of a particular way of knowing the world.

Core Topics Found in the Physics Course are:

•  Physical Quantities and Measurement Optics

•  Forces and Motion Electricity and Electronics

•  Energy and Momentum Magnetism and Electromagnetism

•  Thermal Physics Atomic and Nuclear Physics

• Wave Motion

Who Can Study It?

The subject Physics is an appropriate choice for students with a good background in mathematics and science at Year 10 level. Physics is valuable background knowledge to professional studies in science, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy and agriculture and as such should be a primary choice for students who anticipate entering these courses. It is certainly a desirable choice for students who intend to pursue secondary science teaching, paramedical and health-care courses or various trade apprenticeships, especially in applied electrical fields.

What Do Students Do?

Students will be involved in a range of learning activities. Typical learning experiences encountered in a Physics course include demonstration/lecture, problem-solving sessions, oral reports, audiovisual observation and analysis, laboratory activities and experiments, computer simulations and interfacing, independent study and library research.

A significant part of the study of Physics will be spent in observation and measurement exercises as well as mathematical analysis of quantitative problems and models. Often an assignment on one or more topics is completed. Each student will be expected to develop manipulative skills in practical work and to learn the correct care and operation of precision equipment. Laboratory safety is of prime importance in the use of all physics equipment, especially where electrical topics are studied.

Course Outline:

Assessment Program And Expectations

Awarding Exit Levels Of Achievements

Recommendations

Suggested year 10 recommendations

HA Science (Level 6 +)

HA Maths (Core and Extension)

Suggested year 11 Requirements

Maths B, 2 x A4 exercise book, Scientific calculator

tudents are to complete at least 30 minutes of homework per subject three times per week. Extra time will need to be allocated to a regular study program. Textbooks will be supplied to students participating in the text hire scheme.

The Study Of Physics Could Lead To Careers In: