COURSE INFORMATION

Higher Physics Distance Learning is a course delivered through online, tutor supported delivery via MS Teams platform. If you are outwith a daily travelling distance to the college campus, then the delivery for this course is for you! 

You will undertake the SQA National level 6 programme, including internal units, a prelim and the SQA external exam. The course includes practical laboratory experiments inline with SQA required assignment.
Tutors will provide you with electronic resources and video lessons, as well as online video calls for digital face to face tutorials. You will be required to attend college campus to allow assignment practical work and the sitting of both the prelim and final SQA exam at the approved assessment centre.

The course develops your interest and enthusiasm for physics in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed throughout the course. The relevance of physics is highlighted by the study of the applications of physics in everyday contexts. The course develops scientific understanding of issues relating to physics. It enables you to gain an in-depth knowledge of concepts in physics, and to develop confidence in the skills of scientific inquiry. You will develop your ability to describe and interpret physical phenomena using mathematical skills, and practise scientific methods of investigation from which general relationships are derived and explored. You will gain a deeper insight into the structure of the subject, and reinforce and extend your knowledge and understanding of the concepts of physics.Advances in physics mean that our view of what is possible is continually being updated. The course allows candidates to deepen their understanding of the processes behind scientific advances, and thus promotes awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice. The course aims to: 


  • Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of physicsAn understanding of the role of physics in scientific issues and relevant applications of physics.
  • Scientific inquiry and investigative skills.
  • Scientific analytical thinking skills, including scientific evaluation, in a physics context.
  • Skills to use technology, equipment and materials safely, in practical scientific activities.
  • Planning skills.
  • Problem-solving skills in a physics context.
  • Use and understand scientific literacy to communicate ideas and issues and to make scientifically informed choices.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills for more advanced learning in physics
  • This is a 1 academic year part time distance course. Timetabled hours will be 4 per week in the evening. Specific days to be confirmed.

The course content includes the following areas of physics:

'Our Dynamic Universe' topics are:
  • Motion — equations and graphs
  • Forces, energy and power
  • Collisions, explosions, and impulse
  • Gravitation
  • Special relativity
  • The expanding universe  
 
'Particles and Waves' topics are:
  • Forces on charged particles
  • The Standard Model
  • Nuclear reactions
  • Inverse square law 
  • Wave-particle dualityInterferenceSpectraRefraction of light  

'Electricity' topics are:
  • Monitoring and measuring AC
  • Current, potential difference, power, and resistance
  • Electrical sources and internal resistance
  • Capacitors 
  • Semiconductors and p-n junctions
  • Grade C or above in SQA National 5 Physics and National 5 Mathematics. 
  • Please note National 5 Application of Mathematics is not accepted.
  • Higher Education
  • Industrial employment within the science field, including lab research, teaching or respective science-related industries.
  • Course cost of £360.
  • Interview