PHY2
This course requires 2 options.

Physics - Level 2

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr N. Burling.

Physics is the study of the relationship between matter and energy.

Physicists attempt to understand the fundamental mathematical relationships that govern natural phenomena and apply those relationships to interesting problems. The main reason to study physics is because you are curious about how the world works. In addition to that knowledge, you gain a set of incredibly useful skills that make you attractive to a wide range of employers.

This course trains you to become a competent problem solver. You will learn to break down a problem into its component parts and apply mathematics, computing, data analysis, and experimental techniques to arrive at a solution. We also emphasize technical writing and presentation skills, as well as working in teams.

Topics covered at Level 2:

•Mechanics
•Electricity and Electromagnetism
•Light and waves
•Atomic and nuclear physics
•Practical investigations

Course Overview

Term 1
Demonstrate understanding of Atomic & Nuclear physics.
AS 91172 Phy 2.5 (3 Credits Internal)
Topics covered: Atomic structure, Radioactivity, Radioactive decay, Fission, Fusion

Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems.
AS 91523 Phy 2.4 (6 Credits External)
Topics covered: Motion under constant acceleration, Projectile motion, Circular motion, , Forces, Torque, Equilibrium, Energy & Momentum.

Term 2
Continuation of mechanical systems.

Carry out a practical investigation to test a physics theory relating two variables in a non-linear relationship.
AS 91168 Phy 2.1 (4 Credits Internal)
Topics covered: Significant figures, Scientific method, Data collection, Data transformations, Accuracy and precision, Graphing, and Report writing.

Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems.
AS 91526 Phy 2.6 (6 Credits External)
Topics covered: Electric fields, Electrostatic forces, Series and Parallel circuits, Voltage, Current, Resistance, Power, Magnetic fields, Magnetic forces, Motors, Induction, and Generators.

Term 3
Continuation of electrical systems.

Demonstrate an understanding of wave systems.
AS 91170 Phy 2.3 (4 Credits External)
Topics covered: Optics (Reflection and Refraction, Curved mirrors, Lenses, Total internal reflection) and Wave theory (Transverse and Longitudinal Waves, Diffraction, Refraction, Reflection, Interference, Superposition, Standing waves, Two point source interference).


Term 4
Revision

Prerequisites

If you did not take a pathway course at Level 1, or achieved fewer than 8 credits externally in that course, you will need HOD approval.

A sound level of algebra/maths is required for this course.

Pathway

Career Pathways

Credit Information

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

Total Credits Available: 23 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 16 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

Assessments:
Term: 2, Week: 9

A.S. 91170 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of waves
4
4
4
4
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0

Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 5

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

Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 5

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

Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 2

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

Assessments:
Term: 4, Week: 5

Credit Summary
Total Credits: 23
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0