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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2013

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2013.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2012.

313679 v.2 Physics Major (BSc Science)

Introduction

Students choose to study Physics because they are fascinated by fundamental questions about the physical structures and functions in our universe. Physics seeks to explain relationships between the smallest through to the largest structures, utilising the four known Strong, Weak, Electromagnetic and Gravitational forces. Students gain considerable knowledge and skills while conducting physical science experiments and solving real-world problems analytically or computationally, which find application in a wide range of careers. In the first year, students must choose Physical Sciences pre-major. The Physics Major (200 credit points) is supplemented by one of four 200 credit point specialisations, which are aligned with the Departmental research strengths. The four specialisations are: Astrophysics, Environmental physics, Materials Science and Mathematical Physics.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
314655 v.1   Mathematical Physics Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  OR  
314656 v.1   Astrophysics Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  OR  
314657 v.1   Environmental Physics Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  OR  
314658 v.1   Materials Science Stream (BSc Science) 200.0
  200.0
Year 2 Semester 1
8127 v.6   Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
8142 v.4   Physics 201 7.0 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 6.0 25.0
  50.0
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
  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
  OR  
12992 v.3   Physics Project 302 5.0 25.0
  50.0

*    Students who wish to choose the Mathematical Physics Stream must select an elective unit to the value of 12.5 credits instead of Mathematical Methods 204.

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