SPH4U
Physics
This Grade 12 university preparation physics course deepens students’ understanding of dynamics, energy and momentum, gravitational/electric/magnetic fields, the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics and special relativity. Students further develop scientific investigation and advanced quantitative problem-solving skills while examining technological applications and their effects on society and the environment.
Grade
12
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
SPH3U
About This Course
This Grade 12 university preparation physics course deepens students’ understanding of dynamics, energy and momentum, gravitational/electric/magnetic fields, the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics and special relativity. Students further develop scientific investigation and advanced quantitative problem-solving skills while examining technological applications and their effects on society and the environment.
What You'll Learn
- Analyze dynamics, circular motion and motion in a plane.
- Apply conservation of energy and momentum to one- and two-dimensional systems.
- Investigate gravitational, electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with matter.
- Study diffraction, refraction, interference, polarization and other wave properties of light.
- Investigate foundational ideas in quantum mechanics and special relativity.
- Analyze physics technologies and evaluate their social and environmental impacts.
Skills You'll Develop
- Advanced quantitative physics
- Vector and field analysis
- Energy and momentum modelling
- Wave and modern-physics reasoning
- Scientific investigation, data analysis and evidence-based communication
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply scientific investigation skills and identify physics-related careers and contributions.
- Analyze forces involved in circular motion and motion in a plane.
- Apply conservation laws to energy and momentum problems.
- Investigate and solve problems involving gravitational, electric and magnetic fields.
- Analyze wave behaviour and the wave nature of light, including diffraction, refraction, interference and polarization.
- Explain evidence and concepts underlying quantum mechanics and special relativity.
- Evaluate technological applications of physics and their social and environmental effects.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dynamics | 23 hours |
| 2 | Energy and Momentum | 23 hours |
| 3 | Gravitational, Electric, and Magnetic Fields | 24 hours |
| 4 | The Wave Nature of Light | 22 hours |
| 5 | Revolutions in Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics and Special Relativity | 16 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, reflecting consistent achievement with special consideration for more recent evidence. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 25% | Mandatory Grade 12 science written final examination. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment may include investigations and lab/simulation reports, advanced problem sets, free-body and field diagrams, energy/momentum analysis, wave tasks, research and STSE case studies, tests, presentations and the mandatory written final examination.
Pathways
Students explore careers related to physics, including engineering, photonics, aerospace, medical physics, geoscience, astronomy, energy, electronics, research and technical fields.
SPH4U is recommended or required for most Ontario engineering and physics university programs and provides essential preparation for first-year university physics.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Direct instruction and worked examples establish precise physics terminology, vector representation and quantitative problem-solving methods.
- Inquiry investigations, teacher-approved labs, virtual labs, simulations and video analysis support data collection and scientific communication.
- Free-body diagrams, vector components, field diagrams, wave models and modern-physics conceptual models support complex reasoning.
- Guided problem solving, research, collaborative explanation, descriptive feedback and differentiated supports build advanced analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
SPH4U — Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation (SPH3U).
How many credits is SPH4U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
What major topics are covered?
Dynamics, energy and momentum, gravitational/electric/magnetic fields, the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics and special relativity.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% coursework, 25% mandatory written final examination, and 10% attendance and participation.
Does the course include modern physics?
Yes. Quantum mechanics and special relativity form a dedicated final content unit.
What careers and programs does SPH4U support?
Engineering, physics, photonics, aerospace, medical physics, geoscience, astronomy, energy, electronics and related university programs.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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