Diploma Programme - SL Syllabus

Core Topics

1. Measurements and uncertainties
2. Mechanics
3. Thermal physics
4. Waves
5. Electricity and magnetism
6. Circular motion and gravitation
7. Atomic, nuclear and particle physics
8. Energy production

Option Topics

1. Relativity
2. Engineering physics
3. Imaging
4. Astrophysics

Assessment

1. Paper 1: 20%
2. Paper 2: 40%
3. Paper 3: 20%
4. Internal assessment: 20%

Source: IB DP Physics guide First assessment 2016

Diploma Programme - Introduction

The Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of study designed for students in the 16 to 19 age range. It is a broad-based two-year course that aims to encourage students to be knowledgeable and inquiring, but also caring and compassionate. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes necessary for them to respect and evaluate a range of points of view.

Distinction between SL and HL

Group 4 students at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) undertake a common core syllabus, a common internal assessment (IA) scheme and have some overlapping elements in the option studied. They are presented with a syllabus that encourages the development of certain skills, attributes and attitudes, as described in the “Assessment objectives” section of the guide.

While the skills and activities of group 4 science subjects are common to students at both SL and HL,

students at HL are required to study some topics in greater depth, in the additional higher level (AHL) material and in the common options. The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.

Prior learning

Past experience shows that students will be able to study a group 4 science subject at SL successfully with no background in, or previous knowledge of, science. Their approach to learning, characterized by the IB learner profile attributes, will be significant here.

However, for most students considering the study of a group 4 subject at HL, while there is no intention to restrict access to group 4 subjects, some previous exposure to formal science education would be necessary. Specific topic details are not specified but students who have undertaken the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) or studied an equivalent national science qualification or a school-based science course would be well prepared for an HL subject.

Source: Physics guide First assessment 2016

AS and A Level - Introduction

Universities value learners who have a thorough understanding of key concepts in physics, an in-depth knowledge of the most important themes in physics and strong practical skills. Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics helps learners develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful university study.

Why Cambridge International AS and A Levels?

Cambridge International AS and A Levels are international in outlook, but retain a local relevance. The syllabuses provide opportunities for contextualised learning and the content has been created to suit a wide variety of schools, avoid cultural bias and develop essential lifelong skills, including creative thinking and problem-solving.

Cambridge International AS and A Level curricula are flexible. It is possible to offer almost any combination from a wide range of subjects. Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level.

Prior learning

We recommend that learners who are beginning this course should have previously completed a Cambridge O Level or Cambridge IGCSE course, or the equivalent, in Physics or Co-ordinated Science.

Progression

Cambridge International A Level Physics provides a suitable foundation for the study of physics or related courses in higher education. It is equally suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in physics or engineering, or as part of a course of general education.

Cambridge International AS Level Physics constitutes the first half of the Cambridge International A Level course in Physics and therefore provides a suitable foundation for the study of Physics at Cambridge International A Level and then for related courses in higher education. Depending on local university entrance requirements, it may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in physics or some other subjects. It is also suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in physics, or as part of a course of general education.


Source: SYLLABUS Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics 9702