Group 4 - Physics HL & SL
Why Study Physics?
Physics seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles—quarks — to the vast distances between galaxies.
The scientific processes carried out by the most eminent scientists in the past are the same ones followed by working physicists today, and are also accessible to our students at BISC. Theory and experiment complement one another naturally. The Diploma Programme Physics course allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques, as well as interpersonal skills, and information and communication technology skills which are essential in modern scientific endeavour and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right.
The IB Physics Course
The Physics programme aims to:
- Develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific information.
- Develop experimental and investigative scientific skills with an emphasis on collaboration and communication.
- Provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity within global contexts, which stimulate and challenge students.
- Provide a body of knowledge with methods and techniques which characterise science and technology.
- Raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science and technology and its limitations.
- Use new computer technology to aid with scientific analysis.
The syllabus for the Diploma Programme Physics course is divided into two parts: the core (Standard Level) and the Advanced Higher Level material.
Core Topics - 110 hrs (SL and HL)
Topic A : Space, time and motion
1 Kinematics
2 Forces and momentum
3 Work, energy and power
Topic B : The particulate nature of matter
1 Thermal energy transfers
2 Greenhouse effect
3 Gas laws
5 Current and circuits
Topic C : Wave behaviour
1 Simple harmonic motion
2 Wave model
3 Wave phenomena
4 Standing waves and resonance
5 Doppler effect
Topic D : Fields
1 Gravitational fields
2 Electric and magnetic fields
3 Motion in electromagnetic fields
Topic E : Nuclear and Quantum physics
1 Structure of the atom
3 Radioactive decay
4 Fission
5 Fusion and stars
Advanced Higher Level Topics - 70 hrs (HL)
- A.4 Rigid body mechanics
- A.5 Galilean and special relativity
- B.4 Thermodynamics
- C.1 Simple harmonic motion (additional content)
- C.3 Wave phenomena (additional content)
- C.5 Doppler effect (additional content)
- D.1 Gravitational fields (additional content)
- D.2 Electric and magnetic fields (additional content)
- D.4 Induction
- E.1 Structure of the atom (additional content)
Standard Level (SL) Assessment
6 lessons of teaching per week
|
Content |
% of total grade |
|
|
Paper 1: SL: 1 hour 30 minutes |
1A : Multiple-choice questions 1B : Data-based questions |
36% |
|
Paper 2: SL : 1 hour 30 minutes |
Short-answer and extended-response questions |
44% |
|
Internal scientific investigation |
The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the student gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report. The maximum overall word count for the report is 3,000 words. |
20% |
|
Practical & Collaborative Science Project |
Students are also expected to complete an additional 40 hrs of practical work as well as 10 hours on the group 4 project. |
N/A |
Higher Level (HL) Assessment
4 lessons of teaching per fortnight
|
Content |
% of total grade |
|
|
Paper 1: 2 hours |
1A : Multiple-choice questions 1B : Data-based questions |
36% |
|
Paper 2: 2 hour 30 minutes |
Short-answer and extended-response questions |
44% |
|
Internal scientific investigation |
The scientific investigation is an open-ended task in which the student gathers and analyses data in order to answer their own formulated research question. The outcome of the scientific investigation will be assessed through the form of a written report. The maximum overall word count for the report is 3,000 words. |
20% |
|
Practical & Collaborative Science Project |
Students are also expected to complete an additional 40 hrs of practical work as well as 10 hours on the group 4 project. |
N/A |
Coursework Criteria
|
Research design |
Data analysis |
Conclusion |
Evaluation |
Total |
|
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
24 |
Entry Requirement
Entry to Standard Level Physics - Students should have a minimum of Grade 5 in IGCSE/GCSE Physics and Maths.
Entry to Higher Level Physics - Students should have a minimum of Grade 7 in IGCSE/GCSE Physics and Grade 6 in Maths.