Code: PHY111, PHY112

Title: Physics
Coordinator: Mr Michael Sparks

Overview

There are two clear reasons for the study of Physics at Senior Level - First, it is the study of the universe and how it works, and second, its applications have produced and continue to produce benifits to our society.

The study of Physics will give students a means of enhancing their understanding of the world around them, a way of achieving useful knowledge and skills and a stepping stione for further study. Students participating in this course of study will be imersed in the practical and contextual aspects of the discipline through working scientifically, enacting scientific enquiries, investigations and experimenting.

Topics

• Introduction to Physics
• Looking Good (Optics)
• On the move
• Amusement Parks
• Energy Efficiency inthe Home

Assessment

• Task 1 (SA) - early Term 1
• Task 2 (ERT) - late Term 1
• Task 3 (SA) - late Term 2
• Task 4 (EEI) - late Term 3
• Task 5 (SA) - late Term 4

It is anticipated that students studying Physics will be required to attend one excursion per year. These excursions are designed to expose students to the application of Physics to the real world.

The Physics program identifies three different areas for assessment. Each category contributes equally to the overall grade. The categories are:

• Extended response (ER)
• Supervised Assessment (SA)
• Extended experimental investigation.(EEI)

Aims

• to develop an understanding of the natural laws of the physical universe
• to examine how the applications of physics affect our daily lives
• to examine achievements in physics and the resulting changes these achievements have produced in our society
• to develop an ability to apply physics understandings, skills and mental processes to public issues
• to engage in creative and critical scientific thinking

Assignment guidelines

Please refer to the Assignment Guidelines on how to set out bibliographies and references.

Resources

• Course Outline - Physics (PDF 117kb)
• Semester Outline (PDF 8.02kb)
• Semester 2 Term 4 Energy EEI (PDF 77.9 kb)

Related Links

• http://www.physics.org/index.asp
• http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/sci_edu/physites.html
• http://www.ncsu.edu/imse/1/physics.htm
• http://www.aip.org.au/