Rosmini College
NCEA Level 3 Physics
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Smith.
This course builds upon the L2 Physics course and introduces challenging concepts and principles in modern physics, mechanics, electricity and waves.
This course will help prepare students for University Entrance or skilled trades entry. The course is application-based and tailored to suit the education of young men.
If you require any further information, please ask Mr J Smith or Mrs Perera.
Why study Physics?
Physics lies at the heart of the natural sciences
Almost any scientific problem can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics.
Physics explains how the world works
Physics helps us understand why things in the natural world happen the way they do. It enables us to explain, for example, how buildings move in an earthquake, why a car takes as long as it does to come to a stop when the brakes are applied, why the sky is blue and grass green, and why the supports of a bridge have to be of certain dimensions.
Physicists – and students studying physics – can use their understanding to predict how an object will behave under particular conditions, improve the functioning of everyday objects, and envisage new developments.
Physics is useful and exciting
The knowledge and processes used by physics have produced new and exciting technologies that are in everyday use. Almost any example of modern technology has its origins in mechanics, optics, electronics, thermodynamics, nuclear physics, or some other branch of physics. Physicists are challenged to discover how nature works; along the way, they get to know the excitement of explaining, seeing, or doing something that no one has understood or done before.
Course Overview
Term 1
Modern Physics -Internal
Mechanics - External. This builds on L2 Mechanics and introduces the study of rotational motion and simple harmonic motion. Assessed by an external
examination.
Term 2
Electromagnetism -External. This builds on L2 Electromagnetism using complex circuits. It introduces capacitors, inductors and AC theory. Assessed be external
examination.
Term 3
Waves - External, This builds on L2 waves and introduces the effects of wave manipulation and its effects such as the Doppler effect and twin and multipoint
interference. Assessed by external examination.
Physics of a selected Topic
- Internal, Physics of roller coasters/vertical Circular Motion. Internally assessed.
Term 4
Preparation for external examinations.
Recommended Prior Learning
14 Level 2 credits in Physics.
Pathway
Learning in physics opens up career opportunities
Learning in physics will come in useful no matter what you go on to do. Employers value the kinds of skills that studying physics develops: the ability to grasp things quickly, focused solution finding, problem-solving, analytical, mathematical, and IT skills.
People with a background in physics are found in all these areas and more: telecommunications, space, medicine, finance, law, music, television, environment, architecture, civil engineering, sports, gaming, energy, and education.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Physics 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of the application of physics to a selected context
NZQA Info
Physics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems
NZQA Info
Physics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems
NZQA Info
Physics 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of Modern Physics
NZQA Info
Physics 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 22
Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.
Disclaimer
Rosmini College's timetable is student-driven and a new timetable is generated each year based on student subject selection. Unfortunately, while we do our best to avoid them, timetabling clashes may still occur and a few students may be required to choose an alternative subject option.
The 2025 timetable, including the number of classes in each subject and staffing allocations, is created based on student selections made in 2024. Because of this, changing subjects at the beginning of 2025 may not be possible. Please, make your subject choices carefully.
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