IB Physics

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Subject Leaders: Mr S Ereaut and Mrs T Green – sereaut@knoleacademy.org and tgreen@knoleacademy.org

Exam Board: International Baccalaureate

Entry Requirements

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths, a grade 6-6 in Combined Science or a grade 6 in Physics and a grade 6 in Maths.

Intent

Through the overarching theme of the nature of science, the course aims to enable students to:
  1. develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP sciences subjects
  2. acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterise science
  3. develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific information and claims
  4. develop the ability to approach unfamiliar situations with creativity and resilience
  5. design and model solutions to local and global problems in a scientific context
  6. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science
  7. develop technology skills in a scientific context International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Subject Brief Sciences: Physics First assessment 2025
  8. develop the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively
  9. develop awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of science.

Implementation

The DP physics course promotes concept-based teaching and learning to foster critical thinking.
The DP physics course is built on:
  • approaches to learning
  • nature of science
  • skills in the study of physics.

These three pillars support a broad and balanced experimental programme. As students progress through the course, they become familiar with traditional experimentation techniques, as well as the application of technology. These opportunities help them to develop their investigative skills and evaluate the impact of error and uncertainty in scientific inquiry. The scientific investigation then places a specific emphasis on inquiry-based skills and the formal communication of scientific knowledge. Finally, the collaborative sciences project extends the development of scientific communication in a collaborative and interdisciplinary context, allowing students to work together beyond the confines of physics.

Impact

The study of physics enables students to become inquisitive and independent lifelong learners. It allows students to leave the course understanding more of how the world around them works. It gives them an appreciation of natural events and phenomena. Physics is the driving force behind many technological advancements and physics students leave with the skills to become part of that advancement. Physics seeks to find alternative solutions to the energy crisis, reduce pollution and create a healthy environment for humans.

Course Outline

Topics for all students:

  • A.1: Kinematics
  • A.2: Forces and momentum
  • A.3: Work, energy and power
  • B.1: Thermanl energy transfers
  • B.2: Greenhouse effect
  • B.3: Gas laws
  • B.5: Current and circuits
  • C.2: Wave model
  • C.4: Standing waves and resonance
  • D.3: Motion in electromagnetic fields
  • E.4: Fission
  • E.5: Fusion and stars

Topics for all students plus additional HL content:

  • C.1: Simple harmonic motion
  • C.3: Wave phenomena
  • C.5: Doppler effect
  • D.1: Gravitational fields
  • D.2: Electric and magnetic fields
  • E.1: Struture of the atom
  • E.3: Radioactive decay

Topics only for HL:

  • A.4: Rigid body mechanics
  • A.5: Galilean and special relativity
  • B.4: Thermodynamics
  • D.4: Induction
  • E.2: Quantum physics

Examination Information

Exam Board: International Baccalaureate

Qualification: Physics Diploma

Paper 1 (36%)

1 hour 30 minutes (SL) 2 hours (HL)

  • Paper 1A: Multiple choice questions
  • Paper 1B: Short-answer and extended-response questions

Paper 2 (44%)

1 hour 30 minutes (SL) 2 hours 30 minutes (HL)

  • Short answer and extended-response questions

Internal Assessment (20%)

  • 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

Future Courses and Possible Careers

Medicine, Engineer, Researcher, RAF Pilot and more.

For more information on careers, please visit here

Extra Resources