Physics

Group 4

Course Description

Course Structure

SL and HL

Prerequisites:

Nil

Exclusions:

Nil

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Despite the exciting and extraordinary development of ideas throughout the history of physics, observations remain essential to the very core of the subject. Models are developed to try to understand observations, and these themselves can become theories that attempt to explain the observations.

Besides helping us better understand the natural world, physics gives us the ability to alter our environments. This raises the issue of the impact of physics on society, the moral and ethical dilemmas, and the social, economic and environmental implications of the work of physicists.

 

Coursework

Group 4: Physics Standard Level Physics Higher Level
Components    
Core
  1. Measurements and uncertainties
  2. Mechanics
  3. Thermal physics
  4. Waves
  5. Electricity and magnetism
  6. Circular motion and gravitation
  7. Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
  8. Energy production
 9. Measurements and uncertainties
10. Mechanics 
11. Thermal physics
12. Waves
13. Electricity and magnetism
14. Circular motion and gravitation
15. Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
16. Energy production
Additional Higher Level   17. Wave phenomena
18. Fields
19. Electromagnetic induction
20. Quantum and nuclear physics
Option (Choice of one out of four)
  1. Relativity
  2. Engineering physics
  3. Imaging
  4. Astrophysics
  
Practical scheme of work
  • Prescribed and other practical activities
  • Individual investigation (internally assessed)
  • Group 4 project
  • Prescribed and other practical activities
  • Individual investigation (internally assessed)
  • Group 4 project

Assessment

Group 4: Physics Standard Level      Physics Higher Level    
Type of Assessment Format of assessment Time (hours) Weighting of final grade (%)  Format of assessment Time (hours) Weighting of final grade (%)
External   2.25 60   4 60
Paper 1 Multiple-choice questions on core and Hl extension material 0.75 30 Multiple-choice questions on core and HL extension material 1 20
Paper 2 Data-based, short-answer, and extended response material 1.5 30 Data-based, short-answer, and extended-response questions on core material 1.5 20
Paper 3       Structured questions on HL extension material 1.5 20
Internal   40 40   60 40

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