Staff:
​Mrs Blackwood (Acting Faculty Head of Science)
Mr. Boyce (Acting Depute Head)
Mrs Young
Mrs. Smith
​Mr. McGarvey
Dr. Sawiak

Welcome to the Physics Department!

Here you can find information on the following courses:-

- National 4
 
- National 5

- Higher

- Advanced Higher

National 4&5

S3 classes in Physics are mixed ability.  All pupils are given as long as possible to find the level appropriate for them to be presented for at the end of S4.  The 3rd year course is comprised of content from Level 4 of the BGE, National 4 Physics and is extended into appropriate content from National 5 Physics.  
National 5
The purpose of the Course is to develop learners’ 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 learners to become scientifically literate citizens, able to review the science-based claims they will meet.
Course structure:
The Course comprises six units as detailed below.  In each unit learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.  Learners will apply these skills when considering the applications of each of the units on our lives, as well as the implications on society and  the environment. This can be done by using a variety of approaches, including investigation and problem solving.
Topics covered in both National 4 & 5 Physics:    
​             Dynamics
              Space
              Electricity
              Energy
              Waves
              Radiation


In addition to the final exam for National 5, candidates complete an assignment with a research and a practical element.  This is completed in class under exam conditions and is worth 20% of the final mark. 
​Higher Physics
This course reinforces and extends the knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics and related problem solving skills and practical abilities acquired at National 5 level by providing a deeper insight into the structure of the subject.  The course endeavours to provide learning experiences leading to the acquisition of worthwhile
knowledge, skills and attitudes that will assist society increasingly dependent on science and technology.
 ​
Course Details:
The course comprises three mandatory units each of 40 hours duration. Candidates also complete an assignment, completed in class under exam conditions and is worth 20% of the final mark.
 Units:
Our Dynamic Universe 
Vectors, Equations of Motion, Newton’s Second Law, Momentum, Impulse, Pressure, Buoyancy  and the Gas Laws.
Electricity 
Electric Fields, Resistors in Circuits, Alternating Current, Capacitance  and Analogue Electronics
Particles and Waves 
Waves, Reflection of Light, Interference, Optoelectronics, Semiconductors, Nuclear Reactions, Dosimetry and Safety
The Advanced Higher Physics course has been designed to articulate with and provide a progression form the Higher Physics course.  The course seeks to illustrate and emphasise the situation where the principles of physics are used and applied, thus promoting the student’s awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice.  An opportunity for engaging in some independent research is provided.  As a result of the course the student should acquire a deeper knowledge and understanding in a wide variety of problem solving contexts and skills associated with Positive attitudes such as being self reliant, open minded and willing to recognize alternative views are promoted.  The course leads to an acquisition of skills, knowledge and attitudes, which will assist the student to make their own reasoned decisions on many issues within a modern society dependent on science and technology.
 
Course Details:
This course is made up of four units:  Rotational Mechanics and Astrophysics, Electromagnetism, Quanta and Waves and Investigating Physics.  Evidence of KU and problem solving skills will be provided by end of unit tests, reports on practical work and the external examination. Candidates also carry out a Physics investigation with the practical element being carried out in class and the report being written up in the candidate's own time.

Units:
Rotational Mechanics and Astrophysics
Relativity, Angular Motion, Rotational Dynamics, Gravitation and Wave Particle Duality
Electromagnetism
Electric Fields, Electromagnetism, Self-Inductance and Forces of Nature
Quanta and Waves
Waves, Interference, and Polarization