ADVANCED HIGHER PHYSICS

This course is designed to provide progression from Higher Grade Physics. The course includes demanding Physics theory and independent Practical Research work. It is intended for students who have passed Higher Physics and who also have a pass in Higher Mathematics. The course provides a preparation for Higher Education study in Physics.

Entry Qualifications

Higher Physics – B pass minimum

Higher Maths is also preferable

There are 4 Units of work in the Advanced Higher Physics course. These are:

Rotational Motion and Astrophysics

This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to rotational motion and astrophysics. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving angular motion. An astronomical perspective is developed through a study of gravitation, leading to work on general relativity and stellar physics.

Quanta and Waves

This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to quanta and waves. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving quantum theory and waves. The Unit introduces non-classical physics and considers the origin and composition of cosmic radiation. Simple harmonic motion is introduced and work on wave theory is developed.

Electromagnetism

This Unit develops knowledge and understanding and skills in physics related to electromagnetism. It provides opportunities to develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving electromagnetism. The Unit develops knowledge and understanding of electric and magnetic fields and capacitors and inductors used in d.c. and a.c. circuits.

Investigating Physics

In this Unit, learners will develop key investigative skills. The Unit offers opportunities for independent learning set within the context of experimental physics. Learners will identify, research, plan and carry out a physics investigation of their choice.

Course assessment structure:

Internal Assessment is based on:

An end of unit test, which must be passed in both knowledge and problem solving aspects.

Up to two attempts are allowed to pass this.

External Assessment is based on:

Component 1 — question paper 155 marks (scaled to 120 marks) Component 2 — project 30 marks (scaled to 40 marks)

Total marks 160 marks