12PHY

NCEA Level 2 Physics

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Watson.

Physics tries to explain how nature behaves. It aims to ask every question that can be asked about how absolutely everything works, and then search for the answer to these questions. It looks at the unimaginably big universe and the tiniest particles in an atom. This is what makes Physics so exciting.

This course forms the foundation for any future study in Physics. It relates aspects of Motion, Electricity, Magnetism and Waves to everyday experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Studying and practically analysing Physics in real life situations is the focus of this course and we will discuss many different ideas, big and small, such as:

  • Does New Zealand face a looming electricity crisis? What types of electricity generation should New Zealand invest in for the future?
  • Would a change in throwing force or angle make a bigger difference to the range of a shot put?
  • How do we use light waves to download your favourite music videos?

Physics is absolutely vital for anyone interested in careers in Engineering and the physical sciences, Architecture, and Atmospheric science/weather forecasting or Aviation. It is recommended background for first year Health Science to study Medicine or Physiotherapy, and is especially important if you are considering careers in Radiation Therapy, Optometry, Neurology or Nuclear Medicine.

Recommended Prior Learning

12 credits in a Level 1 Science course, including the Mechanics external (AS90940) AND 12 credits from L1 Maths

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Workbook with a cost of approximately $30

Pathway

Career Pathways

Credit Information

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

This course is eligible for subject endorsement.

Total Credits Available: 19 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 12 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 7 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91168 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.1 - Carry out a practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship
4
4
4
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91169 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.2 - Demonstrate understanding of physics relevant to a selected context
3
3
3
3
3
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91171 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanics
6
6
6
6
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91173 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electricity and electromagnetism
6
6
6
Level: 2
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