Online Courses Handbook 2003

172499 v.4 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. Enquires should be directed to the School of Applied Sciences on (08) 9266 7539. 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
The first four semesters of this course focus on the development of fundamentals in physics, mathematics, data analysis and computing. At the same time a wide range of options and electives are available to enable students to tailor the course to suit their interests. Common choices include astronomy, computing or materials units although an increasing number of students are choosing business and humanities units. The final two semesters include studies in advanced topics in theoretical and applied physics together with a physics research project supervised by one of the Department's research groups.

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
Students may substitute optional unit(s) for an approved elective unit chosen in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

1737 v.3 Particles and Waves 101 3.0 12.5

1738 v.4 Physical Measurements 101 3.0 12.5

7062 v.5 Mathematics 101 4.0 25.0

SELECT 1 ELECTIVE 12.5

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 37.5

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

12035 v.2 Scientific Communication 102 3.0 12.5

1744 v.3 Structure of Matter 102 3.0 12.5

1745 v.5 Physical Measurements 102 3.0 12.5

7063 v.5 Mathematics 102 4.0 25.0

SELECT 1 ELECTIVE 12.5

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 2 Semester 1

7907 v.5 Particles and Waves 201 3.0 12.5

7908 v.4 Physical Measurements 201 4.0 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 4.0 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 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

1633 v.4 Scientific Photography 101 3.0 12.5

1681 v.4 Materials and Technology 112 2.0 12.5

1743 v.5 Scientific Data Analysis 101 4.0 25.0

4770 v.3 Physical Properties of Solids 102 3.0 12.5

4949 v.2 Design for Small Craft 100 2.0 12.5

5215 v.3 Planet Earth 101 3.0 12.5

7318 v.5 Astronomy 101 2.0 12.5

7325 v.5 Marine Science 101 2.0 12.5

7329 v.5 Planetary Science 101 2.0 12.5

7410 v.4 Weather Forecasting 101 2.0 12.5

7474 v.4 Marine Acoustics 103 2.0 12.5

11588 v.2 Science Study Skills 101 2.0 12.5

12578 v.3 Computational Physics 102 4.0 25.0

13035 v.2 Web Science 101 2.0 12.5

305411 v.1 Nanotechnology 101 2.0 12.5

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 4.0 25.0

12994 v.2 Astronomy 201 3.0 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 4.0 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.

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