Famous American Physicist, Owen Chamberlain who is also a Nobel Prize in Physics recipient once said,
"The development of physics, like the development of any science, is a continuous one."
Whether it's from the discovery of gravity by Isaac Newton, the concept of relativity by Albert Einstein or John Dalton's discovery of atoms, the study of Physics has come a long way.
Physics has constantly been viewed as a complex branch of Science because it integrates different fields such as Mathematics, computer science and general science.
In this article, we will discover and discuss the 5 reasons why it's worth learning and mastering the Physics subject for your STPM pre-university studies.
Reason 1: A Comprehensive Study Of The Subject After SPM Physics
Under the latest STPM Physics syllabus, you will study a total of 25 Physics topics that fall under these three themes:
Semester 1: Mechanics and Thermodynamics [11 topics]
- Physical quantities and units
- Kinematics
- Dynamics
- Work, Energy and Power
- Circular Motion
- Gravitation
- Statics
- Deformation of solids
- Kinetic Theory of Gases
- Thermodynamics of Gases
- Heat Transfer
Semester 2: Electricity and Magnetism [ 7 topics]
- Electrostatics
- Capacitors
- Electric Current
- Direct Current Circuit
- Magnetic Fields
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Alternating Current Circuits
Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash
Semester 3: Oscillations and Waves, Optics and Modern Physics [ 7 topics]
- Oscillations
- Wave Motion
- Sound Waves
- Geometrical optics
- Wave Optics
- Quantum Physics
- Nuclear Physics
As compared to your SPM Physics paper, you were only taught 13 Physics topics from a general view.
The topics include:
- Measurement
- Force and Motion I
- Gravitation
- Heat
- Waves
- Light and Optics
- Force and Motion II
- Pressure
- Electricity
- Electromagnetism
- Electronics
- Nuclear Physics
- Quantum Physics
This marks a major shift from what you have learned during your Form 4 and Form 5 studies to sit for your SPM Physics.
As you can tell, what you will be learning for your STPM Physics has more width and depth and is rooted in the spirit of scientific inquiry.
Apart from written assessments each semester, students will also need to carry out practical Physics experiments in schools, to ensure a comprehensive mastery of both theoretical and practical elements of the subject.
Check out these tips to score well for your STPM Physics papers.
Reason 2: Make Sense Of Complex Physics Topics Through Different Lens Consistently
Starting in 2012, the modular system was introduced to replace the terminal examination system of the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) for all Form Six subjects.
This allows students to master topics according to pre-set modules that are divided into three semesters, enabling them to learn more effectively without having to study all the topics in one go — giving them a better chance to score well each semester too!
By breaking the Physics topics into three different themes each semester, students are able to focus and specialise in that particular theme solely. They would learn to see the connections between the sub-topics under the big theme.
For instance, students are able to study and explain the relationship between kinematics and dynamics under the theme of mechanics and thermodynamics during the first semester.
Kinematics deals with the act of a motion [acceleration, displacement] whereas Dynamics deals with the forces that influence a motion [Newton's laws of motion]
Enjoy Personalised Guidance For STPM Physics With A Superprof Tutor
Granted that every student has a different learning style and strengths when it comes to learning Physics, private tutoring could serve as an excellent option for a fruitful learning experience.
For example, you prefer to take extra lessons only for one semester instead of all three semesters, depending on the topics that you need extra guidance on.
At Superprof, it's absolutely flexible and feasible to look for the perfect Physics tutor!
What's best is that you can even choose your own home tutor or online tutor based on your preferred learning mode, learning methodology, years of teaching experience and even maximum budget!
With private tutoring, you can freely discuss the lesson scope and your needs with your Physics tutor. Your Superprof tutor will then come out with a personalised teaching guide to cater to your needs and your learning pace, in terms of learning materials (notes, sample exercises) as well as your lesson duration.
Let's say you want to have more lessons on Direct Current Circuit (from semester 2), you can request your tutor to include them during the lessons and ask for more direct feedback and guidance after the lessons.
In the meantime, do take a look at these effective learning resources to ace your STPM Physics assessments.
Image by Freepik
Reason 3: Cultivate Hard & Soft Skills That Are Needed In The STEM Industry
We assure you that head knowledge is not the only thing you'll gain when you take the STPM Physics subject during your Form Six studies.
Most of you would choose to learn this subject because you hope to venture into a STEM-related career one day be it in pure physics, engineering, computer science, data analytics or even coding.
To excel in this industry, you need a balanced set of hard and soft skills.
Some examples of hard skills that you're expected to master as you're learning STPM Physics include your understanding of various Physics laws, theories, principles, and models, as your ability to perform the right analysis, and evaluation of the given problem logically and critically.
However, you can only survive but not thrive in this industry when you solely have hard skills.
Through this comprehensive academic pursuit of Physics as a pre-university student in Malaysia, you will first and foremost get to cultivate communication and teamwork through your written and practical assessments.
Given that you'll have to conduct 13 Physics experiments in school, you will be paired with another classmate to complete the assignments.
While everyone needs to demonstrate problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills throughout the discussion, you mustn't forget that you and your team members need to be of the same vision when it comes to presenting your findings effectively, both verbally and in writing.
To come out with a detailed report, one also needs to have good research skills, especially when it comes to presenting a literature review, foundational theories and principles of various Physics laws, methodology of conducting experiments and so forth.
You'll also need to master the art of time management when it comes to revision, assignment completion and your answering pace for your actual STPM Physics papers.
Trust us, these three semesters will undoubtedly serve as a good training ground before you pursue your undergraduate studies in the future.
Master the grading criteria for all the sections of your STPM Physics subject effortlessly.
Reason 4: Pave A Good Transition To Your Undergraduate & Postgraduate Studies In Physics
Let's continue to elaborate on the previous reasons.
So after you have gained a solid comprehension of various Physics topics and also cultivated practical hard skills and soft skills during your Form Six studies, you'll have to start planning for the next step, which is your undergraduate studies.
You could feel overwhelmed, having to study as much as 25 Physics topics at this point. But you'll soon realise that they are extremely useful as you decide on which course or field of study to specialise for your degree studies later.
Having studied various topics under Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnetism as well as Oscillations and Waves, Optics and Modern Physics, you should know where your strengths and passion lie by the time you complete your STPM Physics papers.
After all, if you were to choose engineering as your field of study, you still have to decide between a range of engineering specialisations as follows:
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Petroleum engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Computer engineering and others
Bear in mind that you will be focusing on a specialised field of studies for your undergraduate studies, so the STPM Physics syllabus will not only give you a strong foundation on the core topics but also enable you to know which area of Physics you should pursue be it during your degree or even up till your PhD studies!
So take your time to soak in the topics and discover which branch of Physics you prefer to further study.
For instance, if you find yourself gravitating towards the topics in semester 2 (Electricity and Magnetism), it could be a deciding clue that you might be suited to pursue electrical engineering.
Don't forget to review the overall taught topics and the latest examination structure for your STPM Physics subject.
Image by jcomp on Freepik
Reason 5: Put Your Interest & Ability In Physics/ Science To The Test (In A Budget-Friendly Manner!)
As the name implies, you'll need to go through a series of written tests and assessments for this subject.
Relatively speaking, sitting for the STPM Physics paper allows you to experience a comprehensive Physics learning curriculum most cost-effectively! You don't have to pay as much for a Foundation course in Engineering or A-level studies as compared to those who are in college.
Having said that, even if you have chosen to sit for STPM Physics, it's worth noting that you do not need to pursue a Physics-related degree after that.
Think of it as a litmus test of your passion and ability in Physics, and whether you are ready to take this subject to the next level.
If you do well in this subject and you find great satisfaction from studying it, you could seriously consider venturing deeper into this field. It will give you a better direction in terms of determining your career pathway!
On the other hand, if you discover that it's not something you're keen to pursue for your degree studies, that's alright too. You have gained good knowledge from this experience and you could pursue a slightly different field.
There you have it. 5 great benefits that you can enjoy if you choose to study and master STPM Physics. Regardless of your decision, remember that education should always be at the back of your mind!
All the best!
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