Physics

Why pick Physics?

About 50% of 3rd level courses involve science, medicine or technology.

– Physics is usually part of these courses.

– Choosing physics keeps options open.

– Physics can be hard to pick up as a new

subject at 3rd level.

– It is worth taking at least one science

subject.

• 40% of physics graduates earn over €60,000 per annum.

• Physics opens doors to many careers. It is a highly regarded subject at both school and college level.

• Physics graduates can end up in a wide variety of careers.

• It is a good choice if you are interested in science (Physics), technology, astronomy etc.

Content of Course• Content can be divided into

5 general areas– Mechanics– Light/Sound/Waves– Electricity/Magnetism/Electron– Radioactivity/Nuclear Physics– Option – Particle Physics

• There are 24 mandatory practical's – these must be written up. Section A on paper (30%) is based on these.

Good choice on the Paper Paper has two sections

Section A Answer 3 out of 4 questions based on 24 compulsory experiments – 30%

Section B Answer 5 out of 8 questions – 70%. Two questions have a choice within them. One question is based on an optional topic which we always do.

Is Physics Hard?

Like any leaving cert subject

•there is a lot of learning, especially definitions. Formulas are now given.

•Much more detail is required when compared to the junior cert.

•A small number of topics are a difficult.

– However, this is true of all subjects, especially if you take higher level.

• Physics is a two year course –

not two months cramming at

the end!!

• If you like science, are good at

maths and work consistently

then it is a manageable

subject.

Physics HL National Figures

for 2014

• Typically > 70% get a C or higher

• Two thirds do Higher level

• In Loreto most students do higher level

Do you need to be good at Maths to do Physics?

• You need to be able to do calculations,

know basic algebra and geometry.

• You do not have to do H.L. maths for the

leaving .

• About 30% of the marks in the leaving

cert are for maths type questions.

• To do higher level physics you should have an honour in higher level Junior Cert Maths (preferably an A or B).

• This is not compulsory, but you will probably find the subject difficult or opt for Ordinary level.

• People who are good at maths are often good at the type of thinking needed for physics.

Will you like Physics?

• Do you like science?

• Do you like practical work?

• Did you like physics for the junior

cert?

• Do you switch off if a science

programme is on the TV?

Science in Ireland• Ireland has a strong tradition in science

and technology

• Science Foundation Ireland funds a very wide range of research in Ireland

• Many of the top technology companies now have large operations in Ireland

• If you are interested in science there are opportunities for you in Ireland

• Physics graduates are very employable