311157 v.1 Physics Major (Bachelor of Science)

Introduction

The Physics major meets the needs of the most capable students who wish to pursue careers at the highest levels in industry or government organisations or who intend to undertake higher degrees by research. Graduates progressing to higher degrees may undertake cutting edge research in mathematical and computational physics, radio astronomy, solid state physics, marine science and technology, or satellite and remote sensing. Students in the third year of the major undertake a significant research project in one of the above research areas. Employers value the applied nature of the major, and the problem solving and analytical skills of physics graduates. Hence ready employment is available in fields as diverse as Antarctic research to patents examinations; as materials characterisation scientists, research assistants in atmospheric and marine sciences, environmental officers, meteorologists, and in hospitals as medical physicists. Students considering a career in information technology, finance, the scientific civil service and data processing will also find a background in physics particularly useful.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Physics and Applicable Mathematics. TEE Calculus is desirable.

Specific Requirements

STAT is not acceptable for mature age entry but may be used to demonstrate English Competence requirements.

Duration and Availability

3 years' full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Further Information

For more information contact the Career Consultant, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering on (08) 9266 4816, email careers@vesta.curtin.edu.au or visit our website www.scieng.curtin.edu.au.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
302804	v.3	Physics 101	4.5	25.0
310984	v.1	Scientific Computing 101	4.0	25.0
7062	v.6	Mathematics 101	5.0	25.0
		OR
10926	v.5	Mathematics 103	5.0	25.0
		SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		25.0
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
305415	v.3	Physics 102	4.5	25.0
307554	v.1	Science Communications 101	2.0	12.5
307590	v.2	Statistical Data Analysis 101	3.0	12.5
7063	v.6	Mathematics 102	5.0	25.0
		OR
7492	v.5	Mathematics 104	5.0	25.0
		SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
7908	v.4	Physical Measurements 201	3.0	25.0
8127	v.6	Advanced Calculus 201	4.0	25.0
8142	v.4	Physics 201	4.0	25.0
		SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
302390	v.1	Mathematical Methods 204	4.0	12.5
302931	v.1	Physical Measurements 203	1.5	12.5
7907	v.6	Particles and Waves 201	3.0	25.0
		SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		50.0
				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 ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		50.0
				100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
11592	v.3	Solid State Physics 302	2.0	25.0
		SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		50.0
		SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		25.0
				100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 3 Semester 2			Hrs/Wk	Credit
11589	v.3	Physics of Fluids 301	2.0	12.5
11594	v.4	Astronomical Data Analysis 312	2.5	12.5
12992	v.3	Physics Project 302	5.0	25.0
3999	v.4	Scientific Data Analysis 301	3.0	25.0
7911	v.7	Applied Optics 302	2.0	12.5
8717	v.6	Electromagnetism 302	3.0	25.0
9644	v.4	Scientific Data Analysis 302	3.0	25.0