Physics

Welcome to the Physics Department in Madras College.

Staff

Dr Tomb (Curriculum Lead)

Mrs F Lindsay (PT Physics)

 

Dr J Emeleus

Mr S Earl

Mr H Watson (Depute Rector)

 

Want to Know How and Why? -  Learn Physics

 Physics provides explanations for and is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us, and the world beyond us. Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory, and it leads to great discoveries, like computers and lasers, that lead to technologies which change our lives—from healing joints, to curing cancer, to developing sustainable energy solutions.

 Physics helps us to understand every aspect of our lives, from the tiniest parts of the matter from which we are made, to the great clusters of galaxies in the universe. Physics is also impressive in the range of time-scales that is covers, from the minuscule to the immense. Physics enables us to predict future events, as well as to explain something of the origins of the universe.

 The fundamental ideas of physics - matter, force and energy - are the basis of all the other sciences and most of our modern technologies. Through applying physics and the technologies that it underpins, we create better conditions of life for all. Physics is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy and is involved in biology or medical science. Although you may not yet realize it, physics affects every aspect of our lives - work, travel, communications, our environment, health care, hobbies, recreation and sports, etc.

 So keep your opportunities as wide as possible by choosing physics.

Open your eyes, open your mind and open doors to your future.

 

Physics : Your skills

Physics is about the observation, understanding and prediction of natural systems. Studying physics can help you to develop a range of skills that can be applied in many areas, both scientific and non-technical. These skills include: 

• problem-solving - studying physics gives you a analytical approach to problem-solving. You break down tasks down to their basic elements and use imagination and creativity to try new approaches to solve challenging problems. 

• reasoning - physics courses involves using reasoning skills to construct logical arguments, apply analytical skills and grasp complex problems. 

• numeracy – studying physics develops you skills in using mathematics to find solutions to scientific problems, create mathematical modelling and interpret and present information graphically. 

• practical skills – studying physics helps you obtain practical skills by planning, carrying out and reporting on experiments, using technical equipment and paying attention to detail. 

• communication - studying physics gives you skills to communicate complex ideas and use technical language correctly. 

• information and communication technology (ICT) –physics courses involve using ICT effectively, including interfaces, specialist software packages and some programming.

 Other skills developed on your course include:

• independent working;
• teamwork;
• organisation and time management

Studying physics at school is the first step towards a wide variety of rewarding careers.

Physics provides a broad training in skills that are valued by all employers. Physics makes you learn how to consider a problem but not be bound by context. This inventive thinking makes physicists desirable in any field. Even if you decide that you don't want to work in any physics-related industry, the skills and knowledge that you develop by studying physics will help you in whichever area you go into. A degree in physics is a great foundation for a wide range of careers e.g. Journalism, Law, Finance, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, Astronomy, and Biology. Studying physics is a good way of keeping your options open. If you want to find out more about the careers from physics visit the careers section on www.physics.org. Employers know that a physicist brings additional skills with expertise and pay accordingly. That's why physics graduates can expect career salaries similar to those of computer science and engineering majors.

S1 Physics

S1 Physics First topic Space:

The Human Race is in trouble. Overpopulation, global warming, pollution and finite resources mean that soon humanity will have to consider colonising another planet.

You task is to learn sufficient Physics to plan and carry out a successful mission to travel to another planet, land safely and survey the planet to see if it is suitable. You will be learning about waves, light, forces, renewable energy sources and the universe. There will be a mission log to help you.

 S1 Physics Second topic: Energy

You are now on the planet and have to learn about Heat (Conduction, Convection and Radiation) and Electricity (Series/ parallel, Voltage / Current, batteries and analysing circuits ) to survive. 

S2/S3 Physics

In the S2/S3 course you will be learning about:

Unit 1 Telecommunications Waves Radio Television Satellites Optical fibres Telephones (including Mobiles)	Unit 2 Practical Electricity Electrical circuits Current, Voltage and Power Resistance Mains Electricity Safety
Unit 3 Radiations Light ( Mirrors Prisms and Lenses) Lasers X rays Gamma rays Infra red Ultra violet	Unit 4 Sound and Music Sound Sound Analysis Speed of sound Using sound Amplified Sound
Unit 5 Space The Solar System Light Years Line spectra The origin of the Universe	Unit 6 Electromagnetism Electromagnets Bells Motors Dynamos and Generators
Unit 7 Electronics Input devices Process devices Output devices Digital Logic gates Transistors	Unit 8 Forces and Movement Forces including weight and friction Newton’s Laws Speed and Acceleration Density Floating/sinking

 You will also be carrying out Investigations( that need to be written up)  and Research

You will have the opportunity to do a Project

There is a S3 exam in Dec of S3 to allow for prognostication for S4

Units 1,2,3,4,7,8 have an end of topic test 

National 4 Physics

The Course aims to develop scientific understanding of issues relating to Physics through experiencing practical work.  It aims to generate interest and enthusiasm in Physics and to enable pupils to develop confidence in recognising and communicating ideas on Physics. Pupils will develop the ability to solve problems and establish relationships in Physics by learning knowledge, practical skills and basic mathematical skills. Pupils will get an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe. From the sources of the power we use, to the exploration of space, the course covers a range of applications of the relationships that have been discovered through experiment and calculation, including those used in modern technology. Advances in Physics mean that our view of what is possible is continually being updated. This Course will allow pupils to understand the processes behind scientific advances, and to appreciate and contribute to topical scientific debate. Pupils will become a scientifically literate citizens, while developing their literacy and numeracy skills. It will also develop their investigative and experimental skills in a Physics context and will allow pupils recognise the impact Physics makes on their life, the environment and society. This Course has a skills-based approach to learning.

 There are four units

Dynamics and Space

Pupils will learn about speed and acceleration, relationships between forces, motion and energy, satellites and cosmology.

Electricity and Energy

Pupils will learn about generation of electricity, electrical power, electromagnetism, practical electrical and electronic circuits, gas laws and the kinetic model.

Waves and Radiation

Pupils will learn about wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation.

Physics Assignment

In this unit, pupils will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other units. They will show the breadth of knowledge and skills they have acquired, in unfamiliar and /or applied situations.

 Assessment and Homework

All units must be passed for a pupil to obtain an overall course award. The first three units have an assessment that is specified by SQA and is sat during or at the end of the unit. In addition a pupil must complete one experiment and write up. The fourth unit is assessed by a written report.

 All assessments are internally completed and marked.

There is no external marked end of year assessment.

 Some National 4 pupils maybe given the opportunity to sit the National 5 Unit assessments

 We issue regular homework and give pupils feedback to allow pupils to follow their progress throughout the year. A prelim type assessment covering the first two topics is sat at in Jan. We will place resources on the GLOW/TEAMS website to further structure home study. 

Unit	Date
Waves and Radiation	June - Sept
Dynamics and Space	Oct -Dec
Electricity and Energy	Jan- May

National 5 Physics

The Course aims to develop a pupil’s interest and enthusiasm for physics in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed, throughout the Course, by investigating the applications of physics. This will enable them to become a scientifically literate citizens, able to review the science-based claims pupils will meet.

Physics gives learners an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe. From the sources of the power we use, to the exploration of space, it covers a range of applications of the relationships that have been discovered through experiment and calculation, including those used in modern technology. An experimental and investigative approach is used to develop knowledge and understanding of physics concepts.

This Course will enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding of physics concepts and the ability to describe and interpret physical phenomena using mathematical skills. Pupils will develop scientific methods of research in which issues in physics are explored and conclusions drawn

 There are four units within this award                                         

Dynamics, Space and Energy 

The Unit covers the key areas of velocity and displacement; velocity-time graphs; acceleration; Newton’s laws; projectile motion; space exploration, cosmology and conservation of energy. 

Electricity and Properties of Matter  

The Unit covers the key areas of electrical charge carriers and electric fields; potential difference (voltage); practical electrical and electronic circuits; Ohm’s law; electrical power; specific heat capacity; gas laws and the kinetic model. "

Waves and Radiation

The Unit covers the key areas of wave parameters and behaviour; electromagnetic spectrum; light and nuclear radiation.

Physics Assignment

In this unit, pupils will draw on and extend the skills pupils have learned from across the other units. They will show the breadth of knowledge and skills they have acquired, in unfamiliar and /or applied situations.

 Assessment and Homework

Units are no longer mandatory but each unit has an internally completed and marked assessment that is specified by SQA and is sat during or at the end of the unit. However to pass a unit, a pupil must also complete one experiment and write up. At the end of each unit a grading test is sat to give pupils and idea of what level they are working at.  Final grade is based only on the external SQA exam (80%) and the Physics Assignment (externally marked, 20%) both of which must be completed for a pupil to obtain an overall course award. The Physics Assignment is a large research report that must now include practical work

 We issue regular homework and give pupils feedback to allow pupils to follow their progress throughout the year. A prelim covering the first two topics is sat in Jan, which along with a smaller assessment in April completes evidence of whole course coverage. We have placed resources on GLOW/ TEAMS to further structure home study. 

Unit	Date	Prelim
Waves and Radiation	June - Sept
Dynamics, Space and Energy	Sept  -Dec	Jan
Electricity and Properties of Matter	Dec- May	April

 Pupils unsuccessful in the Jan prelim would normally be recommended to move to be presented at either National 5- units only or National 4.

Higher Physics

The course aims to provide an opportunity for reinforcing and extending a pupil’s knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics and developing both a pupil’s ability to solve problems, and to carry out experimental and investigative work. The course seeks to illustrate and emphasise situations where the principles of physics are used and applied, thus promoting a pupil’s awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice. The resulting elements of knowledge and understanding, problem solving and practical activities form the basis of the Higher Physics course.

 As a result of following a Higher Physics course, pupils should acquire:

• an increased knowledge and understanding of facts and ideas, of techniques and of the applications of physics in society
• skill in applying knowledge and understanding in a wide variety of theoretical and practical problem solving contexts
• skills associated with carrying out experimental and investigative work in physics and analysing the information obtained.

 The study of CfE Higher Physics should also foster an interest in current developments in, and applications of physics, the willingness to make critical and evaluative comment, and the acceptance that physics is a changing subject. Positive attitudes, such as being open-minded and willing to recognise alternative points of view, are promoted.

 The course tries to provide learning experiences that give pupils the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will assist pupils to make their own reasoned decisions on many issues within a modern society increasingly dependent on science and technology. The course will also provide those who wish to proceed beyond CfE Higher Physics with a suitable basis for further study. 

Course content 

UNIT 1 Our Dynamic Universe (Higher)

The subtopics studied are

• Motion- Equations and Graphs
• Forces, energy and power
• Collisions, explosions and impulse
• Gravitation ( Projectiles)
• Gravity and mass
• Special Relativity
• The Expanding Universe ( Doppler and Redshift)
• Hubble’s Law
• Expansion of the Universe
• Big Bang Theory

 UNIT 2 Electricity (Higher)[1/2 unit]

The subtopics studied are

• Monitoring and measuring a.c
• Current, Potential difference, Power and Resistance
• Electromotive sources and Internal Resistance
• Capacitors
• Conductors, Semiconductors and Insulators
• pn- junctions

 UNIT 3 Physics Assignment (Higher) [1/2 unit]

The unit will provide opportunities for pupils to further develop investigative skills and also provides the opportunity for self-motivation and organisation. Pupils must undertake research, develop a plan for a practical investigation, then collect and analyse data to allow them to complete a written report. A day book of work undertaken must be kept

 UNIT 4 Particles and Waves (Higher)

The subtopics studied are

• Standard Model
• Forces on Charged particles
• Nuclear reactions
• Wave –particle duality
• Interference and diffraction
• Refraction
• Spectra

 Assessment and Homework

Unit passes are no longer mandatory but Units 1, 2 and 4 have an associated ‘unit assessment’, which is specified by SQA and are sat during or at the end of the unit. To pass a unit, a pupil must also complete one experiment and write up. For Unit 3 the completed written report will be sent off to the SQA for marking. The overall grade is based on the total of the 2 question papers in the exam (out of 155 scaled to 120) and the Assignment report (out of 20 scaled to 30)

We issue regular homework and give pupils regular assessment tests which allow pupils to follow their progress throughout the year. A prelim covering the first two topics is sat at the end of February, which along with smaller assessments in May completes evidence of whole course coverage.

 Pupils can access the SCHOLAR website that will have a complete CfE Higher course and online practice assessments. Pupils will be issued with notes, learning outcomes and a CfE Higher Physics Textbook. In past years pupils have found the Bright Red Revision Book very useful but other support textbooks are available. We have placed resources on GLOW/ TEAMS to further structure home study. 

Unit	Date	Unit Assessment	Prelim	Subunit Assessments
ODU	June - Sept	Sept		x 3
Electricity	Oct -Nov	Nov	Feb	x 3
Assignment	Dec	Dec
P and W	Jan- May	April	May	x 2

 Pupils unsuccessful in the Feb prelim would normally be recommended to be withdrawn from the final exam but may gain freestanding units. 

Advanced Higher Physics

 Course overview

 The course provides a progression from CfE Higher Physics and aims to provide pupils with a challenging experience to study the Physics to a greater depth. Pupils will move towards an understanding of the use of mathematical models and techniques for describing the behaviour of nature. The course seeks to illustrate and emphasise situations where the principles of physics are used and applied, thus promoting a pupil’s awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice. They are given an opportunity to engage in some independent research.

 As a result of following an CfE Advanced Higher Physics course, pupils should acquire:

• a deeper knowledge and understanding of the nature of physics and its applications
• skills in applying knowledge and understanding in a wide variety of theoretical and practical problem solving contexts
• skills associated with carrying out experimental and investigative work in physics and analysing the information obtained.

 The study of CfE Advanced Higher Physics should also foster an interest in current developments in, and applications of physics, the willingness to make critical and evaluative comment and the acceptance that physics is a changing subject. Positive attitudes, such as being self-reliant, open-minded and willing to recognise alternative points of view, are promoted.

 The course tries to provide learning that give pupils knowledge, skills and attitudes which will assist them to make their own reasoned decisions on many issues within a modern society increasingly dependent on science and technology. The course will also provide those who wish to proceed beyond Advanced Higher Physics with a suitable basis for further study.

 Course content:

The course has four units

 UNIT 1 Rotational Motion and Astrophysics (Advanced Higher)

The subtopics studied are:

• Kinematic relationships
• Angular motion
• Rotational dynamics
• Gravitation
• General Relativity
• Stellar Physics

UNIT 2 Quanta and Waves (Advanced Higher)

The subtopics studied are:

• Introduction to quantum theory
• Particles from Space
• Simple harmonic motion
• Waves
• Interference – division of amplitude
• Interference – division of wavefront
• Polarisation.

 UNIT 3 Electromagnetism (Advanced Higher) [½ unit]

The subtopics studied are:

• Electric and magnetic fields
• Capacitors and Inductors in electrical circuits
• Electromagnetic Induction

UNIT 4 Investigating Physics (Advanced Higher) [½ unit]

The unit will provide opportunities for pupils to further develop investigative skills and also provides the opportunity for self-motivation and organisation. Pupils must develop a plan for a Physics investigation, then collect and analyse data

 Unit passes are no longer mandatory but Units 1, 2 and 3 have an associated ‘unit assessment’ which is specified by SQA and is sat at the end of the unit. To pass a unit, a pupil must also complete one experimental write up. For the fourth unit, a project report (sent away at end of March) must be written and a day book must be regularly completed. The overall grade for the course is based on the total of the exam mark (out of 100) and the Investigating Physics report (out of 30)

 We issue regular homework and give pupils assessment tests which allow pupils to follow their progress throughout the year. A prelim covering the first two topics is sat at the end of February, which along with smaller assessments in May completes evidence of whole course coverage.

 Pupils can access the SCHOLAR website that will have a complete CfE Advanced Higher course and online practice assessments. Pupils will be issued with notes, learning outcomes and 2 CfE Advanced Higher Physics Textbooks. In past years pupils have found the Bright Red Revision Book very useful. We have placed resources on GLOW/ TEAMS to further structure home study. 

Unit	Date	Unit assessment	Prelim	Sub unit Assessments
1	June - Oct	Oct		x 3
3	Oct -Nov	Dec	Feb	x 2
2	Dec- April	April	May	x 2

 Pupils unsuccessful in the Feb prelim would normally be recommended to be withdrawn from the final exam but may gain freestanding units. 

Further your Physics/Science Studies

Four opportunities for your child to further their Physics/ Science Studies

• British Physics Olympiad .

There will be completions for S4, S5 and S6 starting in October and running till Jan. It is hoped that we will be able to run training sessions for this. Competing in this would help practice and improve Problem Solving Skills.

• Nuffield Science Bursaries.

Pupils do Science research during their summer holidays Could get paid up to £80 a week for up to 6 weeks

see http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/undergraduate-research-bursaries-science

• Scottish Space School

Take part in a competition to win a place on a selection week in Glasgow, meeting and working with astronauts. If successful at the selection week get to travel to USA to Lyndon B Johnson Space Centre for simulated Space missions and behind the scenes tours. This is a free competition but  it has not yet been launched for this year. See last years@

 see http://www.scottishspaceschool.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

•  Headstart Engineering Course.

Pupils spend a week finding out about engineering/ Science courses at various Universities (plus socialising).  Costs approx £200-400 but school currently has funding to make these places free.                                                                                                     

see http://www.etrust.org.uk/headstart.cfm for details   

Physics Top Ten Tips

Physics Top Ten Tips

 1.  Attend and pay attention in class

 2.  Revise and consolidate lesson at home same day

 3.  Ask if you don’t understand anything

 4.  Complete set homework fully and on time

 5.  Attend lunchtime Tutorials

 6.  Do extra homework, get teacher to suggest what

 7.  Download/ find out extra support material available

 8.  Learn unit and quantities’ symbols

 9.  Remember units in answers

     10. Heed any advice on presentation/ layout