AP Physics
Overview of the course
We provide four AP Physics courses: AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Mechanics & AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Physics 1 is a first semester introductory algebra-based college physics course. It is equivalent to a first semester freshman course taught at American universities and colleges. AP Physics 2 is a second semester algebra-based college physics course and equivalent to a second semester freshman course.
The pacing of both courses gives the students time to develop an understanding of the knowledge needed to earn credit for an introductory algebra-based college physics course as well as focus on developing the lab and communication skills needed to be successful when attending college level courses.
AP Physics 1 focuses on topics such as Newton’s laws, Motion and Momentum, Work and Power, Oscillations, and Waves and sounds. Students do not need to take both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. It is possible to take AP Physics 1 on its own, or take AP Physics 1 followed by AP Physics C.
The AP Physics 2 course requires students to complete a lab book detailing their lab based work during the course. The course focuses on topics such as Fluid dynamics and Thermo dynamics, Electrostatics and Circuits, Magnetic fields and Electromagnetism, and Physic and Geometric Optics. AP Physics 1 or an equivalent course is a recommended prerequisite for AP Physics 2
The AP Physics C (Mechanics) course is normally taught in the first semester with the Electricity and Magnetism course being taught in the second semester. The AP Physics C courses differ from the above AP Physics 1 and 2 by being designed as introductory courses for students aiming to major in Physics or Engineering related subjects, whereas AP Physics 1 and 2 are introductory courses for students aiming to major in non-physics related subjects, i.e. other sciences or non-science subjects. The pace of the course is high and focuses on developing an in-depth mathematical understanding of the topics covered as well as developing the lab skills and communication skills needed to be successful when attending college level courses. The course focuses on topics such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, Work, Energy and Power, Systems of Particles and Momentum, Oscillations and Gravitation, and Circular Motion and Rotation. AP Physics 1 or an equivalent course is a necessary prerequisite for AP Physics C, in some instances it is recommended that students take both AP Physics 1 and 2 before taking AP Physics C.
The class is taught entirely in university level academic English. The students are required to understand written and spoken English and are given frequent homework assignments requiring both pre-class reading and post-class writing. Hence a strong focus on language skills permeates early stages of the course. AP Physics 1 and 2 also have a strong focus on developing enduring conceptual understanding of physics and an inquiry based approach to learning. The course requires students to complete a lab book detailing their lab based work during the course. Hence students develop good critical thinking skills and reasoning skills to complement their usually very strong understanding of mathematical physics.