172499 v.5 Bachelor of Science (Physics)

BSc(Curtin)

Introduction
This course meets the needs of physicists who intend to work in industry or government organisations, for example, as materials characterisation scientists, in atmospheric and marine sciences as research assistants, environmental officers and meteorologists and in hospitals as medical physicists. Graduates find occasional openings in such diverse areas as Antarctic research, patents examination, satellite remote sensing, astronomy, industrial hygiene, data analysis and forensic science. Students considering a career in information technology, business, the scientific civil service and data processing will find a background in physics particularly useful. For those wishing to become teachers the course provides an initial qualification prior to undertaking a Diploma of Education.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
Physics and Calculus or Applicable Mathematics. Chemistry or Information Systems is desirable. If Introductory Calculus is not studied in Year 11, a bridging unit is required.

Specific Requirements
Well-performed students with high aggregates or other evidence of academic achievement who do not meet formal entry requirements may still be considered. Enquiries should be directed to the Course Coordinator / Head of Department. The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis by the Course Coordinator and or the Head of Department.

Duration and Availability
This course is available on a full or part-time basis. Only a limited number of units can be done externally. Most classes are scheduled during the day. Part-time students can only complete their degree by attending these classes. Full-time students can complete the degree in a minimum of six semesters (three years) while part-time students may take up to 12 semesters to complete the course.

Course Organisation
In the first year of the course students are required to take Frontiers of Science 101, Science Communications 101, a Mathematics unit and a Statistics unit. Students also take one Science Foundation Studies in each semester of year one. The Science Foundation Studies units are to be chosen from disciplines other than their major field (for example, Environmental Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Sciences or Resource Science, as per the prescribed list). The remainder of the first year is made up of three major studies units. In each of years two and three of the course students do six major studies units and two minor studies units. The major studies provide students with depth in the discipline and professional accreditation in Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics and Statistics. The minor studies are chosen from a different discipline to the major. The final year includes a 50 credit project in the major.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note
The course structure for years two - three is indicative only for the 2004 intake and is currently under review.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Full Year

307588 v.1 Science Foundation Studies Stream 50.0

50.0

Year 1 Semester 1

302804 v.2 Physics 101 4.5 25.0

307574 v.1 Contemporary Science 101 4.0 25.0

7062 v.6 Mathematics 101 3.0 25.0

OR

10926 v.5 Mathematics 103 3.0 25.0

75.0

Year 1 Semester 2

12035 v.2 Scientific Communication 102 3.0 12.5

305415 v.2 Physics 102 4.5 25.0

307587 v.1 Computing Skills 101 5.0 25.0

307590 v.1 Data Evaluation and Experimental Design 101 3.0 12.5

75.0

Year 2 Semester 1

7907 v.5 Particles and Waves 201 3.0 12.5

7908 v.4 Physical Measurements 201 3.0 25.0

8648 v.3 Mathematical Methods 201 4.0 25.0

SELECT 1 ELECTIVE 12.5

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 2

302390 v.1 Mathematical Methods 204 4.0 12.5

7909 v.4 Physical Measurements 202 3.0 25.0

8717 v.5 Electromagnetism 202 3.0 25.0

SELECT 1 ELECTIVE 12.5

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 3 Semester 1

12991 v.2 Physics Project 301 5.0 25.0

9765 v.4 Quantum and Statistical Physics 301 4.0 25.0

SELECT 1 ELECTIVE 12.5

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 37.5

100.0

Year 3 Semester 2

11592 v.2 Solid State Physics 302 2.0 12.5

12992 v.2 Physics Project 302 7.0 37.5

SELECT 1 ELECTIVE 12.5

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 37.5

100.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 2 Hrs/Wk Credits

7910 v.7 Radiation Physics 201 3.0 12.5

8462 v.4 Scientific Data Acquisition 201 3.0 25.0

12994 v.2 Astronomy 201 5.0 12.5

Optional Units to Select From in Year 3 Hrs/Wk Credits

7911 v.7 Applied Optics 302 2.0 12.5

9644 v.4 Scientific Data Analysis 302 3.0 25.0

11589 v.2 Physics of Fluids 301 2.0 12.5

11594 v.2 Astrophysics 302 2.0 12.5

13457 v.2 Isotope Science 302 3.0 25.0

NB Other units may be studied as options and electives with the approval of the Course Coordinator or Head of Department.

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective/current students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.