Summary
This Leaving Certificate Physics specification was introduced in 2025 and this information is relevant for 2027 sitting onwards.
Physics attempts to develop a unified description of how matter and energy behave and interact with each other. The Universe is composed of a wide variety of simple and complex systems and physics attempts to describe these systems in terms of all embracing fundamental concepts. In its search for basic laws and general principles, physics encompasses the study of the universe from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. It involves asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing, measuring, experimenting and developing models to explain the physical world. Physics is progressive, new data may answer some questions but raise others and this makes physics exciting and interesting.
Why Study Physics
Physics contributes to a student’s future career in many ways. It helps, in conjunction with the other Leaving Certificate subjects, to provide a broad, balanced education for any student. Physics teaches students to think logically and enables them to express their thoughts in a concise manner. The skills and knowledge developed through their study of physics can be useful in a wide variety of situations.
What kind of student would Physics suit?
- Students who wonder why and ask how
- Students who have an interest in maths, critical thinking and problem solving
Recommendations/Tips
- While there is an element of maths in the physics course, honours maths is not a requirement to do honours physics. Students should not avoid physics on the basis of not having honours maths. It is entirely possible to get on well in honours physics without honours maths.
- Pupils should become capable at drawing and reading graphs and competent in using a calculator through the course.
- The physics syllabus has strong links with the other science subjects, especially chemistry. There are strands of physics which overlap with woodwork and construction, especially the electricity and heat sections.
- Pupils who will gain the most from studying physics are those who have an interest in science at Junior Cert level and those who enjoy learning about how things work.
- In addition, physics incorporates a broad range of skills, including, logical thinking, creative design, synthesis and evaluation. It teaches a range of generically useful skills in areas such as problemsolving, communication, time management, organisation, and teamwork. These skills are relevant to all further study, and indeed all learning beyond formal education.
Subject Group: Science
These subjects demonstrate how to explore nature using carefully planned methods, and teach the basic methods and findings of scientific investigation.
Career Sectors
This subject builds skills and knowledge that are particularly useful for careers in the following Career Sectors:
Grades Awarded
Explore Marks Distribution for all Subjects:
Course Overview
The Leaving Cert Physics course follows directly from Junior Cert Science, and covers more topics in greater depth.
Physics is often referred to as the maths side of science, even though only a small proportion of the course is based on maths.
Physics aims to enhance the student’s ability to think logically, observe and understand scientific method.
Course Content
There are five strands: a unifying strand, Nature of Science, and four contextual strands;
Nature of Science - Students develop an understanding that whilst science is powerful, generating knowledge that forms the basis for many advances and innovations in society, it has limitations and that the application of scientific knowledge to problem-solving can be influenced by considerations such as economic, social, sustainability and ethical factors.
Forces and Motion; Kinematics and Dynamics - Students learn about Newtonian mechanics as a successful physical theory that explains the motion of objects. They explore how objects move (kinematics) and the reason why objects move in the way they do (dynamics). They use the verbal, mathematical and graphical language of kinematics to discuss and explain motion in one dimension as well as motion in a circle.
Wave Motion and Energy Transfer - Students are introduced to energy transfer in a number of ways. They categorise different types of waves and explore the distinguishing features of each. They are introduced to the anatomy of a wave and associated vocabulary and mathematical relationships. Students further explore electromagnetism as one of the four fundamental forces of nature.
Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions - Students are introduced to the concept of electric and magnetic fields as examples of vector fields of force and use field lines to represent the relative strength and direction of these fields. They explore evidence for electric charge as responsible for these electric and magnetic forces and fields and establish links with atomic structure, Newton’s Laws of motion, and work and energy.
Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear - Students gain a deep appreciation of the evolving nature of physics as they turn their attention to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when unexplainable observations were challenging accepted theories and models. They learn how this period saw major developments in physics as experimental discoveries motivated by the need for explanations revolutionised the accepted understanding of the nature of matter on an atomic scale and led to a new area of study; namely quantum mechanics.
Exam Structure
| Physics | Higher | Ordinary |
|
Written Paper AAC Physics in Practice Investigation |
1 Paper - 60% of Marks Common Brief - 40% of Marks |
1 Paper - 60% of Marks Common Brief - 40% of Marks |
There are two assessment components: a written examination and an additional assessment component (AAC) comprising a Physics In Practice Investigation.
The written examination paper will include a selection of questions that will assess, appropriate to each level:
• the learning described in the four contextual strands of the specification and the unifying strand
• application of Physics to issues relating to the cross-cutting themes—sustainability, health, and technology.
Career Possibilities
Physics is a useful subject for many courses and career areas and a good foundation for a broad range of scientific and technical careers in particular.
Many careers benefit from the logical and numeracy skills developed in the study of physics. Many technical courses involve components of physics.
Physics builds a solid foundation for students to progress to diverse futures, including participation in society and the world of work, further education and training, and higher education, in specialised areas such as science, engineering, technology-related jobs, computer science, education, mathematics, medicine, business and finance.
Further information on careers at Physics, Maths & Space Science and Institute of Physics.
3rd Level Requirements
Required for 3rd Level?
This subject may be essential for entry into some CAO courses. However, this can change, so it essential that you check entry requirements with college websites for any courses you are applying for. Click on the link below to view courses that may require this subject for entry.
Physics 
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