Physics

National 4 Physics

The National 4 Physics course enables learners to develop the ability to solve problems and establish relationships in physics by acquiring a broad knowledge base, practical skills and basic mathematical skills.

Electricity and Energy
The Unit covers the key areas of generation of electricity, electrical power, electromagnetism, practical electrical and electronic circuits, gas laws and the kinetic model. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

Waves and Radiation
The Unit covers the key areas wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

Dynamics and Space
The Unit covers the key areas of speed and acceleration, relationships between forces, motion and energy, satellites and cosmology. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.

Added Value Unit: Physics Assignment
In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.

National 5 Physics

Candidates gain an understanding of physics and develop this through a variety of approaches, including practical activities, investigations and problem solving. Candidates research topics, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which develops skills of scientific literacy.

Dynamics
In this area, the topics covered are: vectors and scalars; velocity–time graphs; acceleration; Newton’s laws; energy; projectile motion.

Space
In this area, the topics covered are: space exploration; cosmology.

Electricity
In this area, the topics covered are: electrical charge carriers; potential difference (voltage); Ohm’s law; practical electrical and electronic circuits; electrical power.

Properties of Matter
In this area, the topics covered are: specific heat capacity; specific latent heat; gas laws and the kinetic model.

Waves
In this area, the topics covered are: wave parameters and behaviours; electromagnetic spectrum; refraction of light.

Radiation
In this area, the topic covered is nuclear radiation.

Assignment (20% of grade)
The purpose of the assignment is to assess the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related physics knowledge and understanding. This component allows assessment of skills which cannot be assessed through the question paper, for example the handling and processing of data gathered as a result of experimental and research skills.

Higher Physics

The course is suitable for candidates who are secure in their attainment of National 5 Physics or an equivalent qualification. It may also be suitable for those wishing to study physics for the first time. The course emphasises practical and experiential learning opportunities, with a strong skillsbased approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all candidates, and provides sufficient flexibility to enable candidates to achieve in different ways.

Our Dynamics Universe
The topics covered are: motion — equations and graphs; forces, energy and power; collisions, explosions, and impulse; gravitation; special relativity; the expanding Universe.

Particles and Waves
The topics covered are: forces on charged particles; the Standard Model; nuclear reactions; inverse square law; wave-particle duality; interference; spectra; refraction of light.

Electricity
The topics covered are: monitoring and measuring AC; current, potential difference, power, and resistance; electrical sources and internal resistance; capacitors; semiconductors and p-n junctions.

Assignment (20% of Grade)
The assignment has a total mark allocation of 20 marks. This is scaled to 30 marks by SQA. This contributes 20% to the overall marks for the course assessment. The assignment assesses the application of skills of scientific inquiry and related physics knowledge and understanding. It allows assessment of skills that cannot be assessed through the question paper, for example the handling and processing of data gathered from experimental work by the candidate.

Advanced Higher

The Advanced Higher physics course enables learners to build on the knowledge and skills developed in the Higher physics course and to use their mathematical knowledge and skills to analyse and solve problems in real-life contexts. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course reinforces and extends knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics and develops skills in investigative practical work.

Rotational Motion and Astrophysics
The topics covered are: kinematic relationships; angular motion; rotational dynamics; gravitation; general relativity; stellar physics.

Quanta and Waves
The topics covered are: introduction to quantum theory; particles from space; simple harmonic motion; waves; interference; polarisation.

Electromagnetism
The topics covered are: fields; circuits; electromagnetic radiation.

Project (25% of overall mark)
Candidates carry out an in-depth investigation of a physics topic. Candidates choose their topic and individually investigate/research its underlying physics. Candidates must discuss potential topics with their teacher and/or lecturer to ensure that they do not waste time researching unsuitable topics. This is an open-ended task that may involve candidates carrying out a significant part of the work without supervision.

Advanced Higher Maths of Mechanics

The Advanced Higher Mathematics of Mechanics course enables learners to build on the knowledge and skills developed in both the Higher physics and mathematics courses and uses their mathematical knowledge and skills to analyse and solve problems in real-life contexts. Through a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, the course reinforces and extends knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics while applying it to real life situations.

• Forces, energy and momentum
• Straight line, periodic and parabolic motion
• Mathematical techniques for mechanics

Unit 3 Mathematical techniques is generally NOT taught as it is covered in Maths.  Students do the Industrial Cadet Gold Award instead.