Physics is the Science of the Forces and Energy which drive The Natural World and which underpin the ongoing development of Modern Technology. Its study ranges in scale from the inner structure of the atom to the workings of the entire Universe. Logical thinking is the foundation of the subject which means that pupils who study Physics are trained to think for themselves with a view to solving Problems in the real world. In doing so they develop a range of skills which can be transferred to other areas of study and which will prove useful throughout their lives. Pupils can study Physics at either National 4 or National 5 levels in this year. For entry to the National 5 course pupils should have a reasonable grasp of S3 mathematics.
National 4 – Physics (valid from August 2013)
Course structure – The Course develops skills in a physics context. Learners will gain an understanding of
physics, and develop this through a variety of approaches, including practical activities.
The Course has four mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit and all must be passed in assessment to gain an award. The first three Units listed below are designed to provide progression to the corresponding Units at National 5.
Physics: Electricity and Energy (National 4) – In this Unit, learners develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of electricity and energy.
The Unit covers the key areas of generation of electricity, electrical power, electromagnetism, practical electrical and electronic circuits, gas laws and the kinetic model. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Physics: Waves and Radiation (National 4) – In this Unit, learners develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of waves and radiation. The Unit covers the key areas wave characteristics, sound, electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear radiation. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Physics: Dynamics and Space (National 4) – In this Unit, learners develop skills of scientific inquiry, investigation and analytical thinking, along with knowledge and understanding of dynamics and space. The Unit covers the key areas of speed and acceleration, relationships between forces, motion and energy, satellites and cosmology. Learners will research issues, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which will develop skills of scientific literacy.
Added Value Unit: Physics Assignment (National 4) – In this Unit, learners will draw on and extend the skills they have learned from across the other Units, and demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and skills acquired, in unfamiliar contexts and/or integrated ways.
National 5 – Physics (valid from Sept 2019)
Candidates gain an understanding of physics and develop this through a variety of approaches, including practical activities, investigations and problem solving. Candidates research topics, apply scientific skills and communicate information related to their findings, which develops skills of scientific literacy. Candidates are assessed via a formal exam and a classroom based assignment both of which are marked by the SQA.
The course content includes the following areas of physics:
Dynamics – In this area, the topics covered are: vectors and scalars; velocity–time graphs; acceleration;
Newton’s laws; energy; projectile motion.
Space – In this area, the topics covered are: space exploration; cosmology.
Electricity – In this area, the topics covered are: electrical charge carriers; potential difference (voltage);
Ohm’s law; practical electrical and electronic circuits; electrical power.
Properties of matter – In this area, the topics covered are: specific heat capacity; specific latent heat; gas laws and the kinetic model.
Waves – In this area, the topics covered are: wave parameters and behaviours; electromagnetic
spectrum; refraction of light.
Radiation – In this area, the topic covered is nuclear radiation.
Higher – Physics (valid from Sept 2019)
The course is suitable for candidates who are secure in their attainment of National 5 Physics or an equivalent qualification. It may also be suitable for those wishing to study physics for the first time.
The course emphasises practical and experiential learning opportunities, with a strong skills-based approach to learning. It takes account of the needs of all candidates, and provides sufficient flexibility to enable candidates to achieve in different ways. The course is assessed via a written exam and an assignment performed in class, both of these are assessed externally by the SQA.
The course content includes the following areas of physics:
Our dynamic Universe – The topics covered are: motion — equations and graphs; forces, energy and power; collisions, explosions, and impulse; gravitation; special relativity and the expanding Universe.
Particles and waves – The topics covered are: forces on charged particles; the Standard Model; nuclear reactions; inverse square law; wave-particle duality; interference; spectra and refraction of light.
Electricity – The topics covered are: monitoring and measuring AC, current, potential difference, power, and resistance; electrical sources and internal resistance; capacitors; semiconductors and p-n junctions.
Advanced Higher – Physics (valid from Aug 2019)
The course develops the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to analyse and solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. It offers opportunities for collaborative and independent learning set within familiar and unfamiliar contexts. It also seeks to illustrate and emphasise situations where the principles of physics are used and applied, thus promoting the candidates’ awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice. The course allows candidates an opportunity to engage in some independent research. The course is assessed via a written exam and a research project performed in class, both of these are assessed externally by the SQA.
The course content includes the following areas of physics:
Rotational motion and astrophysics – The topics covered are: kinematic relationships; angular motion; rotational dynamics; gravitation; general relativity and stellar physics.
Quanta and waves – The topics covered are: introduction to quantum theory; particles from space; simple harmonic motion; waves; interference and polarisation.
Electromagnetism – The topics covered are: fields; circuits and electromagnetic radiation.
Units, prefixes and uncertainties – The topics covered are: units, prefixes and scientific notation; uncertainties; data analysis; evaluation and significance of experimental uncertainties.
The most up to date information about the subject can be found on the Scottish Qualifications Authority webpage https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45729.html,
Further assistance can be found on the Understanding Standards website including exemplar materials: https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/Physics
Barra Schools - Sgoiltean Bharraigh 
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