Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
RWANDA EDUCATION BOARD (REB)
P.O.BOX 3817 KIGALI
www.reb.rw
PHYSICS CURRICULUM FOR MCB COMBINATION (elective)
ADVANCED LEVEL
Kigali, January 2014
i
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Published by:
Rwanda Education Board (REB), Curriculum and Pedagogical Material Department (CPMD)
© Rwanda Education Board
All rights reserved
No part of this curriculum may be reproduced without the prior permission of Rwanda Education
Board (REB)
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
FOREWORD
It is needless to over-emphasize that Physics teachers like all teachers, play a very important role in
the development of tomorrow’s citizens. This is in accordance with our national goals of education
which include among others making the students:
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Possess basic knowledge of Science;
Reason scientifically and logically;
Reason objectively and not depending too much on the thinking of others;
Develop the sense of curiosity and creativity;
Acquire the ability to fit into the international environment.
In its definite aspect and by the precision of its processes and reasoning, Physics allows the
development of the mind and makes up an important component of culture essentially to people. This
Advanced Level Physics Program for MCB (Mathematics-Chemistry-Biology) aims at a complete
training of the student creating a good understanding of different phenomena in Physics occurring in
the environment and to exploit them for better participation in the development of the society.At this
level, the Advanced Level student must move from knowledge of direct experience to a level of
scientific ideas governed by laws and theories.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
In addition to that, Physics lessons must arouse scientific curiosity of the student and motivate a
spirit of research.Teaching methods should be student-centered and primarily active, inductive and
practical as opposed to the old approach that is mainly theoretically deductive. The teacher should
create learning situations that need observation of facts and phenomena in everyday life or use
technological and professional techniques to develop a spirit of curiosity, interest and critical
thinking in students. Students should be given practical work since Physics is an experimental
science. Students should also be put in a situation that requires action and research; this will allow
better acquisition of knowledge and spirit of observation, cognition and synthesis of ideas.
The teaching and learning of Physics at Advanced Level should be oriented towards attaining the
general and specific objectives of this program in accordance to its evaluations.During the setting of
these evaluations, taxonomic levels in educational objectives such as knowledge, understanding,
application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the cognitive field should be taken into account.
Dr John RUTAYISIRE
Director General of REB (Rwanda Education Board)
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
List of participants in elaboration of this Curriculum
The following were involved in the development of this curriculum:
Coordinator:
Dr. Joyce MUSABE, Deputy Director General of CPMD (Curriculum and Pedagogical
Material Department),
Supervisor:
RUTAKAMIZE Joseph, Director of Science Unit
Curriculum Specialists:
-
MUKIZA Emile (Physics Curriculum Developer Specialist)
NYIRANDAGIJIMANA Anathalie
Teachers :
1.
2.
3.
4.
NZABAKURANA Athanase, Physics teacher, ENDP Karubanda, Huye
NIYODUSENGA Patrick, Physics teacher, Ecole des Sciences Louis De Montfort Nyanza
MURERAMANZI François Xavier, Physicsteacher, LNDC, Nyarugenge
KARUHANGA Benon, Physics teacher, GS GAHINI, Kayonza
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
5.
6.
7.
8.
NDAZABO Albert, Physics teacher, GSP APAPEB, Gicumbi
MUNYANKINDI Pheneas, Physics teacher, GS REGINA PACIS BUNGWE, Burera
USABYIMANA Geras, Physics teacher, C.St.MKibuye, Karongi
DUSENGUMUREMYI Didace, Physics teacher, Ecole Secondaire de Ruli/APEM, Gakenke.
Textbook Approval Committee (TAC)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Dr Joyce MUSABE: Member and Chairperson
NTAGANZWA Damien, Member
GASANA Janvier, Member
RWAMBONERA François, Member
KARAMAGE Louise, Member
Alexis NSHIMIYIMANA, Member and Secretary
RUTAKAMIZE Joseph, Non permanent Member
Dr.Pheneas NKUNDABAKURA, Non permanent Member
MUKIZA Emile, Non permanent Member
Desktop Publisher
NTAMBARA Jean, CPMD
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
TABLE OF CONTENT
FOREWORD ..................................................................................................................................................................III
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN ELABORATION OF THIS CURRICULUM ...................................................................................V
TABLE OF CONTENT.................................................................................................................................................... VII
1. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................1
2. GENERAL ORIENTATION ............................................................................................................................................3
3. GENERAL OBJECTIVES BY THE END OF THE LEVEL ......................................................................................................7
4. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES ............................................................................................................................8
5. EVALUATION PROCESS ............................................................................................................................................ 10
6. IMPORTANT FACTORS ............................................................................................................................................. 11
7. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................................. 23
CURRICULUM FOR SENIOR 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 24
PART I: GEOMETRIC OPTICS ............................................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER I: REFLECTION AND ITS APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................25
CHAPTER II: REFRACTION...........................................................................................................................................29
CHAPTER III: SOME OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS..............................................................................................................33
PART II: ELECTRICITY .......................................................................................................................................................35
CHAPTER I: ELECTROSTATICS .....................................................................................................................................35
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICITY ...............................................................................................................39
CURRICULUM FOR SENIOR 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 46
PART I: MECHANICS ........................................................................................................................................................47
CHAPTER I: MEASUREMENT OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIES ............................................................................................47
CHAPTER II: KINEMATICS ...........................................................................................................................................49
CHAPTER III: DYNAMICS OF A POINT .........................................................................................................................52
PART II: HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS .........................................................................................................................56
CHAPTER I: THERMAL EFFECTS ..................................................................................................................................56
CHAPTER II: GAS LAWS...............................................................................................................................................58
CHAPTER III: LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS ...............................................................................................................60
CHAPTER IV: KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER................................................................................................................62
CURRICULUM FOR SENIOR 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 68
PART I: OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES ................................................................................................................................69
CHAPTER I: SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION ..................................................................................................................69
CHAPTERII: PROPAGATION OF WAVES ......................................................................................................................71
CHAPTER III: SOUND WAVES......................................................................................................................................73
CHAPTER IV: ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES .................................................................................................................75
PART II: ELECTROMAGNETISM........................................................................................................................................76
CHAPTER I: MAGNETIC FIELDS OF CURRENT- CARRYING CONDUCTORS ...................................................................76
CHAPTER II: FORCE ON A CURRENT IN MAGNETIC FIELD ..........................................................................................79
CHAPTER III: ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION...........................................................................................................81
PART III: MODERN PHYSICS .............................................................................................................................................83
CHAPTER I: THE ATOM ...............................................................................................................................................83
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: X-RAYS ....................................................................................................................................................85
CHAPTER III: LASER.....................................................................................................................................................86
8. LEAVERS PROFILES ......................................................................................................................................................91
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................95
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
1. INTRODUCTION
Due to particular emphasis on science and technology as an engine of development, Rwanda
would like to build a knowledge-based economy. In this regard, the Ministry of Education
undertook the 2009 education system reform in which the system of combinations at
advanced level was introduced. In this context, the REB (Rwanda Education Board) found it
wise to develop Physics Curriculum for MCB Combination. In this program, the emphasis
was put on the content, methodology and structure of the curriculum in order to equip
learners with enough and appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes.
To meet this pedagogical orientation/need, the curriculum is presented in a three column
table. The content suggested in the second column of the curriculum, has specific objectives
to be attained in the first column as well as a methodological note in the third column which
suggests the appropriate teaching/ learning activities to be done.
To follow the Universities and Higher Learning Institutions studies such as Medicine,
Agriculture, Engineering etc, REB would like to introduce Physics Course in MCB
Combination.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
This curriculum also helps learners to use ICT (Information and Communication
Technology) tools to support the mastery and achievement of the desired learning objectives.
Technology used in the teaching and learning of Physics, for example simulation on
computer, is to be regarded as a tool to enhance the teaching and learning process and not to
replace teachers.
At the end of detailed content of each grade, there is a proposal of lesson distribution to be
taught per term
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
2. GENERAL ORIENTATION
In the vision 2020, Rwanda has decided to build on knowledge – based economy, where
science and the technology education and ICT skills are actively encouraged and considered
as the engine for development of the country.
In this frame work, the government is committed to review and design all the curricula of all
levels and the teaching methodology to provide the population with knowledge, competences
and attitudes for sustainable development.
This present physics curriculum is a new curriculum designed for students who are doing
MCB combination. The major purpose of teaching this physics curriculum to young
adolescents is to help them understand natural phenomena happening on this earth. This
Advanced Level Physics Program for MCB (Mathematics-Chemistry-Biology) aims at a
complete training of the student creating a good understanding of different phenomena in
Physics occurring in the environment and to exploit them for better participation in the
development of the society. At this level, the Advanced Level student must move from
knowledge of direct experience to a level of scientific ideas governed by laws and theories.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
In this new physics curriculum the teaching must be learner – centered and integrate theory
and practical: laboratory manipulations, experiments, observation of real situations.
The present curriculum is inspired by the following didactic principles:
 Principle of motivation
In the beginning of every chapter, the teacher must foresee a learning situation. By analogy,
at the level of the lesson, in the beginning, the teacher must endeavour to create the problem
situation that place the learner in a mood of learning.
 Principle of activity
This principle stipulates that the individual learns better if he/she is completely implicated in
the action. The physics curriculum puts emphasis on a learner centered approach. It foresees
in the column of learning activities, a whole set of activities among those that should be
achieved by the learners themselves to reach scientific truth (laws, theories) that the
traditional pedagogy has the habit to expose / impose.
 Principle of realization
The reality gives a sense to the situation and permits to understand a situation by reference to
a known and familiar context. Even though during the adolescence, an individual reaches a
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
hypothetic-deductive reasoning allowing him to start from general to specific (deductive
way), the teaching experience recommends even at this age the inductive way which orients
the learner toward the discovery. The physics curriculum proposes and recommends the use
of the learning situations and activities that are placed in a familiar, meaningful context
because they evoke the lively learning situation for the learner.

Principle of progression
Every time start from simple to complex, from known to unknown. It is the mathematical
progression. This principle makes also reference to the learner's psychological progression,
his/her mental development level.
 Principle of cooperation
In a cooperative training, the competition and the individualization don't have any place. We
have a group centered on a task to achieve. Everybody is there to learn from each other, to
take advantage of the enriching experience of his/her classmates.
 Principle of transfer
By this principle, the science teaching recommends that the acquired notions should be
applicable in real and new life situations.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
 Principle of integration of matter
The education constitutes a unit. All disciplines of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and
Math’s) contribute to promotion of the student knowledge, competences and attitudes and to
propose some solutions to complex problems of life in general. Even those disciplines are
taught separately at this level, the teacher will make reference to them during the lessons.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
3. GENERAL OBJECTIVES BY THE END OF THE LEVEL
After completion of Advanced Level Secondary Education in Mathematics-BiologyChemistry (MCB), the learner should be able to:
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Apply acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes in daily life problem solving ;
Express him/herself in international scientific environment;
Analyze situations scientifically;
Analyze, explain facts and practical applications of phenomena in technology and in
daily life;
Identify scientific problems and suggest scientific approach to solve them;
Collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data;
Present results and draw appropriate conclusions;
Possess knowledge and skills that would enable him /her to access studies in Physics
and related courses in universities and higher institutions of learning.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
4. METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES
The proper use of teaching resources is crucial in enabling learners to understand Physics
concepts.
Teachers should encourage learner’s hands–on and minds-on activities using real or concrete
materials to help them gain experience, construct abstract ideas, obtain scientific findings,
build self confidence, be independent and inculcate the spirit of cooperation.
•
•
In order to assist learners in having positive attitudes towards Physics, confidence and
thinking systematically, students have to be involved into the teaching and learning
process. Good moral values can be cultivated through suitable contexts. Learning in
groups should be emphasized to help learners develop social skills, encourage
cooperation and build self confidence. Environment awareness and its conservation
skills should also be developed through the teaching and learning process in the
classroom by using various examples. Various teaching strategies and approaches
such as direct instruction, discovery learning, investigation, guided research or other
methods must be incorporated. Taking into consideration different learning abilities
and styles of learners, teacher should use mainly the following approaches:
Learner-centered;
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
•
•
Use of relevant, suitable and effective teaching materials;
Formative evaluation to determine the effectiveness of teaching and learning process.
The choice of a suitable approach will stimulate the teaching and learning environment inside
or outside the classroom. The considered suitable approaches include the following:
•
•
•
•
Cooperative learning;
Contextual learning;
Mastery learning;
Constructivism.
In this curriculum, suggested various activities in all chapters may be done in groups or
individually very often given as homework. Teachers should focus more on direct
applications of a concept.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
5. EVALUATION PROCESS
To measure the level at which objectives are achieved the teacher has to plan continuous
evaluations. Different methods of assessment that can be conducted include formative and
summative evaluations. Based on the given responses, teacher can rectify learners’
misconceptions and weaknesses and also improve his/her own teaching skills. Teacher can
then take subsequent effective measures in conducting remedial and enrichment activities in
upgrading learners’ performances.
It is also suggested to evaluate students on the basis of technical terms and problems
involving direct application of concepts.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
6. IMPORTANT FACTORS
6.1 EQUIPMENT AND TEACHING AIDS
Optics
-
Concave mirrors
-
-
Converging lenses
Diverging lenses
Convex mirrors
Glass prism
-
Lens
holders
Meter rule
Mirror
holders
-
-
Object (pin, candle…)
-
-
Optical
bench
Optical pins
11
Plain paper
Parallelsided glass
block
Pencil
Tack pins
White
screen
-
Plane mirrors
Protractor
Ruler
Semicircular
glass
block
Soft board
Source of light
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Electricity
-
Ammeter
Balance
Beakers
Cello tape
Connecting wires
Copper plates
Piece of cloth (silk,
wool, fur…)
-
-
Copper
sulphate
solution
Plastic ruler
Resistance
wires
Resistor
Stopwatch
Switch
Test tubes
-
12
DC
generator
Dry cell
Electroscop
e
NaCl
and
H2O
Crocodile
clips
Solution of
sulfuric acid
Voltameter
Voltmeter
-
Glass rod
Meter ruler
Micrometer
screw
gauge
Piece of hard rubber
Rheostat
Standard masses
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Mechanics
-
A book or any plane
object
Beaker
Beam balance
Bosshead
Clamps
Inclined plane or
inclined rail
-
Knife edges
Measuring
cylinder
Meter rule
Micrometer
screw gauge
Pointer
Retort
stand
-
Ruler
Spring
Standard
masses
Stopwatches Tapemeasure
Test tube
Thin object like a
pencil or a sheet of
paper
Trolley or marble
Vernier callipers
Heat and Thermodynamics
-
Meter rules
Bare iron wire
Capillary tubes
Glycerin
-
Knife edges
Mercury
Needle
Pan
-
13
Pointer
Razor blade
Retort
stands
Soap
-
Standard masses
Thread
Water
Wooden blocks
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Electromagnetism
-
A.C generator
AC milliameter
Ammeter
Bar magnet
Cardboard
Circular coil
-
-
Coils with different
turns
Connecting
wires
Cotton
balance
Generators
Iron fillings Laminated
iron core
-
14
Mercury or
another
conducting
liquid
Microammeter or
galvanomet
er
Rectangular
coil
with
rotating slip
rings,
brushes and
handle
Resistor
-
Rheostat
small pans
Solenoid
Standard masses
Straight conductor
Switch
Voltmeter
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Oscillations and Waves
-
Audio
signal
generator
Bare wire
Beaker
Boss heads
Bridges
Card cone
Cardboard
Clamps
Colored Liquid
Connecting wires
Drum
Drumstick
Generator
Glass plate
-
-
-
Guitar
Half meter
rule
Loudspeaker
Measuring
cylinder
Metal plate
with one or
two slits
Metallic rods
Meter rule
Micrometer
screw gauge
Monochroma
tic source of
light
Oscilloscope
15
-
Polystyrene
powder
Protractor
Pulley
Pipe
Retort
stands
Ripple tank
Rod
Rotating
body
Scales
Sellotape
Sonometer
Spring
Standard
masses
-
-
Stroboscope
Switch
Thin piece of paper
Stopwatch
String
Thin wires of a same
material
with
different diameters
Thread
Turning fork and
hammer
U glass tube
Vibrator
Water
White screen
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
-
Pendulum
bob
Modern Physics
-
Filters
-
Glass plate
-
16
Laser
-
White screen
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
6.2 USE OF ICT IN LEARNING PROCESS
You can use ICT in teaching to
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
Motivate student’s interest
Increase visual appeal
Support different learning styles in teaching and leaning
Assist class management
Help students reach their potential
Promote independent learning
Prepare classwork
Assess students
Etc
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
6.3 SOME ICT RESOURCES
ICT facilitation sources
Tools
How
http://astro.unl.ed/naap/pos/animations/keppler.
swf
http://physique.college.free.fr
www.freezeray.com
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/categor
y/new
www.youtube.com/user/ignitelearning
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics
Computer,
Before,
Projector, white lesson
screen, internet
connection,
Software CDs
during
or
after
Note: Use “simulation of desired content(s)” on the search engine to get other updated links
beyond ones specified above.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
6.4. LEARNERS’ SKILLS TO BE IMPROVED
Skills
Main learning activities
Use ICT knowledgably and
effectively
 Writing report using computer
 Studying Physics using interactive
multimedia material
 Using experiments simulations
 Doing research using available technological
facilities of information accessibility
Work independently and in a team
with minimum supervision
 Doing individual work
 Participating actively in team group
discussion
Time management skills
 Doing his/her own planning
 Following and respecting the timetable and
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Skills
Main learning activities
scheduled activities.
Think logically,
critically
creatively
and




Thinking logically in problem solving,
Being creative in concept application
Thinking critically about an observation
Having scientific reasoning.
Communicate effectively
 Demonstrating scientific report writing skills
 Writing a good report on experiment
performed in class/laboratory
 Leading group discussions
 Participating actively in group discussions
 Communicating clearly a scientific concept
Demonstrate an organizing ability
 Organizing and planning activities
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Skills
Main learning activities




Explaining the plan
Leading group discussions
Leading group activities
Following-up the realization of the planned
activities
 Adjusting the plan depending on the results
and remarks from the follow-up
Demonstrate knowledge of basic
laboratory skills (lab precautions and
hands on activities)
 Paying much attention on lab safety rules and
precautions,
 Reading the experiment guideline,
 Select the required lab materials,
 Reading the notice and tags of lab materials
before using it,
 Using the right lab equipment in experiment,
 Doing experiment and interpret the results,
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Skills
Main learning activities
 Rearranging the lab materials in the right
place.
Make a presentation on a given
science related topic
 Doing a research
 Doing a report
 Calling out and explaining clearly the results
from the research
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
7. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
General objectives by the end of the level
After completion of Advanced Level Secondary Education in Mathematics-BiologyChemistry (MCB), the learner should be able to:








Apply acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes in daily life problem solving ;
Express him/herself in international scientific environment;
Analyze situations scientifically;
Analyze, explain facts and practical applications of phenomena in technology and in
daily life;
Identify scientific problems and suggest scientific approach to solve them;
Collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data;
Present results and draw appropriate conclusions;
Possess knowledge and skills that would enable him /her to access studies in Physics
and related courses in universities and higher institutions of learning.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CURRICULUM FOR SENIOR 4
GENERAL OBJECTIVES BY THE END OF S4
At the end of senior 4, the learner should be able to:





Exhibit the working of various optical instruments,
Solve problems related to geometrical optics and electricity ,
Analyze the problems and explain the phenomena of geometrical optics and electricity,
Collaborate with colleagues in order to develop a team spirit,
Demonstrate the awareness of the nature of science, the structure and objectives of the
physics course.
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
PART I: GEOMETRIC OPTICS
CHAPTER I: REFLECTION AND ITS APPLICATIONS
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Use different types of mirrors and apply the laws of reflection in daily life situations
Specific objectives
Content
Learning activities

1.1 Review on Light
propagation in straight line
 Answer questions about
linear propagation of light
1.2 Light reflection
 Observe reflection of light on
plane mirrors


Recognise the
phenomenon of
reflection
Use a plane mirror to
solve specific
practical problems
Solve some


Laws of light reflection
Reflection of light on plane  Construct graphically images
mirror
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives




problems relating to
light propagation in
straight line
State the effects of
translation and
rotation of a plane
mirror
Perform experiments
of multiple reflection
of light from plane
mirrors
Interpret
experimental results
of multiple reflection
Solve problems
related to reflection
of light from plane
Content









Learning activities
Regular
reflection
and
diffusion of light
The law of reversibility of
light
Formation of real and
virtual image of an object
Translation and Rotation of
plane mirror
Inclined
mirrors
and
multiple images
Spherical mirrors:
Curved mirrors description
Properties of Reflection on
spherical mirrors (concave
and convex)
Graphical construction of
images of objects in
26
of objects in plane mirror
 Deduce properties of the
formed image
 Establish experimentally the
laws of reflection
 Establish experimentally the
formula of rotation of plane
mirror
 Observe multiple images
formed by inclined mirrors
 Give a description of convex
and concave mirrors
specifying geometrical
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives






mirrors
Describe a spherical
mirror
Determine the image
formed by graphical
method
Establish the
formula of spherical
mirrors
State the sign
convention
Solve problems
related to reflection
of light in spherical
mirrors
Utilise a spherical
mirror to solve
Content



Learning activities
spherical mirrors
The mirror formula
Practical application of
curved mirrors
Spherical aberrations
1.3 Types of curved mirrors:


Cylindrical mirrors
Parabolic mirrors
elements and construct
images geometrically
 Perform experiments and
establish the formulae
Observe cylindrical and
parabolic mirrors
 Discuss in group work the use
of cylindrical and parabolic
mirrors
 State instruments which use
curved mirrors
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives


Content
Learning activities
specific practical
problems
State the defects of
spherical mirrors
Use cylindrical and
parabolic mirrors to
solve practical
problems
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: REFRACTION
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon of refraction and its
laws
Specific objectives
Content

2.1 Description
of
phenomena of refraction



State the laws of
refraction
Recognise the
phenomenon of
refraction
Explain the
phenomenon of total
internal reflection
Explain some of the
Learning activities
the  Observe refraction of light
2.2 Laws of refraction and its
applications




Laws of refraction
The real and apparent depth
The critical angle
Total internal reflection and
29
 Establish experimentally the
laws of refraction
 Determine the refractive index
of medium
 Determine experimentally the
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives





use of fibre optics in
chemistry and
medicine particularly
Explain apparent
depth
Solve problems
involving refraction
Describe the parallel
plane surfaces
Determine the
displacements of
rays through the
parallel plane
surfaces
Solve problems
involving parallel
plane surface
Content

Learning activities
its practical Application:
Fibre optics
Refraction through the
Parallel plane surfaces
2.3 Refraction through prisms




Terms associated with
refraction through a prism
Deviation of a ray of light
by a glass prism
Angle of minimum
deviation and the
measurement of refractive
index
Dispersion of light by a
prism
30
critical angle of refraction
 Observe and describe a prism
 Analyse a beam of light using
a prism
 Observe and describe different
types of lenses
 Observe the action of lenses
on a parallel beam of light
 Find experimentally the
image position by a lens
 Construct geometrically
images formed by different
lenses
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content




Application: Total reflecting  Establish experimentally the
formulae of lenses.
prism
 Determine experimentally the
2.4 Spherical lenses
focal length of a lens.


Types of lenses
Geometrical terms of
spherical thin lens
Images formed by
converging and diverging
lenses
Graphical construction of
images formed by
converging and diverging
lenses
The lenses formula
Magnification in lenses
Describe a prism
State prism formula
Utilise a prism for
analysing a beam of
light






Describe a lens
Give the properties
of lenses
State types of lenses
Apply the lens
formulae
State the sign
convention of lenses



Learning activities
31
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content



State the defects of
lenses and how they
occur
Learning activities
The power of lenses
Defects of lenses: chromatic
and spherical aberration
32
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER III: SOME OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Use and explain the operational principle of some optical instruments
Specific objectives
Content
Learning activities

3.1 Simple optical
instruments:
 Fabricate a pinhole camera
and use the concept of
information retention due to
the light propagation
Sketch and describe
the function of an
eye, photographic
camera, slide
projector and
microscope to show
how they function
Pinhole camera,
magnifying glass, human
eye, camera and slide
projector
33
 Use a magnifying glass to
observe skin holes of the
hand.
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content
Learning activities

3.2 Compound optical
instruments:
 Describe a human eye
Calculate
magnification and
power of a
microscope


Microscope
Magnifying power of these
instruments
 Distinguish between defects
of human eye
 Simulate the correction of the
myopia and hypermetropia by
associating lenses
 Describe a microscope
 Use a microscope to observe
cells on a permanent slide
34
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
PART II: ELECTRICITY
CHAPTER I: ELECTROSTATICS
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of static electricity
 Describe and use capacitors in electric circuits
Specific objectives



Describe
electrostatic
charging of materials
State the two types
of charges
State Coulomb’s
Law
Content
Learning activities
1.1. Electrification by:
Friction; contact and
induction
1.2. Distribution of charge
on the surface of a
conductor
35
 Perform experiments of
charging a body by friction
 Observe the action between
two like charges and two
unlike charges
 Charge an electroscope by
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives



Draw electric field
patterns
Distinguish between
conductors and
insulators
Explain electric
discharge
Content
Learning activities
1.3. Electric charge and
coulomb’s Law
1.4. The concept of electric
field
1.5. Electric field patterns of
lines of force




Isolated charges
Unlike charges
Like charges
Uniform electric field
induction
 Charge an electroscope by
contact
 Observe the action of points
 Draw field lines for a point
charge
 Draw field lines for two like
charges
 Draw field lines for two
unlike charges
 Find experimentally the
electric fields between two
36
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content
Learning activities
parallel plates
1.6. Electric field due to the
distribution of electric
charge
1.7. Application of
electrostatics



Define
capacitance
State the factors
affecting the
capacitance of a
paralleled plate
capacitor
Determine the
effective
capacitance for
-
Lightning and
lightning arrestor
1.8. Capacitors


Capacitance of capacitor
Types of capacitors
o Parallel plate capacitor
o Variable air capacitor
37

Observe and describe
different types of capacitors

Arrange the capacitors in
series and parallel

Establish formulae of
capacitors in series and in
parallel
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives

the series and
parallel
arrangement
State
applications of
capacitors in
everyday life
Content
Learning activities
o Electrolytic capacitor

Arrangement of
capacitors (series and
parallel)
38
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICITY
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Draw and interpret diagrams and graphs related to direct current electricity
 Set up electrical arrangements
 Solve problems related to direct current electricity
Specific objectives
Content
Learning activities

2.1 Review of elements of
simple electric circuits and
their respective role
 Perform a simple electrical
circuit



Draw simple electric
circuits.
Set up simple
electric circuits.
Define electric
potential difference.
Define the intensity
of electric current.
2.2 Potential difference :
 Measurement of potential
difference: The Voltmeter
39
 Measure the electric intensity
in a circuit
 Measure the voltage at the
terminals of a resistor
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives






State some sources
of electric current.
Set up electric
circuits involving
ammeters and
voltmeters.
Define electromotive
force; potential
difference and the
internal resistance.
Apply Ohm’s Law to
solve problems.
Determine the
effective resistance
of resistors in series
and in parallel.
Measure resistance.
Content
Learning activities
 Perform a potential divider
2.3 Electric current ( I )


Mechanism of metallic
conduction:
I = nevA
The ammeter
 Establish experimentally the
Ohm’s law
 Establish experimentally the
Pouillet’s law
 Measure the voltage across a
source of electrical energy
with and without load
2.4 Ohm’s Law
2.5 Pouillet’s law
2.6 Rheostat and potential
divider
2.7 Combination of
resistances (series;
parallel and mixture)
40
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content

2.8 Electric energy and power




Measure the
resistivity of a
material.
State Kirchhoff’s
Laws
Determine the e.m.f;
resistance; internal
resistance potential
difference of a
combination of cells.
Define back e.m.f;
internal resistance.
Identify the charge
carrier or ion and
give some examples
in electrolysis and
discharge lamps
Learning activities
2.9 Sources of electric current


e.m.f; internal resistance
and potential difference a
cross a Cell
combination of cells:
series; parallel and
Mixture
2.10. Electrical receptors

Backs e.m.f internal
resistance and potential
difference across a
receptor
 Establish mathematically
Kirchhoff’s laws
 Perform an electrolysis of
H2O, H2SO4 or NaCl
 Use Faraday’s law to
41
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives





Determine the mass
deposit on cathode
or on anode.
Describe a cell
Give the different
types of cells and
accumulator
Determine the
efficiency of
accumulator (in
energy and in
charge)
Explain how electric
current flows in
liquids and gases
Content
Learning activities
2.11 Kirchhoff’s laws
2.12 Electric current in
liquids and gases




Electrolysis,
Faraday’s law
Cells and Electrical
accumulator ;
Discharge lamps
42
determine the mass
deposited on cathode or
anode
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
TIME ALLOCATION S4
Content
Number of
periods
Reflection and its applications

Review on Light propagation in straight line
2

Light reflection
4

Types of curved mirrors
2
Refraction

Description of the phenomenon of refraction
2

Laws of refraction and its applications
4

Refraction through prisms
2

Thin spherical lenses
4
Some optical instruments
43
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Content
Number of
periods

Simple optical instruments
2

Compound optical instruments
2
Electrostatics

Electrification by: Friction; contact and induction

Distribution of charge on the surface of a conductor

Electric charge and Coulomb’s Law
2

Electric field
4

Capacitors
2
2
Direct current electricity

Review of elements of simple electric circuits and their respective role
44
2
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Content
Number of
periods

Potential difference
2

Electric current (I)
2

Ohm’s Law
2

Pouillet’s law
2

Rheostat and potential divider
2

Combination of resistances
2

Electric energy and power
2

Sources of electric current
2

Electrical receptors
2

Kirchhoff’s laws
4

Electric current in liquids and gases
2
45
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CURRICULUM FOR SENIOR 5
GENERAL OBJECTIVES BY THE END OF S5
At the end of senior 5, the learner should be able to:






Solve problems related to Mechanics
Draw and interpret diagrams and graphs related to Mechanics
Analyze the problems and explain the phenomena of Mechanics
Solve problems related involving conservation laws
Solve problems related to the change of physical states of matter.
Solve problems related to ideal gas laws , kinetic theory of matter and laws of
thermodynamics
 Collaborate with colleagues in order to develop a team spirit,
 Demonstrate the awareness of the nature of science, the structure and objectives of the
physics course.
46
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
PART I: MECHANICS
CHAPTER I: MEASUREMENT OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Measure different quantities, determine related errors and give the results in SI
Specific objectives



Define measurement of
physical quantities.
Recognize the fundamental
physical quantities and the
derived quantities.
State the international
system of units (S.I).
Content




Learning activities
The concept of
physical quantities
Fundamental and
derived quantities
Vector and Scalar
quantities
The international
47


Measure distance
between 2 points using
a meter rule and
specify uncertainty
Measure the internal
and external diameter
of a test tube using a
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives


Give the different types of
errors
Calculate errors (sum,
difference, product,
quotient and root)
Content

Learning activities
system of units (S.I)
Measurement and types
of errors


48
vernier caliper and
specify the uncertainty
Measure the volume of
liquid and specify the
uncertainty
Determine the volume
of solid with irregular
shape
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: KINEMATICS
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Solve problems related to projectile motion
Specific objectives




Define the scope of
Kinematics
Define a frame of
reference
State the types of
observational frame of
reference
Define displacement,
speed velocity and
Content
Learning activities
Definition of Kinematics

Determine the speed of
a person (runner)
2.1 Concept of reference
frame and frame of
reference.

Measure the
acceleration due to
gravity

Establish
mathematically the
2.2 Motion in a straight line

Average velocity and
49
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives






acceleration.
Determine velocity and
acceleration.
Plot and interpret the
graphs of motion.
Derive the equations of
linear motion.
Describe the motion
under gravity.
Use the equations of
linear motion to
determine the
horizontal and vertical
velocities of a
horizontally projected
object.
Determine the range;
Content




Learning activities
instantaneous velocity
Average acceleration
and instantaneous
acceleration
Uniform motion in a
straight line
Uniformly accelerated
rectilinear motion
Free fall
relationship between
speed, acceleration and
distance.

Apply the equation of
uniformly accelerated
motion

Utilize graphical
methods to solve
problems involving
uniformly accelerated
motion

Solve problems
involving each case of
projectile motion
2.3 Projectile motion



Motion of a Projectile
thrown vertically
Motion of a Projectile
thrown horizontally
Motion of a projectile
50
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
maximum height and
time of vertically and
horizontally projected
object.
Content
Learning activities
thrown obliquely
51
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER III: DYNAMICS OF A POINT
General objectives
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Solve problems involving Newton’s laws of motion, linear momentum, power and
energy
Specific objectives



Content
Learning activities
Definition of Dynamics
State Newton’s laws of
motion.
Distinguish between the 2.1 Newton’s laws of motion
internal and external
 Introduction : mass and
forces acting on a
inertia
system.
 Newton’s first law of
Define inertia:
motion : the principle of
centripetal and
Inertia
centrifugal forces.
52

Determine
experimentally the
acceleration of linear
motion on an inclined
plane

Solve problems related
to each of the three
Newton’s laws of
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content








Solve problems involving
Newton’s laws of motion.
State universal
gravitational law.
State the Kepler’s laws.
Learning activities
Definition of Galilean
reference frames
Newton’s second law of
motion
Net force and linear
momentum
Relationship between the
net force and acceleration


( F  m.a )
Newton’s third law:
Principle of action and
reaction
2.2 Applications of Newton’s
laws of motion

Motion on a horizontal
53
motion

Determine
experimentally the
centripetal acceleration
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content





Define: work; energy and
power.
State the principle of
conservation of mechanical
energy.
Give examples of
transformation of K.E. to
P.E. and vice versa.
Solve problems involving;
work energy, power and
conservation of mechanical
energy.





Learning activities
plane with or without
frictional forces
Motion on an inclined
plane with or without
friction
Force of inertia
Uniform motion in a circle:
centripetal and centrifugal
forces
Weightlessness
Universal gravitation law
Planetary motion and
Kepler’s laws
2.3. Work, Energy and
Power
54

Solve problems
involving work, energy
(potential and kinetic)
and power
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content






Learning activities
Concepts of work and
energy
Kinetic and potential
energy
Gravitational potential
energy
Elastic potential energy
Conservation of
mechanical energy
Power: Definition,
formula
55
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
PART II: HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS
CHAPTER I: THERMAL EFFECTS
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Solve problems related to heat measurement and change of physical states of matter.
Specific objectives


Describe a
thermometer.
State the materials
whose physical
properties varies with
Content
Learning activities
1.1 Difference between Heat
and Temperature

1.2 Measurement of heat:
56
Measure the heat
capacity of a liquid
using the electrical
method
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives




temperature.
Determine
experimentally the
specific heat capacity of
a substance by:
electrical method and
method of mixtures.
Differentiate change of
states in matter.
Define latent heat and
specific latent heat
Define melting boiling
points
Content

Learning activities
Measurement of heat
capacity and specific
heat capacity by:
-
Electrical method
Method of mixtures

Measure the heat
capacity of a liquid
using the method of
mixtures

Observe the linear
expansion of an iron
rod and a copper rod

Perform experiments
on change of physical
states of matter
1.3 Change of physical state
-
Physical states of matter
Latent heat of fusion and
vaporization
Specific latent heat of
fusion and vaporization
Link between bonding
energy and latent heat
energy
57
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: GAS LAWS
General objective:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Solve problems related to perfect gas laws
Specific objectives



Content
Learning activities
2.1. Variables of state of gas
State Variables of
(Pressure; Volume and
state of gas that
temperature )
describe the behavior of
an ideal gas.
2.2 .Compressibility of gases :
Describe experiments
Boyle’s law
that illustrate Boyle’s
law; Charles’s law and
( PV  const )
pressure law.
Solve problems
involving the laws of a
58

Verify
experimentally
the BOYLE’s
law.

Solve problems
using gas laws
equations.
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives

perfect gas.
Derive the equation of a
perfect gas.
Content
Learning activities
2.3.Charles’s law (
V
 const )
T
2.4. Pressure law (
P
 const )
T
2.5.The equation of ideal gas
(
PV
 const ) The universal gas
T
constant
2.6. Dalton’s law of partial
pressure
2.7. Density of gases
59
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER III: LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Explain different applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics
Specific objectives




Define internal energy
and the total energy
Determine the work
done by an expanding
gas
State the first law of
thermodynamics
Apply the first law to
gases
Content
Learning activities
3.1 First law

Visit and observe
nearby heat
engines

Solve problems
involving
efficiency of heat
engines

Observe and
 Internal energy
 Total energy
 Work done by an expanding
gas
 Applications (isothermal
process, isochoric process,
isobaric process etc.)
60
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives





Explain isothermal
change
State the second law of
thermodynamics
Explain adiabatic
change
Describe the Carnot
cycle
Content
Learning activities
3.2. Second law


Adiabatic change
Carnot cycle
3.3. Applications:

heat engines (Carnot engine,
Diesel engine, refrigeration)
 Efficiency of a heat engine
Determine the
efficiency of a heat
engine
61
describe the
functioning of a
fridge
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER IV: KINETIC THEORY OF MATTER
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Explain different applications and solve problems related to kinetic theory of matter
Specific objectives




Explain the properties
of matter in term of the
forces between
molecules and the
energy they possess.
State Hooke’s law.
Explain cohesion and
adhesion phenomena
Describe the surface
tension of liquid
Content
Learning activities
3.1 Basic assumptions of kinetic 
theory
3.2. Forces
molecules
acting
between
3.3 SOLIDS


The nature of solids
Cohesion and adhesion
62
Establish
experimentally
the Hook’s law

Study
experimentally
the surface
tension by
observing small
liquid drops
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives






Explain capillarity
phenomenon
State the assumptions
of kinetic theory of gas.
Derive the expression
of internal pressure in
gas
Calculate the square
mean velocity of
molecules in gas
Derive the equation
relating the pressure of
a gas with its density
and the r.m.s. speed of
molecules
Calculate the total
internal energy of ideal
Content



Learning activities
Ductility and malleability
Elasticity
Hooke’s law and elastic
modulus
which are almost
spherical

Place gently a
steel needle or
razor blade on the
surface of water
and observe the
flotation

Observe
capillarity in
capillary tubes

Solve problems
involving Hook’s
law
3.4 LIQUIDS





The nature of liquids
Cohesion and adhesion
phenomena
Surface tension
The shape of liquids surfaces
Capillarity
63
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives



Content
Learning activities
gas
3.5 GASES
Obtain the equation of
states for an ideal gas
 The nature of gases
Distinguish real gas
 Kinetic theory of gases
from ideal gas
 Kinetic and molecular
Give the Van der Waals
interpretation of the pressure
equation of state for
of an ideal gas
real gas
 Real gas
64
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
TIME ALLOCATION S5
Content
Number of
periods
2
Measurement of physical quantities
Kinematics

Concept of reference frame and frame of reference.

Motion in a straight line

Projectile motion
4
4
Dynamics of a point

Newton’s laws of motion
4

Applications of Newton’s laws of motion
4

Work, Energy and Power
4
Thermal effects

Difference between Heat and Temperature
65
2
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)

Measurement of heat
2

Change of physical states of matter
4
Gas laws

Variables of state of gas ( Pressure, Volume and temperature)
2

Gases’ laws (Boyle’s law, Charles’s law and Pressure law)
4

The equation of ideal gas
2

Dalton’s law of partial pressure
2

Density of gases
2
Laws of thermodynamics

First law
2

Second law
2

Applications: heat engines
2
Kinetic theory of matter
66
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)

Basic assumptions of kinetic theory
2

Forces acting between molecules
2

Solids
2

Liquids
2

Gases
4
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Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CURRICULUM FOR SENIOR 6
GENERAL OBJECTIVES BY THE END OF S6
At the end of senior 6, the learner should be able to:





Explain Faraday’s law, Lenz’s law related to electromagnetic phenomenon.
Solve problems related to periodic phenomena and waves
Determine the characteristics of Force on a current in magnetic fields
Explain the concept of modern physics
Collaborate with colleagues in order to develop a team spirit.
68
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
PART I: OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES
CHAPTER I: SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this chapter students will be able to describe simple harmonic motion
Specific objectives




Describe simple
harmonic motion
Derive the characteristic
equation of simple
harmonic motion
Give examples of
systems vibrating with
simple harmonic motion
Determine the frequency
of simple harmonic
oscillators
Content
1.1
1.2



Learning activities
Kinematics
and 
dynamics of simple
harmonic motion.
Examples of simple
harmonic oscillators
Simple pendulum
Liquid in a U-tube
mass on a coil spring
69

Observe the motion of
oscillating systems
(simple pendulum,
liquid in a U-tube
mass on a coil spring
etc) and determine its
characteristics
Determine factors
influencing the period
of oscillations in
different oscillating
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives


Explain energy
exchanges in oscillating
systems.
Solve problems related to
simple harmonic motion.
Content
Learning activities
1.3 Solution of the equation 
of simple harmonic
motion
1.4 Energy exchanges in
oscillating systems.
1.5 Using a stroboscope
70
systems
Establish the equation
of simple harmonic
motion using the
second law of Newton
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTERII: PROPAGATION OF WAVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this chapter students will be able to describe the propagation of waves
Specific objectives





Describe the wave
motion
Distinguish transverse
and longitudinal waves
Give the characteristics
of waves.
Explain the conditions of
interference.
Locate interference
fringes (Constructive
interference and
destructive interference).
Content
Learning activities
2.1 The concept of wave

2.2 Types of waves


Transverse waves
Longitudinal waves

2.3 Characteristics of waves




Speed of waves
Wavelength
Frequency
Phase
71

Observe waves
on a string,
spring and in a
ripple tank
Observe the
properties of
waves in a ripple
tank
Observe
interference of
waves in ripple
tank
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content

Learning activities
Wave fronts
2.4 Properties of waves


Interference
Diffraction
2.5. Progressive waves

The principle of
superposition
2.6. Interference of waves
72
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER III: SOUND WAVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this chapter students will be able to describe the sound waves and demonstrate
experiments related to sound waves
Specific objectives

Give the characteristics
of sound.
Content
3.1
Learning activities
The nature and
characteristics
of
sound waves
3.2 Characteristics
notes



of
Pitch
Loudness
Timbre (or quality)
73


Produce sounds with
different vibrating
systems (guitar,
tuning fork, drum,
hands, …)
Observe different
characteristics of
sound
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives




Content
Learning activities
Explain beats
3.3 Beats
Explain Doppler-Fizeau
Effect.
Give examples of musical 3.4 Doppler-Fizeau effect
pipe instruments.
3.5. Musical instruments
Apply formula for
Doppler - Fizeau effect
 Examples of musical
instruments
74

Enumerate situations
in which DopplerFizeau effect is
encountered in our
daily life
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER IV: ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this chapter students will be able to describe the nature of electromagnetic
waves
Specific objectives




Explain the nature of
light
Describe light diffraction
phenomenon
Explain the nature of
electromagnetic waves.
Give the characteristics
of electromagnetic
waves.
Content
Learning activities

Light and
electromagnetic
waves


Spectrum of
electromagnetic waves

75
Establish similarities
between light and
electromagnetic
waves (homework)
Draw the
electromagnetic
waves spectrum and
highlights its
different parts
(gamma rays, X
rays, UV, Visible,
IR, Radio waves, …)
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
PART II: ELECTROMAGNETISM
CHAPTER I: MAGNETIC FIELDS OF CURRENT- CARRYING CONDUCTORS
General objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
 Explain different applications of magnetic field created by a current
Specific objectives


Content
Learning activities

Explain
magnetic
properties of
matter
Demonstrate
experimentally
the existence
of a magnetic
1.Magnetic
properties of matter

1.1 Ferromagnetic
materials



Magnetization
Demagnetization
76
Perform qualitative experiments to observe a
magnetic field created by a coil
Measure magnetic field strength in the centre of
a circular coil
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives


field around a
current –
carrying
conductor
Describe the
magnetic field
around a wire
carrying a
current
(straight wire,
plane circular
coil, solenoid)
Explain the
use of
electromagnets
in the
following
Content
Learning activities
1.2 Diamagnetic and 
Paramagnetic
materials

1.3. Magnetic fields





Magnetic field
around magnet
Magnetic field
around a straight
conductor
Magnetic field
around a plane
circular coil
Magnetic field in
the centre of a
solenoid
Applications:
77
Measure magnetic field strength inside a
solenoid
Perform qualitative experiments to observe a
magnetic field created by a solenoid
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
applications:
electric bell,
loud speaker,
telephone
Content
Learning activities
- Electric bell
- Loudspeaker
- Telephone
78
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: FORCE ON A CURRENT IN MAGNETIC FIELD
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this chapter students will be able to: Show that the magnetic force on a wire is
proportional to the current in the wire.
Specific objectives



Describe the
motion of a
charged
particle in a
uniform
magnetic field
Describe and
explain a
mass
spectrograph
Describe and
Content
Learning activities
2.1 Force on moving charge
in magnetic field

Characteristics of vector
force
 Trajectory of moving
charge in uniform
magnetic field
 Applications:
- Mass spectrograph,
79

Observe the factors influencing
the orientation of the force
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
explain the
cyclotron
Content
-
Learning activities
Cyclotron
2.2 Force on a current in a
magnetic field


Characteristics of
force on current in
magnetic field
Applications ( electric
motor, loudspeaker)
80
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER III: ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of the session students will understand:
-
The principle of electromagnetic induction and the basis of Faraday’s Law.
Specific objectives



Describe
Faraday’s
experiment
Give the
conditions of
production of
induced
current.
State the
factors that
Content
Learning activities
3.1 Concept of
electromagnetic induction


3.2
Conditions
for
generation
of
induced
current

3.3 Laws of electromagnetic
induction
-
Faraday’s law
81

Perform Faraday’s experiment
Determine factors influencing the
induced current / e.m.f
Observe the generation of electric
energy by a dynamo
Observe experimentally effects of a
coil a in a circuit.
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)


influence the
magnitude of
induced
electromotive
force.
State
Faraday’s law
and Lenz’s
law
Give at least
two practical
examples of
induced
electromotive
force.
-
Lenz’s law
3.4
Transformation
of
mechanical energy into
electrical energy
3.5 Applications :


Dynamo / Alternator
Transformer
82
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
PART III: MODERN PHYSICS
CHAPTER I: THE ATOM
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this topic; the learner should be able to
-
Describe the structure of the atom
Specific objectives


Describe the
structure of
the atom.
Explain the
spectra of
atomic
radiations
Content
Learning activities
1.1 Structure of atom
1.2 Energy levels and
formation of spectral lines
83

Observe the spectra of radiations
(light) emitted by various
substances, using a spectroscope.
 Discuss Rutherford and Bohr
models of atom (Enumerate
similarities and differences)
 Discuss experimental results on
hydrogen atom spectra of radiations
and show their contradiction with
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Specific objectives
Content
Learning activities

84
classical physics (Balmer Series,
Pfund Series, Paschen Series, …)
Discuss Bohr’s quantification
postulates and deduce energy levels
of a hydrogen atom
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER II: X-RAYS
General objective:
By the end of this chapter students will be able to explain the production of x-rays, as well as
the operation, purpose, materials, designs, and components of x-ray tubes
Specific objectives



Explain the
production of Xrays
State the
properties of Xrays.
Explain the uses
and dangers of Xrays.
Content
Learning activities
2.1 Production of X-rays ;
X-rays tubes

2.2 Properties of X-rays ;
uses and dangers soft
and hard X-rays

2.3 X-rays as part of the
electromagnetic
spectrum
2.4 X – rays spectra
85



Draw the experimental set
up for the production of X
– rays (X – ray tube)
Discuss the properties of X
– rays
Compare X – rays with
electromagnetic waves
Discuss X – rays emission
spectra
Discuss the effects and
uses of X – rays
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
CHAPTER III: LASER
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
By the end of this chapter students will be able to explain the principle of laser and give its
applications
Specific objectives
 Define a laser
 Give laser properties
 Explain the stimulated
emission of light
 Explain the spontaneous
emission of light
 Explain the principle and
uses of Laser.
Content
Learning activities
4.1 Properties of laser
4.2 Spontaneous
emission of light
4.3 Stimulated emission
of light
4.4 Main functions and
uses of Laser
4.5 Dangers of misuse of
a laser light
 Observe light laser and give
its properties
 Discuss spontaneous and
stimulated emissions and
their role in the production of
laser.
 Discuss applications of lasers
 Discuss the potential dangers
of misuse of lasers
86
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
TIME ALLOCATION S6
Content
Number of periods
Simple harmonic motion

Kinematics and dynamics of simple harmonic motion
2

Examples of simple harmonic oscillators
2

Solution of the equation of simple harmonic motion
2

Energy exchanges in oscillating systems
2
Propagation of waves

The concept of wave
2

Types of waves
2

Characteristics of waves
2
87
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Content
Number of periods

Properties of waves
2

Interference of waves
2
Sound waves

The nature and characteristics of sound waves
2

Characteristics of notes
2

Beats
2

Doppler-Fizeau effect
2

Properties of sound waves
2

Musical instruments
2
88
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Content
Number of periods
Electromagnetic waves

Light waves
2

Electromagnetic waves
2
Magnetic Fields of Current-Carrying conductors

Magnetic properties of matter
2

Magnetic fields
2
Force on moving charge in magnetic field
2
Force on a current in a magnetic field
4
Electromagnetic induction
89
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
Content
Number of periods

Conditions for generation of induced current
2

Laws of electromagnetic induction
2

Transformation of mechanical energy into electrical
energy
Applications
2

2
The atom
2
Laser
2
X-rays
4
90
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
8. LEAVERS PROFILES
After the completion of Advanced Level Secondary Education in Mathematics- ChemistryBiology (MCB) student should have acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes that enables
him/her to:
1)
Use ICT basic knowledge and skills in his/her day to day activities;
2)
Express him/her self fluently in teaching language: written, speaking;
3)
Show time management skill and being organised;
4)
Know and correctly use the rights given by the law;
5)
Carry out and help in carrying out a scientific research related to his/her education
field,
6)
Work in a team, have same vision and contribute towards the attainment of the
intended objectives;
7)
Be well oriented and very well know what he/she intends to be in the future;
91
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
8)
Show good habits that protects his /her health and others’ health especially against
HIV/ AIDS and other diseases;
9)
Develop self confidence in what he/she does and presentation skills;
10) Be self motivated and work without supervision;
11) Understand Rwandan’s politics and contribute to resolution of political problems in a
spirit of tolerance, liberty and justice;
12) Posses general knowledge and be realistic;
13) Contribute reasonably to the economic growth;
14) Posses knowledge, skills and attitudes that enables him/her to adapt to the changes in
the Rwandan society;
15) Know and respect the human rights related to the freedom of speech;
16) Develop him/her self and contribute to the development of his/her country, creating
and managing small/ micro income generating projects adapted to local realities;
92
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
17) Avoid segregation, discrimination, genocide ideology and other bad ideologies;
18) Posses self evaluation and self confidence in the work he/she does;
19) Understand and ability to explain the relationship between person and his
environment hence residing among them in appropriate way;
20) Apply learnt knowledge, skills and attitudes in daily life problem solving.
21) Apply experimental, prospective and axiomatic processes;
22) Analyse, explain facts and practical applications of phenomena relating to daily life;
23) Work in a laboratory
24)
Posses appropriate attitude in usual scientific and professional situations, by
improving knowledge, being realistic and self motivated;
25) Apply ordinary skills, techniques and operational methods in the resolution of
problems related other subjects;
26) Collect, evaluate, interpret scientific data and present the results;
93
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
27) Have access to higher studies in higher institutions of learning and universities mainly
in the following faculties:







Medicine
Veterinary medicine
Sciences
Allied health science
Community health science
Nursing science
Agricultural and rural development
94
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES
Advanced Level Physics, 7th Ed. Nelkon and Parker, Heinemann (2001).
Advanced Physics, Tom Duncan, John Murray (2000).
Elementary Physics, Weidner, R. T., and Sells, R. L., Boston, Mass., Allyn and Bacon
(1975).
4. Engines, Energy, and Entropy, Fenn, J. B., New York, W.H. Freeman (1982).
5. Fundamentals of Physics, David Halliday, Robert Resnick and Jearl
Walker, 7th
Edition John Wily (2004).
6. Physics Advanced Level, Jim Breithampt, Stanley Thornes Publishers (2000).
7. Physics, Patrick Fullick, Heinemann (2000).
8. The Key to Newton's Dynamics: The Kepler Problem and the Principia J, Bruce
Brackenridge, Berkeley: University of California Press, (1995).
9. The Primeval Atom, Lemaitre, G., New York, Von Nostrand (1950).
10. Thermal Physics, Morse, P., New York, Benjamin (1974).
11. Undulatory swimming with and without waves of contraction, Blight, A. R., Nature
(1976).
12. X-rays: The First Hundred Year, Alan Michette and Slawke Pfauntsch, New York:
Wiley (1997).
1.
2.
3.
95
Physics Curriculum for Advanced Level (elective)
13. Gautreau R , W Savin Schaums Outline Of Modern Physics (Schaum,1999)(Isbn
0070248303)
14. Frederick Bueche,Eugene Hecht, Schaum's Outline of College Physics, 11th Edition,
ISBN-13: 9780071754880
96