Information about the HSC - Waverley College

Physics
Overview
Two units for each of the Preliminary and HSC Year Board Developed
Course.
Physics is the study of the material world. It focuses on investigating
natural phenomena and identifying patterns, applying models, principles
and laws to explain their behaviour.
The Preliminary course develops knowledge of waves, motion, forces,
fields, electricity and magnetism by focusing on increasing students’
understanding of current communication technologies, the use of electricity
in the home, interaction involving vehicles, such as car crashes and the
mechanisms that maintain the physical conditions of planet Earth.
The HSC course builds on the concepts of the Preliminary course by
expanding on areas such as relativity, the motor effect and solid state
physics, by focusing on space flight, motors and generators and the
scientific advances involved in the development of semi-conductors and
electronics.
Content
Preliminary Course
• The World Communicates
• Electrical Energy in the Home
• Moving About
• The Cosmic Engine
HSC Course
Core Topics
• Space
• Motors & Generators
• From Ideas to Implementation
Option Topic:
• Geophysics
• Medical Physics
• Astrophysics
• From Quantum to Quarks
• The Age of Silicon
During the course there are some excursions that will require an additional
cost.
Special
Requirements
Assessment /
Homework
Information
Results in the Year 10 School Certificate course in Science will be used to
determine student’s eligibility to enrol in Physics in Stage 6. It is
recommended students study Mathematics 2Unit to successfully undertake
Physics.
Assessment consists of: Tests/Exams (no more than 50% weighting),
Research, and Practical Investigations.
Students will be expected to complete the required amount of regular
homework as stated in the College Diary.
The Higher School Certificate: Preliminary Courses 2012 Page 71
HSC Courses 2013