SciencesIB Physics Syllabus (2025): Course Description and Aims
Explore the full IB Physics syllabus, including SL and HL content, key topics, and experimental components.
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IB Physics Course - Everything you should know
Below you will find all crucial informations concerning approaching IB physics exam.
IB Physics Syllabus (First assessment in 2025)
International Baccalaureate Physics courses share the same base syllabus both on Higher (HL) and Standard (SL) levels. Although there are some extra topics you need to cover for Higher level.
A. Space, time and motion
A.1. Kinematics*
A.2. Forces and momentum*
A.3. Work, energy and power*
A.4. Rigid body mechanics***
A.5. Galilean and special relativity***
B. The particulate nature of matter
B.1. Thermal energy transfers*
B.2. Greenhouse effect*
B.3. Gas laws*
B.4. Thermodynamics***
B.5. Current and circuits*
C. Wave behaviour
C.1. Simple harmonic motion**
C.2. Wave model*
C.3. Wave phenomena**
C.4. Standing waves and resonance*
C.5. Doppler effect***
D. Fields
D.1. Gravitational fields**
D.2. Electric and magnetic fields**
D.3. Motion in electromagnetic fields*
D.4. Induction***
E. Nuclear and quantum physics
E.1. Structure of the atom**
E.2. Quantum physics***
E.3. Radioactive decay**
E.4. Fission*
E.5. Fusion and stars*
* Topics with content that should be taught to all students
** Topics with content that should be taught to all students plus additional HL content
*** Topics with content that should only be taught to HL students
Depending on the course chosen, the scope and difficulty levels will vary. We can help you with any topic in the syllabus that is causing you headaches.
Gas laws or thermodynamics triggering you? Quantum Physics bringing you down? Our tutors have more than 8 years of experience teaching IB Physics at both the Standard and Higher Levels.
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What's the difference between IB Physics Higher Level and Standard Level?
IB Physics HL and SL are two different levels of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics course. HL stands for Higher Level and SL stands for Standard Level. The main difference between the two levels is the depth of material covered in the course.
IB Physics HL covers material in greater depth and with more emphasis on analytical thinking and problem-solving, while IB Physics SL covers the material at a slightly less challenging level. HL students are also required to study additional topics that are not covered in the SL course.
SL physics provides an insight into a range of key areas in physics, such as mechanics, electricity, fields, waves and nuclear physics, just to name a few. Quantitative skills are key to mastering this course, as a large part of the course is about manipulating expressions and finding numerical answers to questions.
However, another key component is the ability to articulate your answers clearly to be able to explain phenomena such as force diagrams, energy levels in an atom and the behaviour of ideal gases.
Once this insight has been gained into these areas, HL physics pushes you even further in some of the topics, such as looking at interference patterns in waves or electromagnetic induction in electricity. The purpose of these extra topics is to expand your understanding of both the physical phenomena that occurs but also apply more complex mathematical analysis to these questions. Therefore, proficiency in mathematics is highly recommended.
Overall, HL is designed for students who have a strong interest in physics and want to pursue the subject at a higher level, while SL is more suitable for students who want to study physics as part of a well-rounded education but do not plan to specialize in the subject.
Want to know which path you should follow? Book a trial lesson with a Think Smart IB Physics tutor to find out all the detailed information you will need.
Book Trial LessonIB Physics exam - How to pass IB Physics for a 7?
Physics is both a subject that requires you to explain phenomena and calculate answers using equations, and this means that many students will need to practice both of these skills in order to succeed.
The best way to do this is, without a doubt, through exam papers. Although this may be difficult to do when you start the course, once you can answer the majority of questions in a paper, they really are the best way to revise.
A key part of physics that many students have trouble with is knowing what needs to be said in order to get full marks; you may understand the question and know the answer, but the examiner needs to see certain words for the mark to be awarded.
On top of this, manipulating algebraic expressions is something that needs to be clear and tidy, to ensure that the examiner understands your thinking and can see how you arrived at your answer. This makes past papers an invaluable resource, as you can see exactly what examiners are looking for when you answer a question.
Another skill that is ubiquitous in IB exams is time management. Many students have topics that they are confident in and other areas where they are not as strong. This is natural. However, this means in the exam that students must not get stuck on a question and lose time. The ability to quickly judge whether a question is one you can answer right away is key, as it allows you to pick us easy marks and then try answer the harder questions. Being able to make that quick assessment of a question will save time and gain marks, and is a skill that is recommended for every course.
Want to score a 7 in IB Physics? ⚡ Master exam techniques, tackle past papers, and learn how to earn every possible mark with expert guidance.
Book Trial LessonAre there any IB Physics prerequisites?
There are no official prerequisites for IB Physics, but it is recommended that students have a strong foundation in mathematics and have completed at least one year of high school physics before taking the course.
This will give them the necessary background knowledge and skills to succeed in the program. It is also recommended that students have a strong work ethic and be willing to put in the time and effort required to master the material.
Why should I pass IB Physics?
There are several reasons why you might want to pass IB Physics, including:
It is a challenging and rewarding course that will help you develop a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics.
It is highly respected by universities and can help you stand out when applying to college.
It will provide you with valuable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis, which are applicable to a wide range of careers.
It is an internationally recognized qualification that will give you a competitive edge in the global job market.
It is a fun and engaging subject that will stimulate your curiosity and inspire you to learn more about the world around you.
Build the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that universities value. Start with a trial IB Physics lesson.
Book Trial LessonIB Physics Internal Assessment (IA)
During your physics course, you will need to do an Internal Assessment, or IA for short. This is an investigation into an area of your choice, where you pick a topic that interests you and that you’d like to investigate further and choose a research question.
Typically, this is one of the toughest parts of the investigation. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone, since in school the norm is you have to answer questions, not make them up yourself. Once you have the research question, let the writing begin!
The exact order of writing an IA may change from school to school, but since physics is a science, you can count on spending some time in the lab. Conducting an experiment and recording the data in an efficient way is something that many students find challenging but rewarding.
The internal assessment is something that many students struggle with.
The struggle can range from getting a topic, through structuring ideas to finding a solution.
At Think Smart Tutoring we ensure that our tutees have support in every stage to ensure optimal results.
Every tutee requires different approaches and focuses, so we focus on finding the ideal path.
Book a trial lesson with our IB Physics tutor today and take the first step towards a successful IA!
Book Trial LessonIB Physics Tutors from Think Smart
All Think Smart tutors have once been in your shoes - they are IB alumni.
They have struggled with the same problems that you have had and as a result are able to adjust quicker than an average IB teacher. Hence we grant you a personalized IB exam journey.
We put great weight on helping students understand concepts as opposed to simply memorizing formulae.
My son needed tutoring for IB Physics HL. Think Smart provided a very good and well prepared tutor and organized contacts, lessons and payments in a very professional way. I would definitely recommend this great tutoring agency to any IB student who needs some support!
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Physics SL
"I went from struggling with the subject to genuinely enjoying it and doing quite well."
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Book Trial LessonIB Physics guides.
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FAQ
Questions about IB Physics tutoring.
Who will my tutor be?
One of two kinds, and we pick the one your goal calls for: an IB alum who sat the same papers and came out near the top of the subject they now teach, or a professional IB teacher, in many cases an examiner. Either way they have been through the syllabus, the deadlines and the exams you are facing, which is why they adapt quickly and why lessons aim at real understanding rather than memorised formulas.
How is my tutor chosen?
Matching is what we are known for. Rather than leaving you to scroll through profiles, a coordinator looks at your subject, level, goals and the way you learn, and picks the tutor who fits.
What happens in the first lesson?
The first lesson is about finding what is really holding you back. From that, your tutor plans how to close those gaps as quickly as possible, with a strong focus on past paper questions. We will not do your homework for you; we make sure you can do it yourself.
What is in my learning plan?
Your plan is built around your target grades and your deadlines: the topics to strengthen and in which order, the coursework (IA, EE and TOK) along the way, and exam practice on real past papers before the exams. Your tutor adjusts it as you progress.
What happens after I buy a package?
You get a confirmation and we start matching you with the tutor who best fits your needs. We get back to you within 24 hours, and your tutor then contacts you to schedule the first lesson.
How do I know how many lessons I have left?
Your tutor keeps track of your hours and lets you know how many remain. At the end of every month we also email you an overview of the lessons held.
Do you have tutors in my time zone?
Almost certainly. Our tutors work across the time zones and we teach students in over 60 countries, so lessons are scheduled around your school day.
What if my tutor and I do not click?
That is not a problem. Tell us and we will match you with a second tutor, taking any special requests into account.
Let's find your tutor.
Tell us the subject and the grade you are aiming for. A coordinator replies within 24 hours with a tutor matched to you, and your first lesson starts your plan.