St. James Catholic High School
Course Overview
Course Title:
Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation
Course Code:
SPH 4U
Credit Value:
1
Course Description:
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and
theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces
that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and
electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum
mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation
skills, learning, for example, how to analyze, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related
to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of
technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
How This Course Supports the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations:
Through the study of physics, students have the opportunity to “discover the laws which
govern the universe, as well as their interrelationship.” They (scientists and therefore
students) can “stand in wonderment and humility before the created and feel drawn to the
love of the Author of all things” (address of Pope John Paul II to the Jubilee of Scientists
May 25, 2000). The study of any science helps students to learn to be reflective, critical, and
creative thinkers, as well as discerning believers, who can apply their knowledge to the world
around them. They can then make appropriate decisions in light of Gospel values and Church
teachings. Through the study of the techniques of science, particularly experimentation,
students learn to be collaborative contributors to an interdependent team, respecting the
rights, responsibilities, and contributions of others. Overall, students become aware of the
spiritual, as well as the physical dimension of the world and of the need to respect the
environment and to use resources wisely in order to fulfil their roles as stewards of God’s
creation. Please see the Course Calendar / Agenda Book for a listing of the Ontario Catholic
Graduate Expectations.
Unit Titles:
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Dynamics
Energy and Momentum
Electric, Gravitational, and Magnetic Fields
The Wave Nature of Light
Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity
Evaluation:
Course Grade Weighting
Term Work…………………. 70%
Culminating Activity………. 30%
(Final exam – 30%)
Category Weighting
Knowledge and Understanding…………. 20%
Thinking and Inquiry……………………. 40%
Application……………………………… 30%
Communication…………………………. 10%
Missed Evaluation:
Failure to complete assessment and evaluation activities reduces the body of evidence upon
which the teacher can evaluate student achievement of the curriculum expectations and could
jeopardize the granting of a credit for the course.
Missed Tests:
If a test is missed, the absence must be confirmed with the office. Students are expected to
write the test on the day they return unless previous arrangements have been made with the
teacher. For those students who are 18 years old, parental confirmation or a medical note is
needed.
Late Assignments:
For each day an assignment is late 10% will be deducted up to a maximum of three days late (30%).
Assignments will not be accepted after three days late or after the assignments have been returned
which ever is first. Students will have one grace late day per course to be used without explanation.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Note: Copying lab reports is a form of plagiarism and both students will be subject to the
penalties. Each student is expected to submit his or her own work. For lab partners,
calculations, if done correctly, may be the same. Any written work such as descriptive
observations or answers to questions and conclusions may express the same information but
must be written in their own words. Under no circumstances should a student give their lab
report to another student.
The use of electronic devises during all forms of evaluation including tests is strictly prohibited.
It will be considered cheating if a student is found with a devise.
Consequences for cheating can be found in the Student Agenda.
Parent / Guardian Signature:
My signature below indicates that I have read and understood the course overview.
Student Signature: ________________________________________________
Date: __________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________
Date: __________
Parent Contact: phone ______________________________
e-mail ______________________________