NCEA Level 3 Physics
Course Description
Head of Faculty - Kaihautuu: Miss M. Ashford.
Students will develop their understanding of physical world concepts and laws to solve quantitative, real-world, problems. This will prepare them for further study in Physics as they build knowledge of fundamental physical laws. Students will develop their understanding of modern Physics, mechanical systems, wave systems and electrical systems.
They will learn the application of the above in the real world via a range of practical activities, experiments and demonstrations.
This course is suitable for students who wish to pursue further study in Physics, Engineering, Medical and Veterinary Sciences. Please note that some universities require Engineering students to have passed all 3 external exams.
Course Overview
Term 1
Students will deepen their understanding of Mechanical Systems. Topics covered include:
1) collisions and explosion of objects in 2 dimensions
2) circular motion (including gravitation and satellite motion, banked corners and loop-the-loop motion)
3) rotational motion (spinning objects)
4) simple harmonic motion (such as motion of pendulums)
Term 2
Students will finish Mechanical Systems topics started in Term 1. Thereafter, students will undertake a practical investigation for a non-linear Physics relationship including error analysis and will then learn to critically evaluate their findings
Term 3
Students will deepen their understanding of Electrical Systems. Topics covered include:
1) complex DC circuits (including internal resistance and Kirchhoff Laws)
2) capacitors in circuits
3) electromagnetic induction
4) introduction to AC theory
Thereafter Students will deepen their understanding of Wave Systems. Topics covered include:
1) The physics of music
2) the Doppler effect
3) diffraction and interference
Term 4
Term 4 will be spent preparing for external NCEA examinations
Recommended Prior Learning
It is recommended that students have gained at least 16 credits at NCEA Level 2 Physics as this Level 3 course builds on Level 2.
This course is numeracy rich and requires students to use algebraic skills. We recommend that students take this course with Calculus.
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.
External
NZQA Info
Physics 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation to test a physics theory relating two variables in a non-linear relationship
NZQA Info
Physics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems
NZQA Info
Physics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems
NZQA Info
Physics 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Pathway Tags
Mining Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeroplane Pilot, Air Force Airman/Airwoman, Air Force Officer, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Software Developer, Chemist, Building Surveyor, Marine Biologist, Architect, Architectural Technician, Army Officer, Army Soldier, Medical Physicist, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Electronics Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Fabrication Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Surgeon, Civil Engineer, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Medical Imaging Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, General Practitioner, Electronics Trades Worker, Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Welder, Marine Engineer, Food Technologist, Game Developer, Landscape Architect, Geophysicist, Health and Safety Adviser, Helicopter Pilot, Veterinarian, Optometrist, Geospatial Specialist, Security Analyst,