Physics
physics hl
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles - currently accepted as quarks, which may be truly fundamental - to the vast distances between galaxies.
Physics will help you to build up your problem solving, research, and analytical skills. With these skills you’ll be able to test out new ideas plus question and investigate other people’s theories, which is useful for any kind of job that involves research or debate.
We require students to have obtained at GCSE level a grade 7, 7 in the Combined Science Award or ‘7’ in the Physics Separate Science Award. The main distinction between IB and GCSE, apart from the difficulty of the material in terms of the underlying concepts involved, is the emphasis which is placed on your own role in the learning process. As much as anything else, the IB course is trying to prepare you for University life, both academically and in terms of the learning process.
Course description
As one of the three natural sciences in the IB Diploma Programme, physics is concerned with an attempt to understand the natural world; from determining the nature of the atom to finding patterns in the structure of the universe. It is the search for answers from how the universe exploded into life to the nature of time itself. Observations are essential to the very core of the subject. Models are developed to try to understand observations, and these themselves can become theories that attempt to explain the observations. Besides leading to a better understanding of the natural world, physics gives us the ability to alter our environments.
DP physics enables students to constructively engage with topical scientific issues. Students examine scientific knowledge claims in a real-world context, fostering interest and curiosity. By exploring the subject, they develop understandings, skills and techniques which can be applied across their studies and beyond.
Integral to the student experience of the DP physics course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry both in the classroom and the laboratory.
IB Physics falls within group 4. You will be externally assessed at the end of the course on the following theory topics at Higher level
PHYSICS SYLLABUS CONTENT OVERVIEW
• Topics with content that should be taught to all students
•• Topics with content that should be taught to all students plus additional HL content
••• Topics with content that should only be taught to HL students
ASSESSMENT OUTLINE
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME
The IB has a strong focus on practical skills. Students at higher level are required to spend 60 hours on practical work.
Students are assessed on a scientific investigation which they design, carry out and evaluate. This counts towards 20% of your final grade.
The IB programme also includes a collaborative sciences project which is an interdisciplinary science project addressing global issues. This typically takes 10 hours of timetabled time and results in a presentation of findings and self-reflection on your contribution to the process. The exercise should be a collaborative experience where the emphasis is developing skills in team building, negotiation and leadership.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Physics Olympiad
- Physics in Action
- Engineering club
Further Study
Studying physics opens up a range of opportunities in further education and in career paths in the following: engineering, medicine, law, banking, TV production, architect, computer programming.N.B. this list is by no means exhaustive and further information should be obtained from the School’s Careers Advisers.
The mathematical content, as well as the key communication and problem solving skills, developed during IB & degree level usually make it highly regarded by most university admissions officers and employers.