IB Physics Resources

Our IB Physics resources include core resources: videos, notes, definitions, flashcards, questions, cram sheets, and tests. We also have a range of useful resources: syllabi, exam breakdown, IA resources, and command terms.

IB Physics Core Resources

IB Physics Useful Resources

IB Physics Course Structure & Content

The IB physics course is divided into Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), with both levels offering a rich exploration of physics through theoretical and practical components. The curriculum is organized around a core syllabus, organised into 5 topics. HL students cover additional detail within the topics as well as an “option” topic in their second year.

The core physics syllabus encompasses a broad range of topics: Space, Time & Motion, The Particulate Nature of Matter, Wave Behaviour, Fields, and Nuclear & Quantum Physics. HL IB physics students explore these topics in greater depth. In total SL students study 5 topics and HL students are the same. HL physics students are then able to choose one of 4 option topics to study, taken as a separate exam: undefined. This decision is commonly elected by the class teacher, but students have the freedom to choose to answer any section in the exam.

IB Physics Coursework & Exams

During their period of study, physics students undertake an individual investigation called the Internal Assessment (IA). Students create an original research question with the assistance of their teacher and proceed to investigate and produce a 20-page report, including an introduction, methodology, analysis, and conclusion. It contributes 20% of the final IB physics grade.

The final assessment for IB physics consists of 3 external examinations. The exams are: Paper 1 (multiple-choice questions), Paper 2 (short answer and extended response), and Paper 3 (options and data-based questions). SL physics students have fewer questions in Paper 1 and a shorter Paper 2 compared to HL physics students.

IB Physics Tips For Success

  1. Start Early: The IB physics course includes many topics, each with a great deal of content. Unlike most prior education to the IB, you can’t leave things until last minute. It is vital you have reliable resources from the get-go.
  2. Understand Core Concepts: Focus on understanding the fundamental principles and concepts rather than memorizing endless facts. Our videos aim to ensure you can grasp the IB content early in your physics course.
  3. Reinforce Regularly: Ensuring you review your IB physics knowledge regularly is important to solidify long-term memory. Utilise a range of resources such as notes, flashcards, questions, cram sheets, and tests. Out site contains all these resources, fully aligned, in one place.
  4. Analyse Your Performance: Reflecting on your progress is key to driving success in IB physics. Tiber Tutor offers the most comprehensive and advanced analytics dashboard to hone study efforts to target your weakest areas.
  5. Stay Organised: Develop a study schedule that allocates time for each physics topic, ensuring you cover the entire syllabus well before the IB exams. Using a Syllabus checklist can give you a clear overview of your areas to cover, just like the one built into the Tiber Tutor site.
  6. Engage: The IB is a time to make friends and enjoy life outside of your physics studies. However, don't get distracted in lessons or disregard your IA. There is lots to cover and you need to stay focused!

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