SPH4U, Physics, Grade 12, University – online course

SPH4U is the Grade 12 University-preparation physics course covering dynamics (forces and motion in two dimensions), energy and momentum, gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, the wave nature of light, and modern physics (quantum and relativity introductions). It’s required for engineering and physical-science programs.

SPH4U is challenging and math-heavy — two-dimensional dynamics and field theory demand strong algebra and vector thinking, which is why it pairs naturally with MCV4U. Students who work problems consistently rather than passively reading succeed. OES includes free 24/7 physics and math tutoring for the hard stretches.

The prerequisite for SPH4U is SPH3U (Physics, Grade 11, University). Taking MHF4U before or alongside, and MCV4U concurrently, aligns the math skills SPH4U leans on.

SPH4U is required for virtually all engineering programs and most physical-science programs (physics, astronomy), and is recommended or required for architecture, some computer science, and math-physics combined programs — normally alongside MHF4U, MCV4U, and SCH4U for engineering.

SPH4U covers dynamics (2D forces, circular motion), energy and momentum (conservation laws, collisions), gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, the wave nature of light (interference, diffraction), and an introduction to modern physics — special relativity and quantum phenomena.

Yes. Engineering admission requires ENG4U, MHF4U, MCV4U, SPH4U, and SCH4U at most Ontario universities. Many students take SPH4U and MCV4U concurrently since the vector and rates-of-change thinking reinforce each other. OES’s multi-course discount applies when you enrol in the set together.

Yes. OES offers a dedicated Upgrade: SPH4U course built specifically for retaking SPH4U to raise your mark — Ontario universities and colleges use your highest grade. It’s self-paced and open year-round, so you can upgrade alongside your day school, a job, or a gap year and finish in as little as 4 weeks. See the Upgrade: SPH4U page for details.

Yes. Ontario students who started Grade 9 in the 2020–21 school year or later must earn at least two online learning credits to graduate, and SPH4U at OES — a Ministry-inspected online school (BSID #667186) — counts toward that requirement. An opt-out process exists through school boards, and specific provisions apply to students affected by the 2021 school closures.

SPH4U meets the Ministry of Education’s attendance and participation expectations through activities blended directly into the course. OES requires students to log in at least once per week for attendance, and participation activities appear throughout the course and are reflected in the grade book — preserving self-paced flexibility while satisfying the requirements for online courses.

Yes — science is one of Ontario’s STEM-related course groups (business studies, computer studies, cooperative education, mathematics, science, and technological education), from which students entering Grade 9 in 2024 or later must complete one credit. For math and science, the credit counts when earned in addition to your compulsory math and science credits, so SPH4U can double as your STEM-group credit.

Ontario’s Growing Success policy pre-determines the evaluation structure for every credit. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, SPH4U is graded on classroom work completed throughout the course (65%) plus a Ministry-mandated final evaluation worth 25% for Grades 11–12, with attendance and participation also reflected in the final grade. A credit is granted at 50% or higher — and as an inspected private school, OES may administer final evaluations online, while school-board online courses generally require in-person exam sittings.