Physics 12
Course Number – 5340
Prerequisite – Physics 11 or Physics 11 Honours.
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Course Description
This course continues from Physics 11 which covers the nature and scope of physics through inquiry and problem-solving, as well as the place of physics in our lives and its applications. Topics include: kinematics, dynamics, Einsteins Theory of Relativity, energy (electrical, mechanical, heat and nuclear), and the transmission of energy (waves and photons). Physics is the search for order in the world around and the quest to understand the laws that govern our universe. The study of physics encompasses remarkably diverse topics including the study of motion, forces, energy, fluids, heat, sound, optics, electricity and magnetism, and the more abstract topics of relativity, atomic structure, and nuclear physics.
Students are evaluated on regular homework assignments, laboratory activities, and occasional projects, as well as regular quizzes and tests. Tests weigh more heavily in the overall mark.
Mathematical relations often describe the laws of physics. Consequently, students need to be proficient in basic algebra and trigonometry in order to solve typical physics problems. Students must also be proficient readers since the physics textbook is written at a much higher level than the general science textbooks used in the junior science courses.
Physics has a deserved reputation for being a challenging course and so students need to be prepared to put in considerable time and effort outside of class. An estimate of the homework load is 30 minutes of homework 3 times a week. It is easy to fall behind in a course like physics and so students need to keep on top of their assignments and study regularly. Students who rely on memorization to get them through a course will find it difficult to memorize all of the physics concepts.
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
(taken from http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/pdfs/sciences/2006physics1112.pdf)