Physics provides opportunities for students to engage with classical and modern understandings of the universe.
Physics aims to develop students an understanding of the ways in which matter and energy interact in physical systems across a range of scales and an understanding that diverse natural phenomena may be explained using concepts, models and theories that provide a reliable basis for action to inform personal, local and global issues. It gives students the opportunity to use investigative skills, designing and conducting of investigations to explore phenomena and solve problems.
It is a General subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond school that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. It is assumed that students have prior knowledge of the P–10 Australian Curriculum: Science to year 10. The subject can earn up to 4 QCE points and contributes to an ATAR.
Course content
- thermal, nuclear and electrical physics
- linear motion and waves
- gravity and electromagnetism
- revolutions in modern physics.
Year 11
| Unit 1 | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 2 |
Topic 1: Heating processes Topic 2: : Ionising radiation and nuclear reactions | Topic 3: Electrical circuits | Topic 1: Linear motion and force | Topic 2: Waves |
| Data test | Research Investigation | Student Experiment | Exam |
Year 12
| Unit 3 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 4 |
Topic 1 Gravity and motion | Topic 2: Electromagnetism | Topic 1: Special relativity Topic 2: Quantum theory | Topic 3: The Standard Model |
| Data Test | Student Experiment | Research Investigation | External Exam |
Special Features
In both year 11 and 12 the course comprises 3 internal assessments weighted at 10%, 20% and 20% and an exam, which in year 12 is an external exam weighted at 50 %
Career pathways
Laboratory or experimental science contributing to degrees in Bachelor of Applied Science or pure Science Degrees
- engineering
- medicine
- technology