12PHYS

Year 12 Physics

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Dr S. Das.

Physics can be seen as the most fundamental of the natural sciences. Physics utilises the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses that are based on observation of the natural world. The goal of physics is to use the results of these experiments to formulate scientific laws, usually expressed in the language of mathematics, which can then be used to predict other phenomena. Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy and deals with matter on scales ranging from sub-atomic particles to the entire galaxies. Physics is a discipline and, as such, it's a matter of training your mind to be prepared for the challenges it will present.
It is absolutely essential that a physicist be proficient with mathematics. You don't have to know everything, but you do have to be comfortable with mathematical concepts and how to apply them. Therefore, to study physics, you should take as much high school mathematics as you can reasonably fit into your schedule, perhaps study entire course of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
Physics is very math intensive and perhaps you will want to pursue other educational options, if you find that you dislike mathematics. It is helpful to begin learning the basics early if you want to master them.
High level of achievement in L3 Physics is essential to get entry to Science and Engineering courses in different tertiary institutions in NZ and overseas.

Recommended Prior Learning

12 credits at NCEA Level 1 in Science (including achievement in both Physics 1.1 (AS90935) and Science 1.1 (AS90940)) and achievement in Mathematics 1.2 (AS91027) as competency in algebra is essential.

Pathway

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.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 19 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 12 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 7 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91168 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.1 - Carry out a practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship
4
4
4
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91171 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanics
6
6
6
6
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91172 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of atomic and nuclear physics
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91173 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electricity and electromagnetism
6
6
6
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0