Overview
The StemCo syllabus is inspired by the Singapore education curriculum. Singapore is known for its excellence in PISA tests for both Sciences and Mathematics for the last few years. Results from PISA indicate the quality and equity of learning outcomes attained around the world. By adopting the Singapore education curriculum as a reference, StemCo provides an opportunity for students globally to learn from one of the best practices of education in the world.
Our approach prioritizes understanding, application, and analysis of scientific and mathematical concepts over rote memorization of factual material. This shift in focus is intentional, recognizing the need for students to develop skills with long-term value in an increasingly technological world. Rather than concentrating on large volumes of factual information with limited short-term relevance, StemCo emphasizes critical thinking and practical application of learned concepts.
Categories and Exam Format
This document outlines the syllabus for each StemCo Physics category. The corresponding international grade levels and their Singapore grade-level equivalents are provided below for reference. All categories are assessed entirely through Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
| Category | International Grade Level | Singapore Grade Level Equivalent | Number of Questions (MCQ) | Exam Duration (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singa Junior | 9-10 | Secondary 3-4 | 40 | 120 |
| Singa Senior | 11-12 | Junior College 1-2 | 40 | 120 |
Syllabus
The StemCo syllabus is designed to cover essential areas and concepts crucial for a holistic understanding of subjects. While it provides a general framework for the topics featured in StemCo competitions, it is not intended to be exhaustive or overly detailed. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for students that encourages deep comprehension and real-world problem-solving, preparing them for future success in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
The syllabus includes a category called "Others" for concepts that don’t fit into the main topics. This section may include questions about recent advancements, trends, and discoveries related to the subject area, designed to be inspiring. Questions in this category can also be more advanced.
| Areas | Concepts |
|---|---|
| Measurement | Physical Quantities, S.I. Units (includes Index Notation), Prefixes, Scalars & Simple 2D Vectors, Lab Instruments |
| Kinematics | Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Deceleration, Distance (Graphical Analysis included, Equations excluded) & Displacement, Free Fall & Terminal Velocity |
| Dynamics | Forces & Newton’s Laws, Free-Body Diagrams (excludes Trigonometry), Moment of a Force/Torque, Pressure, Energy (& Conservation), Work Done, Power, Efficiency |
| Thermal Physics | Kinetic Model of Matter, Brownian Motion, Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Thermal Equilibrium, Specific Heat Capacity, Specific Latent Heat (Fusion & Vaporisation) |
| Waves | Light, Thin Converging Lenses, Sound (Compression & Rarefraction), Transverse & Longitudinal Waves, Frequency, Wavelength, Amplitude, Electromagnetic Spectrum |
| Electricity | Statics, Field, EMF & Potential Difference, Conventional Current, Electron Flow, Resistance, Series & Parallel Circuits, Fixed & Variable Resisters, Fuse, Light-Emitting Diodes, Light-Dependant Resistors, Thermistors, Bells |
| Electromagnetism | Solenoids, Fields, Magnetic Effects of Currents, Right-Hand Grip Rule, Fleming’s Left & Right-Hand Rule, Transformers |
| Radioactivity | Atomic Composition & Notation, ∝ & β-Decay, ү-Rays, Ionising Effects & Penetrating Power, Half-Life |
| Others | ... |
| Areas | Concepts |
|---|---|
| Measurement | S.I. Units, Prefixes, Scalars & Vectors, Errors & Uncertainties |
| Kinematics | Speed, Velocity, Acceleration, Deceleration, Distance, Displacement, Free Fall & Terminal Velocity, Graphical Analysis, Equations e.g., v2 = u2 + 2aS etc. |
| Dynamics | Forces & Newton’s Laws, Impulse & Momentum, Free-Body Diagrams, Moment of a Force/Torque, Hooke’s Law, Energy, Work Done, Power, Efficiency, Pressure, Circular Motion, Gravitation & Escape Velocity, Simple Harmonic Motion |
| Waves | Transverse & Longitudinal, Frequency, Wavelength, Phase, Amplitude, Intensity, Period, Malus’ Law, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Superposition, Double Slits, Rayleigh Criterion |
| Thermodynamics | Gas Laws, Boltzmann Constant, Translational K.E., Root Mean Square Speed, Work Done on Gas, Internal Energy, Laws of Thermodynamics, Heat Capacities & Latent Heat |
| Electricity | Coulomb's Law, Point Charges (Electric Field, Potential & Energy), Capacitance, Potential Difference, Current & Drift Velocity, Sinusoidal A.C. & Voltage (Peak, Frequency, Period, Root Mean Square), Circuit Diagrams, Resistivity, Diodes |
| Electromagnetism | Magnetic Fields, Flux Density & Linkage, Solenoids, Fleming’s Left & Right Hand Rule, Lenz Law, Transformers |
| Modern Physics | Photoelectric Effect, De-Broglie Wavelength, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Wavefunctions & Probability Density, Nuclear Decay, Equations & Binding Energy; Half-Life |
| Others | ... |
