Riccarton High School Riccarton High School

Level 3 Physics

3PHY
Subject Description

Teacher in Charge: Ms S. Napier.

Recommended Prior Learning

15 credits at NCEA Level 2 in Physics and 14 credits at NCEA Level 2 in Mathematics or by consultation with Ms Napier.


This course is for those students who want to build on their interest and knowledge gained from 2PHY course. It focuses on Mechanics (translational, rotational and simple harmonic), Electricity (DC, AC and electromagnetism), Waves (including the physics of music and the doppler effect) and Modern Physics. This course provides a foundation for further study at tertiary level in fields such as Physics, Health Science Architecture and Engineering.
At the end of the year, the students can take P3.2 and 2 external examinations, or 3 external examinations.


Learning Areas:

Putaiao - Sciences


Career Pathways

Refrigeration/Air-conditioning Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiation Therapist, Navy Sailor, Navy Officer, Physiotherapist, Purchasing/Supply Officer, Boat Builder, Naval Architect, Fabrication Engineer, Radiation Oncologist, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Surgeon, Test Analyst, Network Administrator, Geospatial Specialist, Security Analyst, Security Consultant, Science Technician, Ship's Officer, Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson, Meteorologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Dental Technician, Diver, Interior Designer, Telecommunications Engineer, Telecommunications Technician, Community Karitāne, Pharmacist, Information Technology Helpdesk/Support Technician, Information Technology Manager, Mining Engineer, Systems Administrator, Oral Health Therapist, Dentist, Medical Imaging Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeroplane Pilot, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, General Practitioner, Air Force Aviator, Gynaecologist/Obstetrician, Air Force Officer, Psychiatrist, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Electronics Trades Worker, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Software Developer, Electrical Engineering Technician, Lift Technician, Engineering Machinist, Building Surveyor, Environmental Engineer, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Marine Biologist, Architect, Architectural Technician, Army Officer, Marine Engineer, Medical Physicist, Flight Instructor, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Electronics Engineer, Lighting Technician, Game Developer, Geophysicist, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Health and Safety Adviser, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Helicopter Pilot, Veterinarian