PHYSICS
Staff Members
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R. McMahon – Acting DHT, Principal Teacher of Physics & STEM Lead
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M. Demelas – Teacher of Physics
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C. Chape - Teacher of Physics
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K. Nisbet - Temporary Teacher
Introduction
Physics is a branch of science that deals with the study of matter, energy, forces and their interactions. It seeks to explain the fundamental principles of the Universe and the natural phenomena that occur within it. From the smallest subatomic particles to the largest celestial objects, physics attempts to understand the underlying mechanisms that govern the behaviour of everything in the Universe.
Learning about physics can help to answer a wide range of questions, such as:
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How do objects move and interact with each other?
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What is the nature of light and how does it propagate through space?
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How do electric and magnetic fields work?
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What is the structure and behaviour of atoms and molecules?
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How do particles interact to create matter and energy?
Studying physics can also lead to a variety of exciting careers, including:
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Physics Research
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Engineering
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Software Development
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Medical Physics
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Education
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Data Analysis
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Finance
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Business
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Law
In addition to these careers, learning physics can also develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication and data analysis. It can help individuals to think more deeply and creatively about the world around them, and to approach complex problems with a methodical and analytical mindset.
Overall, studying physics is an exciting and rewarding pursuit that can lead to a wide range of career opportunities and personal growth. So why not explore the fascinating world of physics today?
S3 Physics
In S3 Physics, we build upon the knowledge and skills gained in the Physics topics in S1/2 Science.
The following topics are covered:
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Introduction
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Waves (N5)
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Radiation (N5)
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Electricity (N5)
National 4 Physics
In National 4 Physics, we build upon the knowledge and skills gained in S1/2 Science and S3 Physics.
The following topics are covered:
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Introduction
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Waves and Radiation
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Electricity and Energy
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Dynamics and Space
Pupils will also research background physics, carry out experimental group work and write up a scientific report as part of their Added Value Unit (AVU).
National 5 Physics
In National 5 Physics, we build upon the knowledge and skills gained in S3 Physics.
The following topics are covered:
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Properties of Matter
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Dynamics
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Space
Pupils will also research background physics, carry out experimental group work and write up a scientific report under exam conditions as part of their National 5 Physics Assignment.
Higher Physics
In Higher Physics, we build upon the knowledge and skills gained in National 5 Physics.
The following topics are covered:
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Introduction
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Our Dynamic Universe
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Electricity
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Particles and Waves
Pupils will also research background physics, carry out experimental group work and write up a scientific report under exam conditions as part of their Higher Physics Assignment.
Advanced Higher Physics
In Advanced Higher Physics, we build upon the knowledge and skills gained in Higher Physics.
The following topics are covered:
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Introduction
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Rotational Motion
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Astrophysics
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Electromagnetism
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Quanta
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Waves
Pupils will also research background physics, carry out experiments individually and write up scientific reports as part of their Advanced Higher Project.
Useful Links
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BBC Bitesize (National 5): https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6fsgk7
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BBC Bitesize (Higher): https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zpyb4wx
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SQA Physics: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45912.html
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Scholar: https://scholar.hw.ac.uk/sso/login?service=https%3A%2F%2Fscholar.hw.ac.uk%2Fcourses%2F
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Mr Mitchell’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/mrmitchellphysics
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Belmont Physics Dept Twitter: Belmont Physics (@BelmontPhysics) / Twitter
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PhET Simulations: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/filtersubjects=physics&type=html,prototype
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Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/en-gb
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HyperPhysics: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hph.html#hph
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Institute of Physics: Your future with physics: A guide for young people | Institute of Physics (iop.org)
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Career Paths: Where physics could take you: Career paths | Institute of Physics (iop.org)