'Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Despite the exciting and extraordinary development of ideas throughout the history of physics, observations remain essential to the very core of the subject. Models are developed to try to understand observations, and these themselves can become theories that attempt to explain the observations.' (IBO Subject Brief)
Paper 3 removed - Optional Topic and Data on Experimentation Questions
Group 4 Project - Never part of final grade
Physics is the most analytical of the pure sciences available in the IB Diploma Program. It explores the fundamental workings of the physical world, rationalising and quantifying the forces and principles that determine both microscopic and macroscopic outcomes. Outside of the subject, it teaches students to analyse situations and determine relevant concepts, and combining these to reach sometimes unintuitive yet irrefutable conclusions.
Physics is the most quantitative of the group 4 subjects, requiring a strong grasp of the mathematics course to fully appreciate its intricacies. However, in order to apply these skills correctly, a solid understanding of its ideas is key. Ensure that you neglect neither as you progress through the course: be familiar with both the derivations/calculations and their rationale as you build up your understanding of each topic and sub-topic.
The IB Physics syllabus provides a solid grounding in a broad range of topics in preparation for undergraduate study, from Mechanics, through Electromagnetism and Wave Phenomena, to Quantum and Nuclear Physics. It is designed to be accessible to students who have not taken Physics as a separate science in the past, but exposure to Physics prior to the DP will help greatly. It will also draw on the maths course, particularly calculus and kinematics, so be aware that some parts of the course will only make intuitive sense once they have been covered both in subjects.
Students can also choose one of four options to suit their interests: Engineering Physics, Relativity, Astrophysics, and Imaging. As with other group 4 subjects, there will be both experimental and theoretical components to the course, with relevant experiments to each topic, both laboratory and computer-simulated. The IA will also contribute a significant portion of the final grade.
Physics in the International Baccalaureate is a requirement for many undergraduate courses, including Engineering and Medicine (if you are not doing Biology and Chemistry), and will be useful for a variety of careers. Examples of directly relevant careers are research, academia, and all forms of engineering. The analytical and mathematical skills of a Physics degree are also highly valued by accounting, consulting, and financial firms. Further studies can be within the subject or potentially law conversion and graduate medicine.
Physics is the most analytical of the pure sciences available in the IB Diploma Program. It explores the fundamental workings of the physical world, rationalising and quantifying the forces and principles that determine both microscopic and macroscopic outcomes. Outside of the subject, it teaches students to analyse situations and determine relevant concepts, and combining these to reach sometimes unintuitive yet irrefutable conclusions.
Physics is the most quantitative of the group 4 subjects, requiring a strong grasp of the mathematics course to fully appreciate its intricacies. However, in order to apply these skills correctly, a solid understanding of its ideas is key. Ensure that you neglect neither as you progress through the course: be familiar with both the derivations/calculations and their rationale as you build up your understanding of each topic and sub-topic.
Physics in the International Baccalaureate is a requirement for many undergraduate courses, including Engineering and Medicine (if you are not doing Biology and Chemistry), and will be useful for a variety of careers. Examples of directly relevant careers are research, academia, and all forms of engineering. The analytical and mathematical skills of a Physics degree are also highly valued by accounting, consulting, and financial firms. Further studies can be within the subject or potentially law conversion and graduate medicine.