3PHY

NCEA Level 3 Physics

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms H. Dixon.


Why study physics?

Physics lies at the heart of the natural sciences

Almost any scientific problem can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics.

Physics explains how the world works

Physics helps us understand why things in the natural world happen the way they do. It enables us to explain, for example, how buildings move in an earthquake, why a car takes as long as it does to come to a stop when the brakes are applied, why the sky is blue and grass green, and why the supports of a bridge have to be of certain dimensions.

Physicists – and students studying physics – are able to use their understanding to predict how an object will behave under particular conditions, improve the functioning of everyday objects, and envisage totally new developments.

Physics is useful and exciting

The knowledge and processes used by physics have produced new and exciting technologies that are in everyday use. Almost any example of modern technology has its origins in mechanics, optics, electronics, thermodynamics, nuclear physics, or some other branch of physics. Physicists are challenged to discover how nature works; along the way, they get to know the excitement of explaining, seeing, or doing something that no one has understood or done before.

Learning in physics opens up career opportunities

Learning in physics will come in useful no matter what you go on to do. Employers value the kinds of skills that studying physics develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, plus problem-solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills.

People with a background in physics are found in all these areas and more: telecommunications, space, medicine, finance, law, music, television, environment, architecture, civil engineering, sports, gaming, energy, and education.



Level 3 Physics builds upon Level 2, exploring the theories and principles involved in the physical world, in all its intricate beauty. Topics you will learn about include: simple harmonic motion, as well as practical experimental and research skills.  

By the end of the course you will gain a deeper understanding about the principles of mechanical systems, electronic systems, socio-scientific implications of physics and much much more.

You will also gain an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues, as well as some of the ways in which the scientific community contributes to the success of the economy and society.

Course content includes:

  • Research into real world Physics
  • Modern Physics
  • Waves and interference
  • Mechanics
  • Electricity

Career Pathways

Credit Information

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

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 19
Internal Assessed Credits: 0
External Assessed Credits: 19
Optional Credits Available: 0
Optional Internal Assessed Credits: 0
Optional External Assessed Credits: 0
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91521 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation to test a physics theory relating two variables in a non-linear relationship


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91522 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of the application of physics to a selected context


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91524 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91526 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems


Level: 3
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

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 19

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.