13PHY

NCEA Level 3 Physics

Course Description

Teacher in Charge:


Physics is the study of the nature and properties of matter, forces, and energy. From the smallest sub-atomic particle to the infinite universe. You will learn aspects of it all. 

Topics taught in Year 13 include wave systems and modern physics (quantum physics), mechanical and electrical systems. More importantly, you will be developing lifelong skills in problem-solving and critical thinking. 

Physics is often described as applied mathematics, you will see how the algebra and number skills you learn have a real-world application through formulae and relationships. 

A key part of your learning will be report-based, researching and critiquing evidence, and communicating your understanding of socio-scientific issues. 

Recommended Prior Learning

Year 12 Physics and Mathematics achieving 12 or more credits in both.  It would also be advisable that Year 13 Physics students also take a Year 13 Mathematics course (either 13MAC or 13MAS or both).

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Stationery Requirements: Graph paper, 2 x 1B5, 1 x 2B8

Pathway

Accelerator Operator
Applications Engineer
Data Analyst
Design Engineer
High School Physics Teacher
IT Consultant
Lab Technician
Laser Engineer
Optical Engineer
Research Associate
Software Developer
Systems Analyst
Technical Specialist
Web Developer

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.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 20 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 10 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 10 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91521 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 3.1 - Carry out a practical investigation to test a physics theory relating two variables in a non-linear relationship
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91522 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of the application of physics to a selected context
3
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91523 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems
4
4
4
4
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91524 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems
6
6
6
6
Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91525 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of Modern Physics
3
3
3
Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 20
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 20

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

Standards shown on courses are only an indication and not all may be offered at the time of study.