Physics Outline

INTRODUCTION
Physics is the study of all forms of force, matter and energy which are known to exist as part of nature. The laws of physics often form the basis of many aspects of our lives and an understanding of these laws can give satisfaction and enjoyment in our work and leisure activities.

FUTURE PATHWAYS
Physics helps to build a foundation for a variety of technical and engineering careers and it is useful for other science related fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry and Radiography. Careers for which Physics is useful include: Engineer, Radiographer, Architect, Physicist, Electronics and Computer Hardware Developer and Science Teacher.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For a student to be successful in Physics the following
results in Year 10 are highly desirable:
• English Sound Achievement
• Mathematics High Achievement
• Science High Achievement
It is essential that students of Physics to also study Mathematics B and highly desirable for students of Physics to also study Mathematics C in Years 11 and 12.

WORKLOAD
Physics is a demanding subject requiring a high degree of academic ability. Students need to have good reading and comprehension skills and be prepared to work regularly. Homework should follow an organised pattern and good study skills will be a necessity.

Class time of 3.5 hours per week is allocated to this subject.
Home study time of 3 hours per week is required for revision of lesson material, daily homework, preparation of practical exercises and assignment work.

ASSESSMENT
Student performance is profiled in the areas of knowledge, scientific processes, complex reasoning and manipulative skills. The student’s folio of work will consist of formal examinations, observation checklists, practical tests, library research, laboratory reports, field work and oral presentations. While all work done within a semester is used to assess a student’s performance for that semester, an emphasis will be placed on the more recent work when a student exits from the course. Upon exiting the course, demonstrated performance across all four criteria will be used to assign an exit level of achievement VHA - VLA.

SUBJECT ORGANISATION
Physics is a two (2) year course studied over four (4) consecutive semesters. The course is developmental in that various aspects of the course are continually revisited and built upon throughout the two years.

UNIT OUTLINES
1. Physical Quantities and Measurement
Forces and Motion

2. Energy and Momentum
Wave Motion
Electricity and Electronics
Magnetism

3. Motion in Two Dimensions
Momentum
Electromagnetism
Electricity and Electronics
Optics

4. Thermal Physics
Wave Motion
Electronics
Atomic and Nuclear Physics