GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS - Curriculum Online

PHYSICS
Fig. 2.1 Physics and the everyday world
Medicine
X-rays, ultrasound,
thermometers
Metereology
measurement
weather forecasting
Energy
sources of energy
Information and Communication
Technologies
Computer, telephone,
television, optical fibres
Leisure
cameras, tapes, CDs
PHYSICS
Engineering and Technology
structures, machines, electronics
Transport
cars, bicycles,
new modes of transport
Archaeology
techniques for investigation,
e.g. radiocarbon dating, soil resistivity
Arts
theatre, opera,
visual arts
Space Physics
telescopes, spectroscopes,
rockets, satellites
At home
electricity, keeping warm,
appliances
Physics contributes to a student’s future career in many
ways. It helps, in conjunction with the other Leaving
Certificate subjects, to provide a broad, balanced education
for any student. Physics teaches students to think logically
and enables them to express their thoughts in a concise
manner. The skills and knowledge developed through their
study of physics can be useful in a wide
variety of situations.
Physics is a useful subject for many courses and careers
and a good foundation for a broad range of scientific
and technical careers. Many careers benefit from the logical
and numeracy skills developed by the study of physics.
Many technical courses involve components of physics.
2.4 PHYSICS AND CAREERS
Students may move into employment or into further
study following their two years of physics. They may
choose a post Leaving Certificate course (PLC) or move
on into third level. Physics and physics-related courses
may be taken at certificate, diploma and degree level in
third-level institutions.
For students who are interested in proceeding further
with physics, the Institute of Physics provides
information on the range of careers that students can
follow after their study of physics at third level (see
section 7.9).
2.5 PHYSICS AND THE SENIOR CYCLE CURRICULUM
Physics helps students understand the world in which
they live. The concepts of physics explain many of the
wonders of our everyday lives. It is the role of physics in the
general education of Leaving Certificate students that is
emphasised in the syllabus and is supported, in particular,
by the science, technology and society component of the
syllabus. A further aim is to help them develop the ability to
understand certain social issues that they, as citizens, may
encourage in their lives. The syllabus also introduces
students to the world of physics and aims to interest them in
proceeding with further studies in physics or the technical
areas of engineering, which can be considered as applied
physics. Physics contributes in an important way to
providing students with a broad general education, as well
as preparing them for further education.
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