This course introduces the following basic concepts:

• physical quantities and measurement
• forces and motion
• energy and momentum
• thermal physics
• wave motion
• optics
• electricity and magnetism
• electric circuits
• atomic and nuclear physics.
• Practical Lab Activities

The main aim of this course is to assist you in obtaining skills and competence in physics suitable for commencing studies in tertiary programs with a substantial component of physical science. At the end of this course you will be able to demonstrate:

• competence in using physical measurements and scientific notation
• a sound knowledge of the basic laws of force and linear and wave motion
• a sound knowledge of the theory of gases, energy and momentum
• a sound knowledge of electric circuits, magnetism and the laws of optics
• a sound knowledge of atomic and nuclear physics
• confidence and competence in applying the basic laws of physics to problem solving situations.

For more information please download our Course Outline.

Physics has a minimum of 20 hours of approved lab activities

Hands-on components for the labs

Lab Activity 1 – In the Forces and Motion unit, students learn about collecting and analysing experimental data.  Students conduct an experiment timing the oscillations of a simple pendulum and relating it to the length of the pendulum.

Lab Activity 2 – In the Circular Motion and Gravitation Lab Activity, students are encouraged to describe the relationship between the Sun, the Earth and the Moon and relate their observations to a simulation.

Lab Activity 3 – In the Thermal Physics Unit, student will make observations of the melting ice, boiling water and apply their knowledge of specific heat to adding milk to a cup of tea or coffee.

Lab Activity 4 – In the Wave Motion unit, students relate their observations of vibrating strings and musical instruments to wave properties and the behaviour of waves.

Lab Activity 5/6 – The Electricity and Magnetism unit encourages student to find examples of electro-magnets in home appliances and in the Electrical Circuits Unit, students investigate voltages, power supplies, alternating or direct current etc in appliances.

The course materials include:

• Student welcome emails
• Suggested Study Plans
• Progress Tests
• Online Lab Activities

The Physics course also includes the following additional resources to enhance your learning experience:-

• Textbook (hardcopy for purchase, see below)
• Guided study
• Links to Laboratory Activities

This course presumes you have Maths B skills and reading and writing skills at a year 11 or higher. It does presume you will be self-motivated and capable of self-directed learning (within the guidelines provided by the course materials). Since this is an online course, it is presumed that you have adequate computer skills and can use the main Windows Office programs efficiently.

Purchasing the Physics textbook is not required as there is an alternative, online version available in the online classroom.  However, many students benefit from having the hardcopy.  This can be purchased via Booktopia – search for “New Century Senior Physics”.

Domestic students: $1155

International students: $1395

View our refund policy »

You have 12 months to complete this course; however, it may be completed sooner.

This course requires a recommended minimum of 220 hours or 18 weeks to complete.

Note: Most students take 540 hours to complete the course as the 220 minimum hours is the learning in the textbook only and does not take into account completing homework, reading time, tutorial help, progress tests and/or assignments/activities. 

The following Study Plans can be used as a guide to complete the course in 18 or 26 weeks:-

18 Week Study Plan

26 Week Study Plan

To be eligible to sit the final exam, you must complete and pass all of the progress tests and lab activities with a score of 60% or higher on each. Completing all tests will improve your chances of successfully passing the final exam. More information about submitting work »

To sit for your final exam, you will need to arrange an invigilator Please read through the exam information and processes for how to do this »

Once you have successfully completed the final exam, you will be awarded a Statement of Achievement for submission to QTAC or the like.

**It is highly recommended that you sit the practice exam prior to siting the final exam. Most students who sit the practice exam and receive feedback from their teacher score much higher on the final exam. Please give teachers a minimum of 1 week prior to your exam date for grading and feedback.

Tutorial support is provided by our experienced and qualified physics educator, Bruce Peterson.

Before enrolling in this course, you must check with the university you plan on attending to ensure this course meets their requirements for any required pre-requisites, you must also ask the university if there are any additional requirement such as a specific final grade or exam score. (For example: some universities require you to receive at least 75% on your final exam before it will be accepted.)

Enrolments take approximately two days to be processed, but may take longer during our peak times.

As soon as payment is confirmed you will receive an email inviting you into the online classroom.

Apply now!