The Sixth Form College Colchester

2016

IB P

hysi

cs (

Hig

her)

Introduction IB PHYSICS (Higher) IB Physics is an interesting but very demanding subject. It is important that students are confident in their mathematical ability, as many of the questions will involve calculations. In addition there will be questions requiring descriptive answers.

Entry Criteria Standard College entry requirements, plus GCSE Mathematics grade B, and either Additional Science or Physics grade B.

Course Content The Physics course will cover the following topics:

Measurements and uncertainties Mechanics Thermal physics Waves Gravitational and Electrical field theory Electricity and magnetism Circular motion and gravitation Atomic, nuclear and particle physics Energy production Wave phenomena Fields Electromagnetic induction Quantum and nuclear physics

You will also study an option module on either Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging or Astrophysics. The course will involve about 45 hours of practical work during the 2 years. Some of this will be internally assessed, amounting to 20% of the total award.

The sciences will combine to perform some project work called the Group 4 Project. This work takes place in college over two days in June, near the end of the first year of the course. Students will be provided with a textbook and will be taught the necessary elements of Mathematics beyond GCSE within the Physics lessons, this will include logarithms and exponential decay. Students should also be fluent in algebra and trigonometry.

Assessment The final assessment involves 3 written papers: Paper 1: 1 hour Multiple choice questions no calculators allowed (20%) Paper 2: 2 hours Section A: Structured questions based on the core

Section B: Extended questions (36%) Paper 3: 1 hours Questions on the option and a data analysis question (24%)

Progression Physics is a course requirement for university education in several areas, notably engineering in its many forms. It is a highly respected subject even when it is not a requirement. Employers regard Physics-trained students as having the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, to think logically, and to work in teams on research and problem solving activities beyond just the scientific realm.

The Sixth Form College Colchester

2016

IB P

hysi

cs (

Sta

ndar

d)

Introduction

IB PHYSICS (Standard) IB Physics is an interesting but very demanding subject. It is important that students are confident in their mathematical ability, as many of the questions will involve calculations. In addition there will be questions requiring descriptive answers.

Entry Criteria Standard College entry requirements, plus GCSE Mathematics grade B, and either Additional Science or Physics grade B.

Course Content The Physics course will cover the following topics:-

Measurements and uncertainties Mechanics Thermal physics Waves Electricity and magnetism Circular motion and gravitation Atomic, nuclear and particle physics Energy production

You will also study an option module on either Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging or Astrophysics. The standard level students will be in the same class as the higher level students and they will generally attend all lessons in the first year of the course. In the second year, students will be informed when they do not need to attend lessons. It is important to realise that the standard level course is not composed of easier physics material, it just has less content. The course will also involve about 45 hours of practical work during the 2 years. Some of this will be internally assessed amounting to 20% of the total award. The sciences will combine to perform some project work called the Group 4 Project. This work takes place in college over two days in June, near the end of the first year of the course. Students will be provided with a textbook, and will be taught the necessary elements of Mathematics beyond GCSE within the Physics lessons; this will include logarithms and exponential decay. Students should also be fluent in algebra and trigonometry.

Assessment The final assessment involves 3 written papers: Paper 1: hour Multiple choice questions no calculators allowed (20%) Paper 2: 1 hours Section A: Structured questions based on the core

Section B: Extended questions (40%) Paper 3: 1 hour Questions on the option and a data analysis question (20%)

Progression Physics is a highly respected study even when it is not a requirement of universities or employers. Employers regard Physics-trained students as having the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, to think logically, and to work in teams on research and problem solving activities beyond just the scientific realm.

ib-physics-2016IB Physics( Higher and Standard) 2016