IB Physics

Going from the miniscule building blocks of matter i.e., Quarks, Leptons and Bosons to the vastness of the Black Holes and the Universe, starting from the regular forces which are observed in our everyday life such as the frictional force and air resistance to the four fundamental forces of Nature namely, Gravitational, Electromagnetic, Weak and the Strong Nuclear forces, the scope of IB Physics does not limit to the study of the phenomenon. It is very strongly based on the very fundamental nature through the vast knowledge we built as on date: OBSERVATION. 

Not every phenomenon can be observed. To understand a few observations, models have to be developed from which new theories can be constructed and new observations can be made. 

The 21st century looks into the ‘Nature of Science’ through the lens of scientific method. It is through the scientific approach that logical deductions are drawn based on the empirical evidences. 

Is IB Physics HL hard?

Many students ask the question whether IB Physics is hard. The answer cannot be in yes or no. The level of difficulty is a very subjective term. It is contingent on the cognitive understanding and critical bent of mind to take up the subject as one of your favourites. Like the way the subject needs your passion to connect with, the same way you need a comprehensive explanation of every concept involved in the content of IB Physics. IB Physics study requires a logical and analytical approach in understanding of every bit of what it speaks.

IB Physics syllabus

IB Physics is a two year course during which the students are taken through a wide variety of topics. They can broadly be classified into:

CORE-95 teaching hours each for HL and SL

1. Measurements and Uncertainties taught in 5 instruction hours
2. Mechanics taught in 22 hours
3. Thermal Physics taught in 11 hours
4. Waves taught in 15 hours
5. Electricity and Magnetism taught in 15 hours
6. Circular Motion and Gravitation taught in 5 hours
7. Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics taught in 14 hours
8. Energy Production taught in 8 hours

ADDITIONAL HIGHER LEVEL (AHL)-60 teaching hours

1. Wave phenomena taught in 17 teaching hours
2. Fields taught in 11 teaching hours
3. Electromagnetic induction taught in 16 hours
4. Quantum and nuclear physics taught in 16 hours

OPTION-15 hours for SL and 25 hours for HL

1. Relativity taught in 15 hours for SL and 25 hours in HL
2. Engineering physics taught in 15 hours for SL and 25 hours in HL
3. Imaging taught in 15 hours for SL and 25 hours in HL
4. Astrophysics taught in 15 hours for SL and 25 hours in HL

PRACTICAL SCHEME OF WORK-covered in 40 teaching hours for SL and 60 teaching hours for HL

Practical activities-dealt in 20 hours for SL while 40 hours for HL

Individual investigation (internal assessment – IA)-handled in 10 hours each for SL and HL

Group 4 project-covered in 10 hours each for SL and HL

IB Physics HL vs. SL

While the difference between Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) is in the overall content, the concepts remain almost the same. As an example, both SL and HL Students study the concept of Waves. While the SL Students are limited to the application of the concepts such as Interference and Diffraction, HL Students learn the derivations and the root cause of the phenomenon. The HL Students continue to have a deeper understanding of a variety of applications of these phenomenon such as the Thin Film Interference and so on and so forth. 

While the IB Physics SL students are expected to spend a minimum of 150 hours in the study of the concepts, HL students are expected to continue their learning for a minimum of 240 hours. It is because of this reason that the testing of SL and HL student is also slightly different. While both the SL and HL Students are graded on their performance in four difference components, the weightage and duration of each of these components vary from SL to HL. Given below is a summary of the same:

While the IB HL and SL students of IB Physics study all the core and one of the chosen optional topics, the intensity of delving deep and expanding wide across one of the options is more in IB Physics HL compared to SL. Moreover, for IB Physics HL there is AHL topics which are extensions of the core. 

IB Physics IA

IB Physics IA is one of the most important components for HL and SL. Through IB Physics IA students are expected to demonstrate their involvement in exploring a title, apply their knowledge and skills, with a critical reflection on the challenges faced in conducting the research methodologies. Redundant to mention that the research approach involved in the IB Physics IA makes every student learn a refined research skill. The aim of accomplishing the task is set in the normal classroom hours dedicated to exploration for the topic and not as a separate activity beyond the classroom hours, thereby adhering to the essence of having IA as one of the chief assessment components as a part of the learning process.

There are common queries from the IB students on whether the IB Physics IA is a group activity or not. It is an individual piece of work based on the data collected or measurement records made. Yes, at times it is probable that data collected and measurements recorded are done in a group. However, it is mandatory that a student makes the complete record of data and measurements as a part of his or her individual analysis.

IB Physics IA involves research approaches to the study with the help of quantitative and qualitative research methods and tools. Starting from conducting the hands-on laboratory experiment to analysis and modelling on a spreadsheet, extraction of the data set with a graphical analysis, producing a hybrid model of spreadsheet data and data from traditional hands-on, and use a simulation- the variety of task is a combination of quantitative and qualitative work.

IB Physics IA is based on IA assessment criteria as:

• Personal engagement assesses how engaged you are as a student in the complete involvement with the research study-starting from the designing, implementation to presentation of the investigation.
• Exploration assesses the extent to which you establish the scientific intent of your research, with a clear and focused research question. You should be using concepts and techniques appropriate to the IB Diploma Programme, abiding by all the safety and ethical stance.
• Analysis measures the extent to which you have selected, recorded, processed and interpreted the data in ways that are relevant to the research question and can support a conclusion.
• Evaluation assesses the extent to which the student’s report evaluates investigation and the results with respect to the research question and the accepted scientific context.
• Communication assesses whether the investigation is presented and reported at par with the effective communication of the focus, process and outcomes.

With the key assessment criteria clearly defined, we have the new assessment model of IB Physics IA which uses five criteria to assess the final report of the individual investigation scored on raw marks and weightings assigned as follows: