Physics - Higher
The most mathematical science, questions revolve around problem-solving & learnt formulas.
It is important that you go over these experiments before the exam as Section A examines you on your knowledge of these practicals.
Higher Level Course Content
- Acceleration
- Applied Electricity
- Circular Motion
- Current & Charge
- Electric Circuits
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Exp. Qs (all)
- Exp. Qs. - Electricity
- Exp. Qs. - Heat
- Exp. Qs. - Light
- Exp. Qs. - Mechanics
- Exp. Qs. - Sound
- Force, Mass & Momentum
- Heat & Heat Transfer
- Light
- Magnets & Magnetic Fields
- Nuclear Energy
- Particle Physics
- Potential Difference & Capacitance
- Pressure, Gravity & Moments
- Reflection & Mirrors
- Refraction & Lenses
- Resistance
- Semiconductors
- Simple Harmonic Motion
- Speed, Displacement, Velocity
- Static Electricity
- Temperature & Thermometers
- The Atom, Nucleus & Radioactivity
- The Electron
- Vectors & Scalars
- Vibration & Sound
- Waves & Wave Motion
- Work, Energy & Power
Ordinary Level Course Content
- Acceleration
- Current & Charge
- Electric Circuits
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Experiment Questions
- Force, Mass & Momentum
- Heat & Heat Transfer
- Lenses
- Light
- Magnetics
- Nuclear Energy
- Potential Difference & Capacitance
- Pressure, Gravity & Moments
- Reflection & Mirrors
- Refraction
- Resistance
- Semiconductors
- Speed, Displacement, Velocity
- Static Electricity
- Temperature
- The Atom, Nucleus & Radioactivity
- The Electron
- Vectors & Scalars
- Vibrations & Sound
- Waves & Wave Motion
- Work, Energy & Power
The Exam
For both levels, 100% of your mark goes for a one paper 3-hour exam but you are required to keep a record of your practical work over the two years of the course.
Section A (30%):
Answer 3 out of 4 questions (40 marks per question) based on experimental procedures and use of results.
Section B (70%):
- Answer 5 out of 8 questions (56 marks per question)
- Questions are broader and theory based
Future Careers with Leaving Certificate Physics
Physics can be a really helpful subject to have for a number of third-level options, and in many cases counts as a science subject requirement for certain courses. It is useful for careers including Finance, Statistics, Engineering, Physics and Computer Science.
Download the leaving cert Physics Syllabus
Download the leaving cert Physics Chief examiner's report (2013)
Download the leaving cert Physics Guidelines for Teachers
