PreRequisites

Students entering Physics ATAR in Year 11 are required to have achieved a minimum ‘A’ grade in both Science ATAR Ready and Mathematics ATAR Ready in Semester One and maintain this standard in Semester Two. It is mandatory at Seton Catholic College that students who study Physics ATAR must also enrol in the ATAR Mathematics Methods course in Year 11.

Any student who underperforms in this course in Year 11 will be required to meet with the Head of Learning Area to discuss their continued enrolment in Year 12.      

Course Description

Physics is a fundamental science that endeavours to explain all the natural phenomena that occur in the universe. Its power lies in the use of a comparatively small number of assumptions, models, laws and theories to explain a wide range of phenomena, from the incredibly small to the incredibly large. The Physics ATAR course uses qualitative and quantitative models and theories based on physical laws to visualise, explain and predict physical phenomena. Models, laws and theories are developed from, and their predictions are tested by, making observations and quantitative measurements. In this course, students gather, analyse and interpret primary and secondary data to investigate a range of phenomena and technologies using some of the most important models, laws and theories of physics, including the kinetic particle model, the atomic model, electromagnetic theory, and the laws of classical mechanics.

Studying physics will enable students to become citizens who are better informed about the world around them and who have the critical skills to evaluate and make evidence?based decisions about current scientific issues. The Physics ATAR course will also provide a foundation in physics knowledge, understanding and skills for those students who wish to pursue tertiary study in science, engineering, medicine and technology.

Year 11

  • Unit 1 - Thermal, nuclear and electrical physics

  • Unit 2 - Linear motion and waves

Year 12

  • Unit 3 – Gravity and electromagnetism

  • Unit 4 – Revolutions in modern physics

More detailed course info can be found HERE

Assessment

Students will undertake these various assessment types:

  • Science Inquiry

  • Tests and Examinations