Major - Physics

To be read in conjunction with the program of study requirements for the

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Arts and Science
• Bachelor of Design and Technology Innovation
• Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems

• Aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study 
  

Aims

The program of studies aims to provide students with a broad-based foundation in physics together with the ability to acquire extensive subject knowledge in the discipline. It also aims to develop a range of transferable research, analytical and communication skills including the capacity to:

• understand and apply relevant scientific principles in a physics context. In particular this involves development of an intuitive knowledge of physics principles, and having a mathematics ability that serves as a language for physics and for applications of physics
• appreciate the nature of experiment design and execution, and to understand the principles of operation of scientific instruments commonly used in physics
• retrieve and present information about physics in a scientific manner, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
• structure problems in physics, develop computational skills to model and analyse problems, be able to use critical thinking, be able to rationalise by having an intuitive understanding for the physical processes and being able to self-correct misunderstandings
• engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline
• work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
• appreciate the role of physics in society, and the ethical issues it raises
• work cooperatively and productively within a team.

The program of studies provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in physics or another science or non-science related discipline or for a career in a physics related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the major students will be able to:

• know and critically apply the theories, subject content, professional methodologies and research procedures relevant to the discipline of physics
• describe the processes through which current knowledge about the discipline of physics was developed
• analyse and critically evaluate ideas/information/data and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data
• communicate their findings to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
• appreciate that there are relationships and connections between physics and other science and non-science disciplines and understand such relationships and connections in respect of physics
• work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
• interact effectively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals
• demonstrate an intuitive level of understanding of the physical processes and be able to identify and self-correct misunderstandings
• engage positively with people and ideas beyond the discipline
• work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
• appreciate the role of physics in society, and the ethical issues it raises
• work cooperatively and productively within a team.

Program of study

Major - Physics - Year 1 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 1 Topics

 MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (4.5 units)
 MATH1122  Mathematics 1B  (4.5 units)
 PHYS1101  Fundamental Physics I  (4.5 units)
 PHYS1102  Fundamental Physics II  (4.5 units)

Major - Physics - Year 2 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 2 Topics

 MATH2711  Several Variable Calculus  (4.5 units)
 PHYS2701  Quantum Concepts  (4.5 units)
 PHYS2702  Classical Physics  (4.5 units)
 PHYS2712  Thermodynamics and Energy Systems  (4.5 units)

Major - Physics - Year 3 topics

18 units comprising:

Core - Year 3 Topics

 ENGR2861  Electromagnetics and Electromagnetic Waves  (4.5 units)
 PHYS3701  Nuclear and Statistical Physics  (4.5 units)
 PHYS3702  Solid State Physics and Optoelectronics  (4.5 units)
 PHYS3711  Quantum Physics  (4.5 units)