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 / Dynamics
Unit 2 / Energy and Momentum
Unit 3 / Electric, Gravitational, and Magnetic Fields
Unit 4 / The Wave Nature of Light
Unit 5 / 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 ______