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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2015

This handbook contains information on courses and components (majors, minors, streams and units) at Curtin in 2015.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2014.

MDDU-PHYSC v.1 Physics Double Degree Major (BSc/BA, BSc/BCom)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


This Physics double degree Major will interest students who are fascinated by fundamental questions about the physical structure and functions of the universe, what it consists of and how it works. Physics attempts to answer questions about things such as the intricate structure of matter and the nature of radiation and how they interact with each other. It also seeks to explain relationships between the smallest and largest structures, between forces, and energy in the Universe. Students will gain a large number of practical skills such as planning and conducting physical science experiments, real world computation and quantitative problem solving, and scientific communication, which find application in a wide range of careers.


Professional Recognition

Graduates of this course may be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

Level 3A/3B in Physics and Mathematics 3C/3D or Mathematics:Specialist 3C/3D.



Major/Minor/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply physics, mathematics, and computing knowledge, principles and concepts

2. apply critical, creative and reflective thinking to physics problems

3. access, evaluate and synthesise information relating to physics

4. effectively communicate physics ideas and concepts

5. use a range of technologies to collect and analyse data with appropriate regard to uncertainties

6. work as responsible, self-directed and motivated learners

7. apply internationally accepted scientific conventions, standards and protocols

8. demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life

9. work safely, effectively and ethically in a multi faceted scientific environment


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
PHYS1005 v.1   Physics 1 5.0 25.0
MATH1004 v.1   Mathematics 1 5.0 25.0
  OR  
MATH1010 v.1   Advanced Mathematics 5.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
PHYS1007 v.1   Physics 2 5.0 25.0
MATH1011 v.1   Mathematics 2 5.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 1
MATH2009 v.1   Advanced Calculus 4.0 25.0
PHYS2003 v.1   Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism 5.0 25.0
NPSC1001 v.1   Scientific Computing 4.0 25.0
  75.0
Year 2 Semester 2
PHYS2005 v.1   Electromagnetism 6.0 25.0
STAT1002 v.1   Statistical Data Analysis 3.0 12.5
MATH2010 v.1   Linear Algebra 4.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   12.5
  75.0
Year 3 Semester 1
PHYS3008 v.1   Quantum Physics 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
PHYS3002 v.1   Solid State Physics 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 1
PHYS3003 v.1   Physics Project 1 5.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 2
PHYS3007 v.1   Nuclear and Particle Physics 7.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
ENST3000 v.1   Environmental Impact Assessment 4.0 25.0
PHYS2002 v.1   Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics 4.0 25.0
ASTR2001 v.1   Observational Techniques in Astronomy 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
MATH2010 v.1   Linear Algebra 4.0 25.0
PHYS2001 v.1   Physics of Environmental Monitoring 4.0 25.0
ASTR2000 v.1   Physics of Stars and Galaxies 4.0 25.0
PHYS3005 v.1   X-Ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 4 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
ASTR3000 v.1   Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology 3.0 25.0
PHYS3006 v.1   Scientific Data Analysis 3.0 25.0
MATH3000 v.1   Mathematical Methods 4.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 4 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
PHYS2004 v.1   Scientific Data Acquisition 3.0 25.0
ASTR3001 v.1   Exploring the Radio Universe 4.0 25.0
MATH3001 v.1   Applied Mathematical Modelling 4.0 25.0




Handbook

The Courses Handbook is the repository of Curtin University ("Curtin") course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavours to keep this handbook up to date, information on this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the: course structure and contents, student assessment, tuition fees and to: withdraw any course or its components which it offers, impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or vary arrangements for any course without notification via the website.

For course and enrolment information please visit our Future Students website.