IB Physics

LEVEL: Standard Level or High Level

LENGTH: Two-year course (DP1 & DP2)

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND: A grade of B or higher in Year 10 Science, Mathematics and English.

PATHWAYS: University: materials and mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, medicine, radiology, sonography, data analytics, space science and astrophysics, nanotechnology.

Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself from the very smallest particles. This course allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques and increase their abilities in the use of mathematics. It also allows students to develop interpersonal and digital communication skills which are essential in modern scientific endeavour and are important transferable life-skills in their own right. There will be an emphasis on a practical approach through experimentation over the two years.

Students will study the following Core Topics:

  1. Measurements and uncertainties
  2. Mechanics
  3. Thermal physics
  4. Waves
  5. Electricity and magnetism
  6. Circular motion and gravitation
  7. Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
  8. Energy production

Additional Higher Level (AHL) Topics include the study of:

  1. Wave phenomena
  2. Fields
  3. Electromagnetic induction
  4. Quantum and nuclear physics

And both SL and HL students cover the Option Topics:

  1. Relativity
  2. Engineering physics
  3. Imaging
  4. Astrophysics

Students also cover Practical schemes of work:

  • Practical activities
  • Individual investigation (Internal Assessment)
  • Group 4 Project (with Biology)

How science works: The flowchart

Assessment

SLHL

Internal Assessment

Individual Investigation
The internal assessment requirements are the same for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The internal assessment consists of one scientific investigation.
The individual investigation should cover a topic that is commensurate with the level of the course of study (24 marks).
20%
Individual Investigation
The internal assessment requirements are the same for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The internal assessment consists of one scientific investigation.
The individual investigation should cover a topic that is commensurate with the level of the course of study (24 marks).
20%

External Assessment

Paper 1
Exam | 45 minutes
30 multiple-choice questions on core, about 15 of which are common with HL.
The questions on paper 1 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.
The use of calculators is not permitted.
No marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
A physics data booklet is provided (30 marks).
20%
Paper 1
Exam | 1 hour
40 multiple-choice questions on core and AHL, about 15 of which are common with SL.
The questions on paper 1 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.
The use of calculators is not permitted.
No marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
A physics data booklet is provided (40 marks).
20%
Paper 2
Exam | 1 hour 15 minutes
Short-answer and extended-response questions on core material.
The questions on paper 2 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.
The use of calculators is permitted.
A physics data booklet is provided (50 marks).
40%
Paper 2
Exam | 2 hours 15 minutes
Short-answer and extended-response questions on the core and AHL material.
 The questions on paper 2 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.
The use of calculators is permitted.
A physics data booklet is provided (90 marks).
36%
Paper 3
Exam | 1 hour
This paper will have questions on core and SL option material.
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work.
Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
The questions on paper 3 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.
The use of calculators is permitted.
A physics data booklet is provided (35 marks).
20%
Paper 3
Exam | 1 hour 15 minutes
This paper will have questions on core, AHL and option material.
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work.
Section B: short-answer and extended-response questions from one option.
The questions on paper 3 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.
The use of calculators is permitted.
A physics data booklet is provided (45 marks).
24%