Scotch College

VCE: Physics

Rationale

The study of Physics has led to developments which have profoundly influenced the world. In this course
the topics are studied “in context” so that students appreciate the relevance of Physics to their own lives.
The course content and instruction methods would benefit a wide range of tertiary entrances including
engineering, medicine, physiotherapy, environmental science, and business studies.

Student Outcomes

Students develop skills of observation, research, analysis, interpretation and reporting by hands-on
experiments, excursions and classroom discussion. Contextual knowledge and understanding are
developed appropriately for a wide range of tertiary studies.

There are two courses available at Year 11: the Units 1 and 2 course and the Physics Olympiad
course. (See Science Olympiad page)

Course Content

Unit 1: Wave-like properties of light, Nuclear and radioactivity Physics, and Energy from the nucleus

Unit 2: Movement, Electricity, Alternative energy sources

Unit 3: Motion, Electronics and Photonics, Investigating materials and their use in structure

Unit 4: Electric Power, Interaction of light and matter, and Sound.

Assessment

Units 1 and 2: Examination

Tests and Assignments

Practical Work

Units 3 and 4: School based Assessment 17 per cent

Examination on Unit 3 33 per cent

Examination on Unit 4 33 per cent