Advanced Higher Physics

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.

Growth Sector: Energy

Deliverer

Harlaw Academy, ST Machar Academy

Course Outline

This course is composed of the following four Units:

Rotational Motion and Astrophysics

Develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving angular motion, rotational dynamics, and angular momentum. An astronomical perspective is developed through a study of gravitation, leading to work on general relativity and stellar physics.

Quanta and Waves

Develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving quantum theory and waves. The Unit introduces non-classical physics and considers the origin and composition of cosmic radiation. Simple harmonic motion is introduced. Work on wave theory is developed including Interference, Division of amplitude, Division of wavelength, and Polarisation.

Electromagnetism

Develop and apply concepts and principles in a wide variety of situations involving electromagnetism. Electric and magnetic fields and capacitors and inductors used in d.c. and a.c. circuits.

Course Assessment

Throughout the course, learners must:

apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas to carry out an experiment .
draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas and apply scientific skills, typically in an end-of-unit assessment.
research, plan and carry out investigative practical work on a chosen physics topic .

To gain the award of the Course, the learner must pass all Units as well as the Course assessment. Course assessment will provide the basis for grading attainment in the Course award at level A-D. The Course assessment is externally assessed and composed of the following two components: