Physics · Curriculum Map
110 verified official outcomes stored in iLEARN.
Selected official outcome
U4U.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science · U4. Unit analysis
evaluate and articulate whether an answer is reasonable by analysing the dimensions / units and the order of magnitude
Higher|Ordinary · Leaving Certificate Physics 2025 specification — fifth-year cohorts from September 2025
Official strands
- Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics
- Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science
- Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer
- Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions
- Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear
Teacher action
Choose an outcome, then open Create Learning Experience. iLEARN uses the official outcome as the starting point and creates an original plan.
1.1.1 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model motion of a particle in a straight line1.1.2 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — investigate constant and varying linear motion using primary and secondary data1.1.3 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — derive the kinematic equations1.1.4 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — verify the law of addition of vectors using primary and secondary data in one and two dimensionsU1.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — appreciate how scientists work and how scientific ideas are modified over time1.2.1 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model real-world situations using Newton’s laws of motion1.2.2 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — verify Newton’s 2nd law of motion using primary and secondary data1.2.3 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model problems involving the motion of a particle under a constant resultant force1.2.4 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — solve problems relating to solids resting on a surface and pressure within fluids1.2.5 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — investigate density1.2.6 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — investigate the principle of conservation of momentum using primary and secondary data1.2.7 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — verify using secondary data that collisions are governed by Newton’s laws of motion1.2.8 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model direct collisions in one dimension and in two dimensions using perpendicular and parallel componentsU1.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — conduct research relevant to a scientific issue, evaluate different sources of information including secondary data, understanding that a source may lack detail or show bias1.3.1 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — investigate the force needed to compress or stretch an object using primary and secondary data1.3.2 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — verify Hooke’s law for elastic objects using primary and secondary data1.3.3 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — solve problems involving compressed and stretched materials1.4.1 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — define work done by a constant force1.4.2 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model real life situations describing gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, kinetic energy, work done and the rate of doing work1.4.3 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — solve problems involving compressed and stretched materials1.4.4 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — investigate the principle of conservation of energy using primary and secondary data1.4.5 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — apply the principle of conservation of energy to real life situations1.5.1 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — verify at least one model to determine g using primary data and all four using secondary data1.5.2 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model the gravitational field strength at any point in a gravitational field, including at the surface of a planet1.5.3 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — calculate escape velocity from celestial bodies1.6.1 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — explain centripetal force1.6.2 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model the dynamics of an object moving in a circle with constant angular velocity1.6.3 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — verify Kepler’s 3rd law using secondary data1.6.4 · Strand 1: Forces and Motion: Kinematics and Dynamics — model situations involving the orbits of planets and satellites in near Earth and geostationary orbits2.1.1 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — analyse the suitability of materials for use as thermometers using primary and secondary data2.1.2 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — determine specific heat capacity using primary data (solid or liquid) and secondary data (solid and liquid)2.1.3 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — determine the specific latent heat using primary data (vaporisation of steam or fusion of ice) and secondary data (vaporisation of steam and fusion of ice)2.1.4 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — verify mathematical models of heat energy, latent heat and temperature change using secondary data2.1.5 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — solve real life problems involving heat transfer, change of state and improving efficiency2.1.6 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — investigate the impact of insulation on energy consumption and sustainability using secondary sourcesU2.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — recognise and pose questions that are appropriate for scientific investigation2.2.1 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — model wave motion2.2.2 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — investigate resonance in real life situations using secondary sourcesU2.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — pose testable hypotheses developed using scientific theories and explanations, and evaluate and compare strategies for investigating hypotheses2.3.1 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — model wave behaviour; reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, polarisation2.3.2 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — verify models for refraction using primary and secondary data2.3.3 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — verify the model 1/f = 1/u + 1/v using primary and secondary data for converging lenses and secondary data for diverging lenses2.3.4 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — investigate the use of optics in technological and medical contexts using secondary sourcesU2.3 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — design, plan and conduct investigations; explain how reliability, accuracy, precision, error, fairness, safety, integrity, and the selection of suitable equipment have been considered2.4.1 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — categorise electromagnetic waves by their wavelength, frequency, ionising ability and everyday use2.4.2 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — demonstrate dispersion and explain the phenomenon2.4.3 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — investigate solar irradiance and its impact on life on earth using secondary sourcesU2.4 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — produce and select data (qualitatively/quantitatively), critically analyse data to identify patterns and relationships, identify anomalous observations, draw and justify conclusions2.5.1 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — examine evidence to support the mechanical wave nature of sound2.5.2 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — relate the pitch and loudness of sounds to their wave characteristics using observation and secondary data2.5.3 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — investigate the use of ultrasound in technological and medical contexts using secondary sourcesU2.5 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — review and reflect on the skills and thinking used in carrying out investigations, and apply their learning and skills to solving problems in unfamiliar contexts2.6.1 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — model standing waves on a stretched string2.6.2 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — verify the model for a particular string f = (1/2l)√(T/μ) using primary and secondary data2.6.3 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — verify the relationship between the length of a string and the frequency of a standing wave using secondary data2.6.4 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — investigate the wave nature of light and determine its wavelength using primary and secondary dataU2.6 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — organise and communicate their research and investigative findings in a variety of ways fit for purpose and audience, using relevant scientific terminology and representations2.7.1 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — model real life situations involving the Doppler effect2.7.2 · Strand 2: Wave Motion and Energy Transfer — investigate the Doppler effect in real life applications using secondary sources3.1.1 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — demonstrate forces between charged objects and between charged and neutral objects3.1.2 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — classify materials as conductors or insulators3.1.3 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — describe the behaviour of insulators and conductors3.1.4 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — solve problems involving static electrical phenomenaU3.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — evaluate media-based arguments concerning science and technology3.2.1 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model the electrostatic force between point charges3.2.2 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — discuss the electric field as a model for the non-contact interaction between charged objects3.2.3 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — define electric field strength at a point3.2.4 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — use field lines to represent the relative strength and direction of electric fields around charged objectsU3.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — research and present information on the contribution that scientists make to scientific discovery and invention, and evaluate its impact on society3.3.1 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model the relationship between current and charge; the relationship between work, charge and potential difference; the relationship between electric current, conventional current, power and resistance; series and parallel circuits; the rate of conversion of electrical energy in components of electric circuits; fuses and circuit breakers3.3.2 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate the use of semi-conductors in real-world applications using secondary sources3.3.3 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model the relationship between current flowing through and the voltage across a diode in forward and reverse bias using primary and secondary data3.3.4 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — verify the relationship between current flowing through and the voltage across an ohmic conductor using primary and secondary data3.3.5 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate the relationship between current flowing through and the voltage across non-ohmic conductors using primary and secondary data3.3.6 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate the effect of varying temperature on the resistance of a conductor using primary and secondary data3.3.7 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model resistances in series and parallel in electrical circuits using primary and secondary data3.3.8 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — derive and use the formulae for resistors in series and parallel3.4.1 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model the relative strength and direction of magnetic fields around a single permanent magnet and permanent magnets in close proximity; current carrying wire; current carrying solenoid with and without ferrous core3.4.2 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate the use of permanent and temporary magnets in real life situations using secondary sources3.5.1 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate the relationship between the magnetic field and the electromagnetic force on a current-carrying conductor3.5.2 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model the motor effect3.5.3 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model a DC motor3.6.1 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate the relationship between a change in magnetic flux on any induced emf and subsequent current flow in a conducting coil3.6.2 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — model the generator effect; ac and dc generators; transformers3.6.3 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate the use of induced potential difference in a variety of applications using secondary sources3.6.4 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — solve problems involving the efficiency of transformers3.6.5 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate transmission losses in the National grid using secondary sources3.6.6 · Strand 3: Electric and Magnetic Fields and their Interactions — investigate issues related to electrical generation and distribution using secondary sourcesU4M.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — appreciate that models are simplified representations of complex systems or phenomena with underlying assumptions; can be modified as more data becomes available from the system/phenomenon; can predict the behaviour of a system/phenomenonU4M.2 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — make connections between mathematical representations of a system and data about the system obtained from that system with integrity through reliable, accurate, and precise observation and safe and fair experimentU4U.1 · Unifying Strand: The Nature of Science — evaluate and articulate whether an answer is reasonable by analysing the dimensions / units and the order of magnitude4.1.1 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — analyse evidence supporting the existence and properties of the electron4.1.2 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — verify the basic principles of thermionic emission using secondary evidence4.1.3 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — predict the deflection of a beam of electrons in an electric and magnetic field4.2.1 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — use secondary data to verify the photoelectric effect and the effect of varying the intensity of incident radiation and the frequency of incident radiation4.2.2 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — explain how photoelectric emission supports the particle model of light4.2.3 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — relate the photoelectric effect to the operation of a photocell4.2.4 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — investigate real life applications of the photoelectric effect using secondary sources4.2.5 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — compare x-ray production and the photoelectric effect4.3.1 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — model the atom and emission spectra of atoms4.3.2 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — appreciate how the analysis of emission spectra data has contributed to our understanding of the universe4.4.1 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — analyse evidence to support the existence of natural background radiation4.4.2 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — classify radioactive emissions in terms of their relative ionising effects, relative penetrating powers, charge and mass, and deflection in electric and magnetic fields4.4.3 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — model spontaneous radioactive decay4.4.4 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — examine the model of half-life in radioactive decay and use it to solve problems involving the activity or the amount of a radioactive sample4.5.1 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — analyse Cockcroft and Walton’s experiment and appreciate its significance as the first nuclear transformation by artificially accelerated particles4.5.2 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — describe matter in terms of fundamental particles and their anti-particles using secondary sources4.5.3 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — describe how forces are communicated between fundamental particles using secondary sources4.6.1 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — describe nuclear fission, nuclear fusion and particle–antiparticle interactions4.6.2 · Strand 4: Modern Physics Atomic and Nuclear — evaluate evidence about issues related to nuclear fission and fusion in electrical generation using secondary sources