Course description
The course presents the best aspects of traditional physics along with modern concepts in an exciting and flexible way. Pupils will question the way they learn, reflecting on how knowledge and understanding are obtained. Pupils will also be expected to explore ideas, investigate different physical situations by means of simulation, modelling and experimentation and to develop key skills, such as: analysis and presentation of data, communication and empathy with peers and scientific researchers and educators.
Standard Level
The course is delivered via the following five modules:
- Space, Time and Motion
- The particulate nature of matter
- Wave behaviour
- Fields
- Nuclear and Quantum physics
Each module is split into approximately 5 subtopics
Students are also required to carry out practical work throughout the course which will be assessed in the final written papers and via an individual internal assessment practical project.
They will also have the chance to work with students studying other IB Science courses via the practical Group 4 project.
Higher Level
The course covers the same five core modules as the standard level coures but with additional depth. Key extra subtopics are:
- Rotational Mechanics
- Special Relativity
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum Physics
- Electromagntic Induction
Students are also required to carry out practical work throughout the course which will be assessed in the final written papers and via an individual internal assessment practical project.
They will also have the chance to work with students studying other IB Science courses via the practical Group 4 project.
Assessment structure for SL and HL
20% of the overall mark is for the individual internal assessment practical project.
Requirements
Pupils must have attained at least a grade 8 in IGCSE or GCSE Physics or the MYP equivalent and have a strong understanding of scientific principles. IGCSE or GCSE Maths at 8/9 is also essential. Perhaps more importantly, successful pupils will be highly motivated, well organised, industrious, open-minded and inquisitive. The course and the individual assessment practical project, in particular, require all of these attributes.
Potential careers
The successful Physics pupil will find a wide range of careers open up. Skills acquired on the course, along with the discipline and rigour of the core material, will allow pupils to consider a range of future pathways, from university courses in science, business or language to direct employment in city, or country, environments in this country or abroad.