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Why study Physics?
This course is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Physics and its many applications in modern society. It provides the opportunity to develop skills necessary to find solutions to scientific problems, such as experimenting, investigating and analysing, and gives a deeper insight into the structure of the subject. The course makes a valuable contribution to your general education and provides a sound basis for further study.
The skills you learn on this course are valuable for careers in medicine, energy, industry, material development, the environment and sustainability.
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:
What will I study?
From the sources of the energy we use, to the exploration of space, Physics covers a range of applications that affect our lives. Studying Physics allows you to gain an insight into the underlying nature of our world and its place in the universe. It will help you to develop your logical and critical thinking, solve problems and make decisions.
The course has three compulsory units. The units are similar to those for National 4 but you will be expected to produce a higher standard of work.
Physics: Electricity and Energy (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- deepen your understanding of the applications of electricity and energy, and the implications of this for society and the environment
- learn about the key areas of energy transfer, heat and the gas laws.
Physics: Waves and Radiation (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- increase your knowledge of the applications of waves and radiation and the implications of this for society and the environment
- investigate the key areas of waves and nuclear radiation.
Physics: Dynamics and Space (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- learn more about the applications of dynamics and space and the implications of this for society and the environment
- investigate the key areas of kinematics, forces and space.
How will I be assessed?
Course Assessment (6 SCQF credit points)
Units will be assessed internally by your teacher or lecturer as 'pass' or 'fail'. Your work will be assessed on an ongoing basis throughout the course.
Items of work might include:
- practical work - such as practical experiments
- written work - research assignments and reports
- projects
- question papers/tests.
Units do not contribute to your overall grade but to achieve the course qualification, you must pass all units plus a course assessment.
The course assessment for this course consists of two components:
- question paper (80 marks)
- assignment (20 marks).
For the assignment component, you will be asked to choose a topical issue in physics to investigate and produce a written summary of your research and development ideas. The assignment component will be set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The question paper will be set and marked externally by the SQA.
The Course assessment is graded A–D.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - Physics (National 5)