IB Physics,
from mechanics
to quantum.
IB DP Physics HL and SL — the full 11-topic syllabus plus HL-only extension topics, covered by specialists who have examined IB papers and marked IAs for the real board.
The IB's most mathematical science. Essential for engineering, physics and medicine pathways at top global universities.
IB Physics rewards derivation and IA design.
IB Physics is the Group 4 science most closely aligned with A-Level Physics in content depth — but very different in assessment. The IB weights the Internal Assessment at 20% of the final grade, meaning a well-designed lab investigation can add 2–3 points to the predicted grade almost independently of exam performance.
HL or SL?
HL includes an additional 60 hours of content — further wave mechanics, fields extension, thermodynamics, quantum physics — and has a longer Paper 1 and Paper 2. Most Physics-bound students take HL; SL is sufficient for students who need Physics as a secondary science.
Where coaching matters most
The single biggest area where Times Edu Physics students gain points is the IA — specifically, in experimental design, uncertainty analysis and the evaluation section. Most schools under-coach these. We do not.
The full content we cover in 1:1 lessons.
Every Times Edu Physics mentor maps lessons directly to the official IB subject guide — nothing on the final exam is a surprise.
Measurement & Uncertainty
Units, significant figures, error analysis, uncertainty propagation.
Mechanics
Kinematics, forces, momentum, work, energy, circular motion.
Thermal Physics
Temperature, specific heat, ideal gases, molecular theory.
Waves & Oscillations
SHM, wave behaviour, standing waves, Doppler effect.
Electricity & Magnetism
Fields, Coulomb's law, circuits, electromagnetic induction.
Fields & Quantum
Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields plus quantum physics.
Nuclear Physics
Radioactive decay, binding energy, fission, fusion.
Internal Assessment
10-hour individual experimental investigation worth 20% of final grade.
Every paper and every IA, mapped.
IB assessment mixes exam papers with the Internal Assessment — and the IA is where most schools lose marks. Here is the full breakdown.
Multiple Choice
MCQ testing breadth of the core (and HL extension for HL students).
Short + Extended
Data-response plus short and extended structured questions.
Data + Option
Experimental data analysis plus one chosen option topic.
Internal Assessment
Individual experimental investigation with full report to IB criteria.
Why even strong students lose IB points here.
These are the three traps we see most often in diagnostic sessions with new IB Diploma Physics students — and every one is fixable with focused coaching.
Weak IA experimental design
The IA is 20% of the final grade and most schools under-coach it. Students with poor experimental design cap at grade 4. We rebuild IAs from scratch in 4–6 sessions.
Uncertainty errors
The Criterion on Measurement in the IA requires correct uncertainty propagation. Most students skip this and lose 4 marks. We drill it explicitly.
Option paper neglect
Paper 3 includes one chosen option topic that most schools teach in DP2 only. Students who cram this in the final weeks lose 10+ marks.
Across HL and SL.
My Physics IA went from a 12/24 draft to a final 22/24. That single improvement added a full grade to my predicted — from a 5 to a 7. Times Edu knew exactly what IB examiners want.
What families always ask about IB Physics.
Have a specific question about your child's situation? Book a free 60-minute diagnostic and our IB specialist will answer every one.
How important is the Physics IA?
Critically important. It is worth 20% of the final grade — equivalent to losing a full exam paper. A strong IA can rescue a mediocre exam performance; a weak IA can sink strong exam results. We drill it from early DP1.
Can you help during the IA draft stage?
Yes — this is one of our most requested services. We review draft IAs against each criterion (Personal Engagement, Exploration, Analysis, Evaluation, Communication), suggest specific improvements, and re-review until the draft is at grade 7 standard.
Is HL Physics necessary for engineering?
For most competitive engineering programmes, yes — HL Physics is strongly preferred or required. For biomedical engineering and life sciences, SL is often sufficient.
Do you cover all the option topics?
Yes — Relativity, Engineering Physics, Imaging, and Astrophysics. Your mentor will be matched to whichever option your school teaches.
Ready to turn IB Physics into a full 7?
Your child's free 60-minute Physics diagnostic includes a full topic-by-topic gap analysis, a realistic grade prediction, an IA review and a personalised roadmap through to final May exams. Worth $60 — free for the first 50 families this intake.