Physics

Description

Unit 1 - What ideas explain the physical world?

In this unit, students examine some of the fundamental ideas and models used by physicists to understand and explain energy. Models used to understand light, thermal energy, radioactivity, nuclear processes, and electricity are explored. Students apply these physics ideas to contemporary societal issues: communication, climate change and global warming, medical treatment, electrical home safety and Australian energy needs.

Unit 2 - What do experiments reveal about the physical world?

In this unit students explore the power of experiments in developing models and theories. They investigate a variety of phenomena by making their own observations and generating questions, which in turn lead to experiments. In Area of Study 1, students investigate the ways in which forces are involved both in moving objects and in keeping objects stationary and apply these concepts to a chosen case study of motion. In Area of Study 2, students choose one of eighteen options related to climate science, nuclear energy, flight, structural engineering, biomechanics, medical physics, bioelectricity, optics, photography, music, sports science, electronics, astrophysics, astrobiology, Australian traditional artefacts and techniques, particle physics, cosmology, and local physics research. A studentadapted or student-designed scientific investigation is undertaken in Area of Study 3. The investigation involves the generation of primary data and

Areas of Study

• How are light and heat explained? In this area of study, students study light using the wave model and thermal energy using a particle model forming an understanding of the fundamental physics ideas of reflection, refraction, and dispersion.

• How is energy from the nucleus utilised? In this area of study, students build on their understanding of energy to explore energy that derives from the nuclei of atoms.

• How can electricity be used to transfer energy? In this area of study, students develop conceptual models to analyse electrical phenomena and undertake practical investigations of circuit components.

• How is motion understood? In this area of study, students describe and analyse graphically, numerically, and algebraically the energy and motion of an object, using specific physics terminology and conventions.

• Options: How does physics inform contemporary issues and applications in society? Eighteen options are available for selection. Each option is based on a different observation of the physical world.

• How do physicists investigate questions? In this area of study, students adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation to generate appropriate primary qualitative and/or quantitative data, organise and interpret the data, and reach and evaluate a conclusion in response to the research question.

Learning Outcomes

• Model, investigate and evaluate the wave-like nature of light, thermal energy and the emission and absorption of light by matter.

• Explore energy that derives from the nuclei of atoms, learn about the properties of the radiation from the nucleus and the effects of this radiation on human cells and tissues and apply this understanding to the use of radioisotopes in medical therapy.

• Investigate and apply a basic DC (Direct Current) circuit model to simple battery-operated devices and household electrical systems, apply mathematical models to analyse circuits, and describe the safe and effective use of electricity by individuals and the community.

• Investigate, analyse, mathematically model, and apply force, energy, and motion.

• Investigate and apply physics knowledge to develop and communicate an informed response to a contemporary societal issue or application related to a selected option.

• Draw an evidence-based conclusion from primary data generated from a student-adapted or studentdesigned scientific investigation related to a selected physics question.

Assessment

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on the student's achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s overall performance on a variety of assessment tasks designated for the unit.

Practical work is a vital component of learning and assessment. Assessment tasks for this unit include student notebooks, student-designed practical investigations; practical activities; multimedia presentations; oral presentations; annotated posters; data analysis; problem solving and tests; multiple choice and/or short answer and/or extended response. For Outcome 3 of Unit 2 a report of a student-designed or adapted investigation using an appropriate format, for example a scientific poster, practical report, oral communication, or digital presentation.

Pathways

Unit 1 & 2 Physics leads directly to Unit 3 & 4 Physics. The prerequisites for entry into Unit 3 & 4 Physics are the satisfactory completion of Units 1 & 2 Physics. Entry for Units 3 & 4 where Units 1 and 2 have not been completed is possible but not recommended.

Psychology

Description

Unit 1: How are behaviour and mental processes shaped?

Human development involves changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In this unit students investigate the structure and functioning of the human brain and the role it plays in the overall functioning of the human nervous system. Students explore brain plasticity and the influence that brain damage may have on a person’s psychological functioning. They consider the complex nature of psychological development, including situations where psychological development may not occur as expected. Students examine the contribution that classical and contemporary studies have made to an understanding of the human brain and its functions, and to the development of different psychological models and theories used to predict and explain the development of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. A student-directed research investigation related to brain function and/or development is undertaken in this unit. The research investigation draws on content from Area of Study 1 and/or Area of Study 2.

Unit 2: How do external factors influence behaviour and mental processes?

A person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by a variety of biological, psychological and social factors. In this unit Students investigate how perception of stimuli enables a person to interact with the world around them and how their perception of stimuli can be distorted. They evaluate the role social cognition plays in a person’s attitudes, perception of themselves and relationships with others. Students explore a variety of factors and contexts that can influence the behaviour of an individual and groups. They examine the contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to the understanding of human perception and why individuals and groups behave in specific ways.

Areas of Study

• How does the brain function? - Advances in brain research methods have led to new ways of understanding the relationship between the mind, brain and behaviour.

• What influences psychological development? - The psychological development of an individual involves complex interactions between biological, psychological and social factors.

• Student-directed research investigation - In this area of study students apply and extend their knowledge and skills developed in Areas of Study 1 and/or 2 to investigate a question related to brain function and/or psychological development.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how understanding of brain structure and function has changed over time, explain how different areas of the brain coordinate different functions, and explain how brain plasticity and brain damage can change psychological functioning.

• Identify the varying influences of nature and nurture on a person’s psychological development, and explain different factors that may lead to typical or atypical psychological development.

• Investigate and communicate a substantiated response to a question related to brain function and/or development, including reference to at least two contemporary psychological studies and/or research techniques.

Assessment

Practical work is a central component of learning and assessment. Assessment tasks include: an extended experimental investigation; a summary report of practical activities; a response to stimulus material; analysis of first and/or second-hand data using structured questions. Assessment tasks for this unit include student note books, student-designed practical investigations; practical activities; multimedia presentations; media responses; oral presentations; annotated posters; data analysis; problem solving and tests; multiple choice and/or short answer and/or extended response. For Outcome 3 a report of a student-designed or adapted investigation using an appropriate format, for example a scientific poster, practical report, oral communication or digital presentation.

Pathways

Unit 1 & 2 Psychology leads directly to Unit 3 & 4 Psychology. The prerequisites for entry into Unit 3 & 4 Psychology are the satisfactory completion of Units 1/2 Psychology. Entry for Units 3/4 where 1/2 has not been completed is possible and Students must meet pre-requisites outlined in the VCE Handbook.