NCEA Level 3 Physics
13PHY Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs L. Brown.
Recommended Prior LearningPass 3x achievement standards including 1x external exam from level 2 physics.
Also, gain 12 credits from level 2 mathematics.
Recommended to be taking level 3 Maths
This is a general Level 3 NCEA physics course for students intending to work or study in physics-related fields such as engineering, architecture, games design, radiotherapy, medicine, military training.
Students can study
- mechanics – translational motion, circular motion and gravity, rotating systems, oscillating systems
- electricity – resisters in DC circuits, capacitors in DC circuits, inductors in DC circuits, AC circuits
- waves – standing waves, the Doppler effect, interference patterns
- modern physics - nuclear physics and it's applications
All achievement standards are based on student interest and may change with general classroom consensus.
A student will be withdrawn from a standard if the teacher is not confident that the achievement of the standard is within the reach of the student or there is no evidence of the student attempting the assessment.
Course Overview
Term 1
91523 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems
(External - 4 credits)
Assessment:
Derived grade test - term 1 week 8
End of year exam - Thursday 12 November 2026
91525 - Demonstrate understanding of modern physics
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment:
In class end of unit test - term 2 week 5
91526 - Demonstrate understanding of Electrical Systems
(external - 6 credits)
Assessment:
End of year exam - Thursday 12 November 2026
Note: this standard will be offered throughout the year as EXTENSION to any student who wishes to have extra credits or needs this specific standard for university study.
Term 2
91525 - Demonstrate understanding of modern physics
(Internal - 3 credits)
Assessment:
In class end of unit test - term 2 week 5
91524 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems
(external - 6 credits)
Assessment:
In class test - term 2 week 10
Derived grade exam - term 3 week 7
End of year exam - Thursday 12 November 2026
91521 - Practical Investigation
(internal - 4 credits)
Assessment:
Practice task - term 2 week 10
Final assessment - term 3 week 3
Term 3
91524 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems
(external - 6 credits)
Assessment:
Derived grade exam - term 3 week 7
End of year exam - Thursday 12 November 2026
91521 - Practical Investigation
(internal - 4 credits)
Assessment:
Final assessment - term 3 week 3
91522 - Application of Physics in a selected context
(internal - 3 credits)
Assessment:
Final report - term 3 week 10
Term 4
Finish all internals
Revision and exam preparation
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
1B8 punched, ringbinder, pencil, 30cm ruler, blue & black pens, highlighter, scientific calculator is required for this course.
It is recommended that students purchase a write-on manual at approximately $25.00 per book.
A scientific calculator is required for this course.