Physics S5/S6
Physics Advanced Higher
Entry requirements
- Ideally a pass at A or B in Higher Physics is required.
- The course is mathematical and a pass at A or B in Higher
Mathematics is desirable. - Students without the above must discuss their choice with the Principal Teacher of Physics
Course description
The course shows the link between traditional Physics and the most recent theories about space and the atom.
The syllabus consists of three Core units and an Investigation.
| Advanced Higher Unit | Content |
| Mechanics (40 hours) | Kinematics and Relativity, Angular motion Rotational dynamics, Gravitation Simple Harmonic Motion Wave-particle duality Electric Fields, Electromagnetism |
| Electrical Phenomena (40 hours) | Motion in a magnetic field, Self Inductance, Forces of Nature |
| Wave Phenomena (20 hours) | Waves, Interference, Polarisation |
| Practical Investigation (20 hours) | On any physics related topic of interest to you. |
Assessment
Each unit has an internal unit assessment, which you must pass.
There is an external assessment of one paper worth 100 marks.
The practical investigation is assessed externally and is worth a total of 25 marks.
The practical Investigation has to be completed and written up by the 1st of April.
Physics Higher
Entry requirements
Entry is at the discretion of the department but students would normally
be expected to have attained the following:
- Standard grade Physics at 1 or 2 in both Knowledge and Problem Solving
and Standard Grade Mathematics grade 1, 2 or (3) or Intermediate 2 equivalent - Continuing with Maths in year five.
Students who just miss the above requirements must discuss the possibility of taking this course with the Principal Teacher of Physics.
Course description
The course has three units of equal size (40 hours) and are designed to follow on from Standard Grade Physics
| Higher Physics unit | Content |
| Mechanics and Properties of Matter | Vectors, equations of motion, Newton’s laws, momentum and impulse, pressure, density, and the gas laws. |
| Electricity and Electronics | Electric fields, resistor circuits, alternating current, capacitance and analogue electronics. |
| Radiation and Matter | Waves, refraction of light ,optoelectronics, semiconductors, nuclear reactions, dosimetry and safety. |
Assessment
Each unit has an end of unit test, which tests Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving.
Each unit has a written report on one experimental activity, which will be assessed and recorded.
There will be an external examination lasting two and a half-hours.
