Physics Draft
ScienceA high school course guide for families
See it for your school: its prerequisites, what it counts toward at your school, and whether it's in your plan.
Why this course?
Physics explains motion, forces, energy, electricity and light, using math. It's the science engineering is built on.
Engineering programs and selective colleges like to see Physics.
What you'll learn
- Describe motion with graphs and equations
- Use Newton's laws to explain forces
- Follow energy and momentum through a system
- Understand waves, electricity and circuits
You'll do: Experiments with real measurements, math-heavy problem solving and tests.
- Honors
- Honors uses more algebra and trigonometry.
What comes next
Which courses come before and after it, and what it counts toward, depend on each school. Your plan shows your school's.
College majors that build on it
- Physics
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
Careers it informs most
People in these jobs use what this course teaches the most. It's a starting point, not a track.
- PhysicistsPhysicists use physics in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- AstronomersAstronomers use physics in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- Materials EngineersMaterials Engineers use physics in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- Nuclear EngineersNuclear Engineers use physics in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.
- Nuclear Power Reactor OperatorsNuclear Power Reactor Operators use physics in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.