IBDP Physics syllabus HL & SL
IBDP Physics syllabus, as a part of the Nature of Sciences (NOS) in Group 4 of the IBDP, is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself from the smallest atomic particle to the inter-galaxy distances.
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Observations with imagination takes this discipline to a new dimension- the art of Imagineering and this is where in recent analysis it comes under the study of STEAM instead of STEM.
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Experimental models on prototypes constructed through framing of hypothesis calls for validation of conclusion in the real world. Starting to climb up the learning ladder by constructing knowledge through different WOK-s like sense, perception, research, imagination, sharing, memory and so on, it takes the learners from collecting data to organizing and understanding the observations. Then comes the phase for practical evaluation of data and framing of hypothesis, followed by drawing conclusion through validation.
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The students, as self-regulated learners, play the role of researchers with the practical bent of mind applying the comprehensive theoretical tenets. Of course, there is a trans-disciplinary integration between the other disciplines of the NOS, Math, Technology, and TOK.
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The motto is to mold the students as global citizens with a holistic balance in learning and swimming through the waves of challenges with perseverance and their growth mindset.
Physics IBDP Aims and Objectives
Through studying Group 4subjects like biology, chemistry or physics, students should become aware of how scientists research, frame hypothesis, construct prototype and draw conclusions.
The aims are to:
- Inculcate the problem-solving ability in students with global perspectives
- Construct knowledge and apply scientific methods to formulate data from observations using STEM
- Develop higher-order thinking to imbibe, analyze, evaluate and synthesize concepts
- Develop the art of critical thinking and problem solving
- Develop experimentally and investigate scientific skills with the use of technology
- Inculcate the art of the 21-century communication skills by the Gen Z learners
- Become global citizens and contribute to the STEAM innovations with the critical-creative approach infusing the eclectic diversity of some vital personality and intellectual quotients like AQ, EQ, SQ, and IQ
- Integrate science with math and technology
Physics IBDP HL/SL Syllabus overview
| Syllabus Component | Recommended Teaching Hours |
|
| SL | HL | |
| CORE 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 |
95 5 22 11 15 15 5 14 8 |
95 5 22 11 15 15 5 14 8 |
| Additional higher level (AHL) 9. Wave phenomena 10. Fields 11. Electromagnetic induction 12. Quantum and nuclear physics |
60 17 11 16 16 |
60 17 11 16 16 |
| Option A. Relativity B. Engineering physics C. Imaging D. Astrophysics |
15 15 15 15 15 |
25 25 25 25 25 |
| Practical scheme of work Practical activities Individual investigation (IA) Group 4 project |
40 20 10 10 |
60 40 10 10 |
| Total Teaching Hours | 150 | 240 |
How to connect IBDP Physics with Math?
Carry out with the basic arithmetic functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
 • Perform calculations involving means, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios, approximations and reciprocals
• Carry out manipulations with trigonometric functions
• Carry out manipulations with logarithmic and exponential functions (HL only)
• Use standard notation and the use of direct and inverse proportion
• Solve simple algebraic equations
 • Solve linear simultaneous equations
• Plot graphs with two variables that show linear and non-linear relationships
• Interpret graphs, including the significance of gradients, changes in gradients, intercepts and areas
• Draw lines (either curves or linear) of best fit on a scatter plot graph on a best-fit linear graph, construct linear lines of maximum and minimum gradients with relative eye-estimated accuracy taking into account all uncertainty bars
• Interpret diagrammatic data presented in various forms of bar charts, histograms and pie charts
• Represent arithmetic mean using x-bar notation
• Express uncertainties to one or two significant figures, with justification
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Data booklet as your bible
The data booklet acts as a well-knit and constructive guide and helps students to assimilate every nitty-gritty involved in the curriculum. It helps them to handle the EA and in-class study with the IA-s.
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of facts, concepts, and terminology, methodologies, and techniques, communicating scientific information
- Apply facts, concepts, and terminology, methodologies and techniques, methods of communicating scientific information
- Formulate, analyze and evaluate hypotheses, research questions, and predictions, methodologies, and techniques, primary and secondary data, scientific explanations
- Demonstrate effective skills to give deeper insights to ethical investigations
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