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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

312506 v.1 Physics Major (BSc Science)

Introduction

Students choose to study Physics because they 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. Along the way students learn 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.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
8127 v.6   Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
8142 v.4   Physics 201 6.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 2
302390 v.1   Mathematical Methods 204 4.0 12.5
312508 v.1   Waves and Oscillations 202 6.0 12.5
8717 v.6   Electromagnetism 302 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 1
9765 v.4   Quantum and Statistical Physics 301 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
11592 v.3   Solid State Physics 302 2.0 25.0
312509 v.1   Physics 302 7.0 25.0
  50.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
12991 v.2   Physics Project 301 5.0 25.0
305424 v.1   Electron Microscopy 301 4.0 25.0
310267 v.2   Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology 301 4.0 25.0
311695 v.1   Observational Techniques in Astronomy 201 4.0 25.0
311829 v.1   Scientific Data Analysis 301 3.0 25.0
9809 v.5   Applied Physics 301 2.0 12.5