As one of the three natural sciences in the IB Diploma Programme, physics is concerned with an attempt to understand the natural world; from explaining how electrons behave in magnetic fields to elucidating the spectrum of light emitted by stars. Critical observations are essential to the very core of the subject; models are developed to try to understand observations, and these themselves can become theories that attempt to explain the observations. Besides leading to a better understanding of the world, physics can be applied to give us the ability to alter our environments. DP physics enables students to constructively engage with topical scientific issues such as the fundamental structure of matter and space travel. Students tackle complex problems which challenge them to link their knowledge in a holistic manner. By exploring the subject, students develop understandings, skills and techniques which can be applied across their studies and beyond. Physics provides uncountable opportunities for awe and wonder! Integral to the student experience of the DP physics course is the learning that takes place through scientific inquiry, through hands-on investigations and the use of simulations. The course is split into 5 themes: • Space, time and motion • The particulate nature of matter • Waves • Fields • Nuclear and quantum physics