The IB Physics syllabus provides a solid grounding in a broad range of topics in preparation for undergraduate study, from Mechanics, through Electromagnetism and Wave Phenomena, to Quantum and Nuclear Physics. It is designed to be accessible to students who have not taken Physics as a separate science in the past, but exposure to Physics prior to the DP will help greatly. It will also draw on the maths course, particularly calculus and kinematics, so be aware that some parts of the course will only make intuitive sense once they have been covered both in subjects.

Students can also choose one of four options to suit their interests: Engineering Physics, Relativity, Astrophysics, and Imaging. As with other group 4 subjects, there will be both experimental and theoretical components to the course, with relevant experiments to each topic, both laboratory and computer-simulated. The IA will also contribute a significant portion of the final grade.

Physics in the International Baccalaureate is a requirement for many undergraduate courses, including Engineering and Medicine (if you are not doing Biology and Chemistry), and will be useful for a variety of careers. Examples of directly relevant careers are research, academia, and all forms of engineering. The analytical and mathematical skills of a Physics degree are also highly valued by accounting, consulting, and financial firms. Further studies can be within the subject or potentially law conversion and graduate medicine.