13PHY

Level 3 - Physics

Course Description

The study of physics leads to an understating of the nature, behavior and properties of matter and energy.

This course explores in depth three key areas of physics:

  • Mechanics
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Waves

Particle physics is offered as a standard called Modern Physics to those students undertaking Scholarship. 

Students will continue to develop mathematical and problem-solving skills, including trigonometry and algebra to understand and model the physical world around them. The course will also develop literacy skills, so that students can effectively describe and explain concepts in physics.

Practical experimental skills are developed throughout the topics, culminating in an investigation into non-linear relationships.

Course objectives:

• To develop an understanding of more complex physics concepts

• To develop the skills required to solve more complex problems and carry out more complex physics experiments

• To apply physics concepts to more complex applications

• To prepare students for study at tertiary levels

Pre-requisites

Level 2 physics with minimum Achieved grades in all achievement standards. If a student voids (SNA) a Level 2 physics external examination, they will not be given entry to this course.

Good results in NCEA Level 2 mathematics, preferably algebra and calculus achievement standards.

Students are encouraged to be undertaking a Level 3 mathematics course, preferably calculus, alongside this course.


Course Specific Costs

$80 - workbook, photocopying costs and Education Perfect

Pathway

Physics links into many courses at university, or may be studied as a major course for a science degree.

A qualification in physics is required, or desirable, for many careers (e.g. engineering, architecture, medical, veterinary, pilot etc.).

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

This course is eligible for subject endorsement.

Total Credits Available: 23
Internal Assessed Credits: 7
External Assessed Credits: 16
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91521 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation to test a physics theory relating two variables in a non-linear relationship


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91523 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91524 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91525 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of Modern Physics


Offered at teacher discretion


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91526 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 23
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 23

Disclaimer

Specific course content may change from what has been advertised in order to remain current and meet students' needs. 

The school has the right to make the best decision based on both staffing, and overall student interest, when preparing the final timetable.