IB Physics (HL) – Course Description
International Baccalaureate Organization
Mr. Taylor – Instructor
Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of physics. I hope you are as excited as I am as I look forward to a fun and
productive year. In order to be successful, we all must work together as a cohesive team. As you know, you cannot enjoy
a game unless you know the rules. Likewise, you cannot fully appreciate your surroundings until you understand the rules
of nature. Physics is the study of these rules, which will show you how everything in nature is beautifully connected.
Advanced physics often has the reputation for being too difficult and frightens many capable students away.
Thank you for not falling into that mindset, it was a good move! I promise to help you to the best of my ability, but that help
begins with you “DOING” your part, rather than just “BEING” in class.
Personal Note
I look forward to a fun filled, energetic, and gratifying experience this year. Lets all do our part to make this a
reality. ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE, I KNOW I WILL!
The ultimate grade I can give you is in the form of a letter of recommendation for college. Being able to write
passionately about a student’s intellect, creativity, work ethic, and character is very satisfying for me. It makes me feel
that I can positively influence your future other than simply being “the physics teacher”.
The IB Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile provides a description of what we would like our students to become. Ideally, we envision our
students as being:
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Inquirers
Thinkers
Principled
Balanced
Knowledgeable
Communicators
Open-Minded
Risk Takers
Reflective
We will work collaboratively to develop these characteristics in students as we prepare them for the world of the 21st
century. We also encourage parents/guardians to discuss the importance of these traits in an increasingly global society.
Course Outline
Shared SL/HL Core [80 hours] All topics will be taught, including 2 HL options.
Topic 1 – Physics and Physical Measurement [5 hours] Physics is based upon observation, measurement and
interpretation of the physical world. Consequently, scientists have developed tools for measuring and interpreting
nature. This topic advances our understanding of these techniques.
Topic 2 – Mechanics [17 hours] Mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with forces and the way they
produce and change motion. It includes the sub-units of kinematics, statics, dynamics, gravity, circular motion,
momentum, impulse, and projectile motion. Energy is a very complex and intriguing topic. It is the driving force
behind all of nature’s processes and our ability to study nature. We will discuss work-energy relationships, energy
transformation and transfer, and the various kinds of energy that exist.
Topic 3 – Thermal Physics [7 hours] This branch of physics deals with temperature and heat, an objects
internal energy, the consequences of that energy state, and how solids, liquids, and gasses differ.
Topic 4 – Oscillations and Waves [10 hours] Wave motion is closely related to the phenomena of vibration.
Sound waves, earthquake waves, waves on guitar strings, and water waves are all produced by vibrations. There
are many natural and man made phenomena whose explanations require an understanding of vibrations and
waves. How do TV’s and radios work? Why don’t skyscrapers fall down if they are vibrating? How can wave
theory help us to understand the modern theories of the atom?
Topic 5 – Electric Currents [7 hours] The ancient Greeks observed electric and magnetic phenomena as early
as 700 B.C. They found that a piece of amber, when rubbed, became electrified and attracted feathers. There
have been many significant discoveries about EM phenomena since then, however it was not until the 19th
century that scientists finally realized that electricity and magnetism are, in fact, related phenomena.
Topic 6 – Forces and Fields [7 hours] The amazing thing about “fields” is that we even know they exist.
They’re invisible, and not very intuitive. However, they are responsible for the delivery and transmission of forces
such as Gravity, Magnetism, and the Electrostatic.
Topic 7 – Atomic and Nuclear Physics [9 hours] At the end of the 19th century, scientists thought they had
learned most of what there was to know about physics. However, at the turn of the 20 th century a major revolution
shook the physics world. “It was a marvelous time to be alive” said Einstein in 1905, after proposing his brilliant
special theory of relativity. Basically Planks theories of quantum physics and Einstein’s theory of relativity have
been the backbone of modern research in the fields of atomic physics, nuclear physics, astronomy, and
condensed matter physics.
Topic 8 – Energy, Power and Climate Change [18 hours] Here we draw everything from the course together,
and then apply what we know to the world’s energy supplies. This topic addresses the ideals behind consumable
energy, the pros and cons of various supplies, and the quest for renewable energy. These issues are not only at
the forefront of modern science, but also are crucial to 21st century politics and economics.
Additional Higher Level Core [55 hours]
Topic 9 – Motion in Fields [8 hours] This topic has 4 subtopics, 1) projectile motion 2) gravitational field
potential and energy 3)orbital motion and 4) electric field, potential and energy. The first three subtopics are
extensions of topic 2 and therefore will be taught at that time. The last subtopic will be taught in conjunction with
topics 5 and 12.
Topic 10 – Thermal Physics [6 hours] This topic is an extension of topic 3. Thermodynamic Processes, Cycles
and Entropy are central to modern engines and pumps. This topic discusses the intricacies of building efficient
machines and the consequences for such actions for the entire universe.
Topic 11 – Wave Phenomena [12 hours] This topic is an extension of topic 4. The primary focus will be on
specific phenomena that are exhibited in nature such as the Doppler Effect and standing waves.
Topic 12 – Electromagnetic Induction [6 hours] This topic is an extension of topic 5. Electrical power
generation and transmission is the focus of this topic. Producing and delivering electricity effectively is an
interesting application of the interaction between electric and magnetic fields.
Topic 13 – Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics [15 hours] This topic is an extension of topic 7. The 20 th
century brought about drastic changes in the way people viewed the world. The birth of the quantum age has
been revolutionary and very exciting.
Topic 14 – Digital Technology [8 hours] In the communication age, understanding how information is
dispersed is of vital importance. This topic focuses on analogue and digital signals, data capture, and digital
imaging.
Options [44 hours, 22 each] Two topics will be selected. (Note: a third option will be selected if time allows)
Option E – Astrophysics
Option F – Communications
Option G – Electromagnetic Waves
Option H – Relativity
Option I – Medical Physics
Option J – Particle Physics
Course Requirements and Expectations
All students must complete the IB HL examination and complete the IB scheme of practical
(experimental) work in order to gain credit for the course. 60 satisfactory lab hours must be
completed before you are allowed to sit for the IB HL examination. Also each student is
expected to take the New York State Regents exam in Physics (see below).
The Binghamton City School District and the IB Foundation PARTIALLY pay the registration and examination fees for
each student. If a student drops the course after being registered for the examination, the student or parent-guardian
shall reimburse the IB foundation for the examination fees.
After the IB examination in this course, students who wish to participate in community service, matriculate in a college
course, work at a job site, or be scheduled into a learning lab must complete a “Parent Request for Alternative Student
Schedule” form. (Available upon request in May of the examination year)
Materials Needed:
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physics notebook (2” 3 Ring Binder Recommended)
scientific calculator
pens and pencils
All other materials (rulers, graph paper, protractor, etc.) readily available in the classroom.
Expectations:
As is your right, and I hope your expectation of me, I should be prepared everyday. I hope that you would expect
me to come in to class prepared to teach and anxious to do so. I should be expected to know my subject matter and the
best ways to present it to you. I should be expected to be impartial in my criticism, encouragement, and assessment of
your learning. I should be expected to be tolerant of your diverse backgrounds and learning styles. I should be expected
to realize that physics is not your whole existence and that there are other factors happening in your life concurrently. I
will try to live up to these expectations to the best of my ability.
I have expectations of you as well. I expect that you treat each other and me in a humanistic, warm, respectful,
and fair manner. I expect you to tolerate each other’s weaknesses and grow from each other’s strengths. I expect that
you will put forth an honest effort and work hard to learn and achieve, both in life and in the physics classroom.
Grading System
Time + effort + discussion + questioning = learning + happiness + good grades
Your overall grade for the course will be the cumulative average of all 4 terms each year. You will receive 1 full science
credit for each of the two years of this course, 2 total science credits. Term grades will be determined as follows:
Terms 1-3
Tests (30%) Tests will last for 1 or 2 class period, every cycle on a designated day. There will be approximately
25 – 27 tests in the first year and 20 – 22 the second.
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Reference materials will sometimes be allowed. A calculator will always be allowed.
Make ups will only be done after school on the designated day. Only a legal absence will allow the
opportunity for a make up test. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE MAKE UP
TIMES WITH ME.
Comprehensive Exams (20%) There will be a comprehensive examination at the conclusion of each 10 week
term. (Quarter Term, Mid Term, Three Quarter Term, End of Year)
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Reference materials will be allowed. A calculator will be allowed.
Make ups will only be done after school on the designated day. Only a legal absence will allow the
opportunity for a make up examination. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE
MAKE UP TIMES WITH ME.
Experimental Work (Internal Assessment) (30%)
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60 hours of class time (minimum)
all work (scratch work, a written and graphical record of your ideas and activities, original data) must
be submitted with your final reports.
experimental work constitutes 24% of your overall IB grade.
Make ups will only be done after school. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE UP
EXPERIMENTAL WORK ON THE DESIGNATED EXPERIMENTAL WORK MAKE UP DAY.
Classwork (15%)
 grades awarded in various manners
 my holistic impression of your level of personal efforts
 self and peer assessments
 senteo
AQUA (5%)
I believe that it is each student’s responsibility to contribute to a positive, active and lively classroom.
This helps all to achieve, me to teach, and thus all to learn. I believe that this is accomplished by
students Answering questions, Questioning answers, Upholding class momentum and by being Active
and energetic.
4th Term Grades
At the conclusion of year 1, students will take the NYS regents exam in physics. This will count as the Term
Exam for the 4th marking period. Hence the NYS Regents exam in physics counts for 20% of term 4, or 5% of the
first year of the course. All other grade expectations will be in place.
During year 2, the following will determine the 4th term grade. I will average terms 1 – 3. That grade will count for
75% of the grade. The remaining 25% will be any remaining tests and classwork prior to the IB exam, including
review materials and practice exams.
IB Exam Registration Information
The Binghamton City School District pays the registration fee for each student. If a student drops an IB course after being
registered for the exam, the student/parent shall reimburse the district for the registration fee. Students will pay for the
exam itself.
All students enrolled in an IB course of study are required to take the final exam in May as part of their final assessment.
Students receive 1.15 credit weighting for an IB course of study.
Students must sign up for their IB examination by the beginning of November.
Students who do not sign up for their IB examination will remain in the class. However, the IB course they are enrolled in
will be recorded on their transcript and report card as an “honors” level course. Students will receive only 1.1 credit
weighting.
In addition, students who sign up for the exam and do not “show up” to take it will also receive only 1.1 credit weighting.
Academic Honesty
All students enrolled in the Diploma Program are given a copy of the General regulations: Diploma Program in
September. Section E of this document defines and discusses academic infringement and malpractice.
Students are expected to understand what it means to plagiarize as well as the penalty for doing so. Each IB
teacher has a copy of the publication, Academic Honesty for reference. Students and teachers are encouraged to
fully discuss what academic honesty means. Teachers may use Turnitin.com to verify the authenticity of any
assessment work submitted to IBO.
Student Acceptance of Course Expectations
Tear off this sheet and please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand all of the
above literature. Also please have your parent/guardian sign in the appropriate blank. Grades will
not be entered until I have this signed and on file. Thank you.
Most sincerely,
Christopher A. Taylor
Christopher A. Taylor, instructor
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