Skip to content
Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

131510 v.4 Bachelor of Science (Physics), Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Communication Engineering)

BSc(Curtin), BEng(Curtin) OR BEng(Hons)(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 041800F
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 5 Years


Course Overview

Bachelor double degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in more than one discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.


This double degree program provides graduates with a background in the physics of electrical devices and systems and a versatility which opens up a wider range of employment opportunities.


Professional Recognition

Graduates from these programs meet the academic requirements for Graduate Membership of Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Physics.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways.


Applicants require TEE Applicable Mathematics in addition: at least two of the following - Calculus, Chemistry and Physics, and at least three of the following: Mathematics 3C/3D, Mathematics: Specialist 3C/3D, Physics 3A/3B and Chemistry 3A/3B. Engineering Studies 3A/3B is desirable. STAT is not acceptable for entry to this course.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates with a bachelor degree may qualify for entry to some graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master by coursework degrees. Graduates with a bachelor degree with honours may also qualify for entry to a master or doctorate by research. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Specific Course Completion Details

To satisfy professional requirements, students must complete 12 weeks of approved work experience associated with the engineering industry. Students may make their own arrangements for employment or seek assistance from the University's Prospective Students Services. Students are expected to gain a Senior First Aid Certificate prior to graduation.


Course Entry/Completion Note

In certain cases, the need to complete special units mayresult in an extension of studies beyond the normal length of the course.



Course Organisation

Bachelor double degrees include a combined degree study program leading to two awards. The duration of the double degree may vary among disciplines, but typically requires less time to complete than if the two undergraduate degrees were studied separately.


The first six semesters of this course focus on the development of fundamentals in physics, mathematics, data analysis, computing and engineering. During semesters five and six, students are required to undertake a physics research project supervised by one of the Department's research groups. The final four semesters are devoted entirely to the completion of the engineering component of the program. Students enrolled in the double degree program may elect to transfer to a single degree course in one of the two disciplines. In this event the relevant Head of Department shall determine the amount of credit to be transferred to the single degree. The structure of Engineering, Science and Computing owned double degrees is such that students have the option of completing the component Engineering, Science or Computing degree in the minimum time, provided they elect to change from the double degree within the first two semesters of the course.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply the theory of telecommunications within the engineering design method, whilst remaining cognisant of telecommunications operational issues; apply physics, mathematics, and computing knowledge, principles and concepts

2. define a problem and apply creative thinking to the formulation of a solution; verify and implement the solution; apply critical, creative and reflective thinking to physics problems

3. access information, evaluate and organise information relevant to telecommunications studies; access, evaluate and synthesise information relating to physics

4. document telecommunications information to meet technical and legal requirements; communicate concepts and technical information to lay and professional personnel in written, oral and electronic forms; effectively communicate physics ideas and concepts

5. use appropriate tools to design, analyse and verify telecommunications systems and their components; use a range of technologies to collect and analyse data with appropriate regard to uncertainties

6. recognise that the telecommunications industry changes rapidly, and maintain currency via a spirit of inquiry and relevant further study; work as responsible, self-directed and motivated learners

7. apply international standards, practices and conventions appropriate to telecommunications engineering; apply internationally-accepted scientific conventions, standards and protocols

8. function effectively within a typical multidisciplinary and multi-cultural engineering design team as a team member, manager or team leader, recognising individual human rights; demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life

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


Duration and Availability

The course is of five years full-time study. It is not available part-time. Two intakes are offered each year in March and August. Prospective students should note that places may not always be available for the August intake.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1
313683 v.1   Bachelor of Engineering Pre-Major 200.0
  200.0
Year 2 Semester 1
8142 v.5   Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism 201 5.0 25.0
12706 v.3   Electrical Circuits 203 4.0 25.0
314204 v.1   Mathematics 290 5.0 25.0
8127 v.6   Advanced Calculus 201 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
12711 v.5   Electromagnetic and Electromechanical Energy Conversion 200 5.0 25.0
308780 v.1   Signal and Systems 202 5.0 25.0
8717 v.7   Electromagnetism 202 6.0 25.0
8128 v.6   Linear Algebra 202 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
308798 v.1   Control Systems 301 5.0 25.0
308768 v.1   Foundations of Digital Design 201 5.0 25.0
9765 v.5   Quantum Physics 301 4.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
313690 v.1   Microcomputers 204 5.0 25.0
308781 v.1   Electronic Fundamentals 202 5.0 25.0
11592 v.3   Solid State Physics 302 2.0 25.0
12834 v.4   Digital Signal Processing 304 6.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 1
10165 v.3   Communications Engineering 303 5.0 25.0
12991 v.2   Physics Project 301 5.0 25.0
9414 v.5   Electronic Design 301 6.0 25.0
311829 v.1   Scientific Data Analysis 301 3.0 25.0
  OR  
310267 v.2   Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology 301 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 4 Semester 2
310268 v.2   Exploring the Radio Universe 302 4.0 25.0
12845 v.3   Communications Engineering 304 5.0 25.0
308791 v.2   Advanced Digital Design 320 5.0 25.0
310683 v.1   Engineering Management 302 4.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 5 Semester 1
302623 v.3   Advanced Topics in Physics 410 4.0 25.0
308795 v.1   Communications Signal Processing 401 6.0 25.0
313672 v.2   Legal Framework and Sustainability in Electrical Engineering 400 3.0 25.0
12838 v.4   Engineering Project 401 10.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 5 Semester 2
12844 v.5   Engineering Project 402 10.0 25.0
312509 v.2   Nuclear and Particle Physics 302 7.0 25.0
12847 v.5   Data Communications and Networking 304 5.0 25.0
12849 v.4   Mobile Radio Communications 402 5.0 25.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
311829 v.1   Scientific Data Analysis 301 3.0 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
305424 v.2   X-Ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy 301 4.0 25.0
10098 v.2   Mathematical Methods 301 4.0 25.0
311828 v.1   Scientific Computing 201 4.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering on telephone (08) 9266 4600, email ssse@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://scieng.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.