PHYSICS
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND UNDERSTANDING
National 5
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demonstrating knowledge and understanding of physics by making
statements, describing information, providing explanations and
integrating knowledge
applying knowledge of physics to new situations, interpreting
information and solving problems
planning, designing, and safely carrying out experiments/practical
investigations to test given hypotheses or to illustrate particular
effects
selecting information and presenting information appropriately in
a variety of forms
processing information, using calculations and units where
appropriate
making predictions based on evidence/information
drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by
evidence/justification
identifying sources of uncertainty and suggesting improvements to
experiments/practical investigations
communicating findings/information
Higher
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demonstrating knowledge and understanding of physics by
making statements, describing information, providing
explanations and integrating knowledge
applying physics knowledge to new situations, analysing
information and solving problems
planning and designing experiments/practical investigations to
test hypotheses or to illustrate particular effects, including
safety measures.
carrying out experiments/practical investigations safely,
recording detailed observations and collecting data
selecting information and presenting information appropriately
in a variety of forms
processing information (using calculations, significant figures
and units, where appropriate)
making predictions from evidence/information
drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by
evidence/justification
evaluating experiments/ practical investigations, identifying
sources of uncertainty and suggesting improvements
communicating findings/information effectively
COURSE STRUCTURE
National 5
Course Structure: 3 Units and Course Assessment
Physics: Electricity and Energy
Physics: Waves and Radiation
Physics: Dynamics and Space
Higher
Course Structure: 4 Units and Course Assessment
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Physics: Our Dynamic Universe
Physics: Particles and Waves
Physics: Electricity
Researching Physics
COURSE ASSESSMENT
National 5
Higher
Course Assessment:
Component 1 – question paper (80 marks)
Component 2 – assignment (20 marks)
Question Paper
Section 1 (Objective Test) will have 20 marks.
Section 2 will contain restricted and extended response questions
and will have 90 marks. This will be scaled to 60 marks. The majority
of the marks will be awarded for applying knowledge and
understanding. The other marks will be awarded for applying
scientific inquiry, scientific analytical thinking and problem solving
skills. A data sheet containing relevant data and formulae will be
provided.
This question paper will be set and marked by SQA, and conducted in
centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA.
Candidates will complete this in 2 hours.
Assignment
This assignment has two stages:
 a research stage
 a communication stage
Course Assessment:
Component 1 – question paper (100 marks)
Component 2 – assignment (20 marks)
Question Paper
Section 1, (Objective Test) will have 20 marks.
Section 2 will contain restricted and extended response questions
and will be scaled to 80 marks. The majority of the marks will be
awarded for applying knowledge and understanding. The other marks
will be awarded for applying scientific inquiry, scientific analytical
thinking and problem solving skills. A data booklet containing relevant
data and formulae will be provided.
This question paper will be set and marked by SQA, and conducted in
centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA.
Learners will complete this in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
In the course of their assignment, learners are required to:
 choose, with support, a relevant topic in physics that has an
effect on the environment and/or society
 devise an appropriate aim
 describe the relevant application(s) of physics and explain the
effect on the environment/society
 research the topic by selecting, processing and presenting
relevant data/information
 draw a conclusion
 describe underpinning physics knowledge and understanding
and explain its relevance to the topic researched
 communicate the findings of the research in a report
In the course of their assignment, learners are required to:
 choose, with support, a relevant topic in physics
 state an appropriate aim
 research the topic by selecting relevant data/information
 process, analyse and present relevant data/information
 draw a conclusion
 evaluate their investigation
 explain the underlying physics of the topic researched
 present the findings of their research in a report.
This assignment is set by centres within SQA guidelines and conducted
under a high degree of supervision and control. Evidence will be
submitted to SQA for external marking.
Assignment
This assignment has two stages:
 a research stage
 a communication stage
This assignment is set by centres within SQA guidelines and conducted
under a high degree of supervision and control. Evidence will be
submitted to SQA for external marking.