TCE Physical Sciences Level 3

TCE Physical Sciences Level 3

What will I learn?

This syllabus is for students wishing to continue their studies of the physical sciences (physics and chemistry) beyond year 10. Physics and chemistry are fundamental sciences that: provide a foundation for undertaking investigations; endeavour to explain physical and chemical phenomena that occur in the universe; and can be applied to, and have an impact on, issues in society.

The course consists of the following major themes: 

• Atomic properties and nuclear reactions 
• Motion and force 
• Conservation in physics 
• Chemical structures and properties 
• Chemical reactions and reacting quantities 

Why should I consider this course?

The purpose of science education is to develop scientific literacy, helping learners: 

• to be interested in, and understand, the world around them;
• to engage in discourse about the scientific and technological aspects underlying global and local issues;
• to understand the testable and contestable nature of science, and question the claims made by others about scientific matters;
• to be able to identify questions, draw evidence-based conclusions and discuss their validity; and
• to form opinions, that are reasoned and informed, about the environment, about their own health and well-being, and about the role and impact of science on society.

This course is a prerequisite for students who wish to study Chemistry Level 4 and Physics Level 4 in year 12. It is also appropriate for students wanting to continue their studies of Chemistry and Physics beyond Year 10.  

What Skills does this course provide?

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• plan activities, monitoring and evaluating progress while completing activities, meeting deadlines and contributing to completion of group activities in the context of physics and chemistry
• communicate, predict and explain physical science phenomena, using qualitative and quantitative representations in appropriate modes and genres, and following accepted conventions and terminology
• apply discriminating research skills and apply the principles of academic integrity; collecting and recording primary and secondary data from a variety of relevant sources
• utilise practical skills safely, and competently select and use scientific techniques and equipment to collect and organise data related to physics and chemistry
• use scientific inquiry skills to enable them to perform and evaluate experiments relating to physics and chemistry; analysing and interpreting data to draw valid conclusions
• make connections between knowledge of physics and chemistry and ethical, political, cultural, social, economic and scientific considerations in differing contexts
• apply physics and chemistry concepts, models and theories to analyse physical and chemical phenomena
• apply physics and chemistry processes to analyse physical and chemical phenomena

What Pathway Options does this course provide?

This course is a prerequisite for students who wish to study Chemistry Level 4 and Physics Level 4 in Year 12. It may be studied as part of a pathway to tertiary study and careers in areas such as medicine, engineering, surveying and other sciences. It is also suitable for learners wishing to study a science as part of a general education.