IB Physics

Prerequisites

Students are advised to complete the Year 10 Physics course before undertaking IB Physics.

IB Mathematics – IB Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches SL (MAA SL) or IB Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches HL (MAA HL) is strongly recommended.

Course Description and Aims

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.

By studying physics, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterises the subject. Teachers provide students with opportunities to develop manipulative skills, design investigations, collect data, analyse results and evaluate and communicate their findings.

Through the overarching theme of the nature of science, the aims of the IB Physics course are 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 characterize science

3. develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize 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

8. develop the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively

9. develop awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural, and social impact of science.

Curriculum Model Overview

Component

Standard Level

Higher Level

Space time and motion

The particulate nature of matter

Wave behaviour

Fields

Nuclear and quantum physics

✓

Practical scheme of work – experimental programme
Prescribe and other practical activities.
Scientific Investigation (internally assessed).
Collaborative Sciences Project

✓

Distinction between Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)

The SL course provides students with a fundamental understanding of physics and experience of the

associated skills. The HL course requires students to increase their knowledge and understanding of the subject, including additional mathematical skills, and so provides a solid foundation for further study at university level.

Collaborative Sciences Project

The collaborative sciences project is an interdisciplinary sciences project, providing a worthwhile challenge to students, addressing real-world problems that can be explored through the sciences. The nature of the challenge allows students to integrate factual, procedural, and conceptual knowledge developed through the study of their disciplines.

Through the identification and research of complex issues, students develop an understanding of how interrelated systems, mechanisms and processes impact a problem. Students apply their collective understanding to develop solution-focused strategies that address the issue. With a critical lens they evaluate and reflect on the inherent complexity of solving real-world problems.

The collaborative sciences project supports the development of students’ ATL skills, including teambuilding, negotiation, and leadership. It facilitates an appreciation of the environment, and the social and ethical implications of science and technology.

Assessment at a Glance — Standard Level

Type of Assessment	Format of Assessment	Time (hours)	Weighting Final Grade (%)
External		3	80
Paper 1	Paper 1A 25 Multiple-choice questions Paper 1B Data-based questions (Total 45 marks) Paper 1A and Paper 1B are completed together without interruptions.	1.5	36
Paper 2	Short-answer and extended-response questions (Total 55 marks)	1.5	44

Internal		10	20
Scientific investigation	Investigation and write-up of an open ended task in which a student gathers and analyses data. 3000 words	10	20

Assessment at a Glance — Higher Level