Image 1 of 2
Image 2 of 2
Who should take SPH4U online?
SPH4U supports more than one pathway. Whether you are heading to university, college, an apprenticeship or the skilled trades, or straight into the workplace, this credit counts toward your OSSD.
- Students applying to engineering, physical science, computer science or architecture programs that require or recommend Grade 12 physics
- Students heading to college engineering technology programs, apprenticeships or the skilled trades, where physics knowledge is an asset
- Students who want a stronger SPH4U mark for their university average
- Students who need to free up their day-school timetable for other courses
- Graduates and mature students completing a missing university prerequisite
- Student-athletes and international students who need a flexible schedule
What you will learn
- Dynamics: Apply Newton's laws to linear, circular and projectile motion, including friction and frames of reference.
- Energy and momentum: Use work, energy and the conservation of momentum to analyze collisions and mechanical systems.
- Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields: Compare field models and analyze the motion of objects and charged particles in fields.
- The wave nature of light: Investigate interference, diffraction and polarization as evidence that light behaves as a wave.
- Revolutions in modern physics: Explore quantum mechanics and special relativity, including the photoelectric effect and time dilation.
Official Ontario course description
Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation (SPH4U)
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Grade 11 Physics, University Preparation
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, Curriculum and Resources.
How the online course works
- Register online and receive access to your course in Google Classroom.
- Learn at your pace with lessons and assignments. Your teacher returns feedback and grades, usually within 3 to 5 business days.
- Complete your assessments as you finish each unit, with support from your teacher along the way.
- Receive your credit. We send your final mark to your home school and submit it to OUAC.
Need it sooner? Add Fast Track for priority grading when you have an application deadline.
SPH4U frequently asked questions
What is the prerequisite for SPH4U?
The Ontario prerequisite for SPH4U is SPH3U, Grade 11 Physics, University Preparation.
Is SPH4U required for engineering?
Most Ontario engineering programs list Grade 12 physics as required or strongly recommended. Check the admission requirements for each program you are applying to.
How much math is in SPH4U?
SPH4U uses algebra, trigonometry and vectors throughout. Students who are comfortable with Grade 11 functions are well prepared.
How long does SPH4U take online?
The course has 110 hours of lessons. You have 4 months from enrollment, and extensions are available up to 12 months in total. Many students finish sooner because the course is self-paced.
Will my SPH4U mark be accepted?
Yes. Aubrey Academy is Ministry-inspected, and we submit your final grade directly to OUAC and send your report card to your home school.
I already took SPH4U. Can I raise my mark?
Yes. Our Mark Upgrade option builds on the work you already completed instead of retaking the full course.