Undergraduate Courses
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Bachelor of Science

Testamur Title:

Bachelor of Science
(Major)

Abbreviation:

BSc

UOW Course Code:

757

CRICOS Code:

031274F

Study Area / Disciplines / My University Key Words:

Physics, Science,Engineering, Materials, Nuclear Science and Technology, Photonics, Physics, Mathematics

Total Credit Points:

144

Duration:

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences

Intake Session(s):

Autumn or Spring

Delivery Mode:

On campus (Face-to face)

Delivery Campus:

Wollongong

ATAR:

78

Additional Information:

Course Finder

Course Description

Physics provides the basis for making, interpreting, and extending observations relating to the behaviour and structure of matter. It is fundamental to the study of all sciences and has a key role to play in generating and supporting new technologies.

Students majoring in Physics study mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, vibrations, waves, optics, modern, quantum and statistical mechanics, complemented by a number of advanced mathematics subjects.

There are two study options available:

  • a basic Physics program designed with a minimum of compulsory subjects combined with elective subjects, or a second major in another discipline;
  • generally full Physics program for students planning to undertake Honours and to pursue a career as a professional physicist.
     

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements, English requirements and credit transfer information are available from the Course Finder. 

Course structure

Core subjects for all majors

Subject

Session

Credit Points

Year 1

MATH187

Mathematics 1: Algebra and Differential Calculus

Autumn

6

PHYS141

Fundamentals Physics A

Autumn

6

MATH188

Mathematics 2: Series and Integral Calculus

Spring

6

PHYS142

Fundamentals Physics B

Spring

6

Year 2

MATH201

Multivariate and Vector Calculus

Autumn

6

MATH203

Linear Algebra

Autumn

6

PHYS205

Advanced Modern Physics

Autumn

6

PHYS235

Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Autumn

6

MATH202

Differential Equations 2

Spring

6

PHYS215

Vibrations, Waves and Optics

Spring

6

PHYS225

Electromagnetism and Optoelectronics

Spring

6

Year 3

PHYS305

Quantum Mechanics

Autumn

6

PHYS325

Electromagnetism

Autumn

6


Bachelor of Science (Physics)

UAC Code: 757637

basic major program in physics 

core program (above) plus the following subjects

 

Subject

Session

Credit Points

Year 1

Four electives (6 credit points each)

24

Year 2

One elective

6

Year 3

Two of the following subjects:

PHYS335

Classical Mechanics

Offered Autumn odd years

6

PHYS356

Physics of Detectors and Imaging

Autumn

6

PHYS390

Astrophysics

Offered Autumn even years

6

PHYS375

Nuclear Physics

Spring

6

PHYS385

Statistical Mechanics

Spring

6

PHYS396

Electronic Materials

Spring

6

Plus an additional 24 credit points of subjects taken from the Science or Engineering Schedules.


Full Major Program in Physics

Core subjects (above) plus the following subjects

Subject

Session

Credit Points

Year 1

PHYS295

Astronomy - Concepts of the Universe

Spring

6

plus three electives

18

Year 2

MATH204

Complex Variables and Group Theory

Spring

6

Year 3

PHYS356

Physics of Detectors and Imaging

Autumn

6

PHYS335

Classical Mechanics

Offered Autumn odd years

6

or

 

 

 

PHYS390

Astrophysics

Offered Autumn even years

6

PHYS375

Nuclear Physics

Spring

6

PHYS385

Statistical Mechanics

Spring

6

PHYS396

Electronic Materials

Spring

6

plus one elective

6


Bachelor of Science (Nuclear Science and Technology)

UAC Code: 757638

The objective of the Nuclear Science and Technology major is to provide the scientific knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in areas such as health physicists, nuclear technicians and radiation employees. Expansion in the uranium mining industry and monitoring of mid and high-level radioactive storage facilities will require specific expertise. The course builds on the expertise of the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics in dosimetry and radiation monitoring as well as nuclear technology and waste disposal.

Core subjects plus the following subjects

Subject

Session

Credit Points

Year 1

PHYS233

Introduction to Environmental Physics

Autumn

6

CHEM101

Chemistry IA: Introductory Physical and General Chemistry (Recommended)

Autumn/Summer

6

BIOL103

Molecules, Cells and Organisms (Recommended)

 Spring

6

PHYS295

Astronomy Concepts of the Universe

 Spring

6

Year 2

PHYS255

Radiation Physics

Spring

6

Year 3

PHYS356

Physics of Detectors and Imaging

Autumn

6

PHYS365

Detection of Radiation

Autumn

6

PHYS375

Nuclear Physics

Spring

6

PHYS376

Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Spring

6

PHYS385

Statistical Mechanics

Spring

6

PHYS396

Electronic Materials

Spring

6


Bachelor of Science (Photonics)**

** Not available in 2014

UAC Code: 757577

Photonics is a rapidly developing area associated with the development of detectors, light sources and optical fibres to support research and development in a wide range of industries including optoelectronics, telecommunications and defence. This major provides students with training which combines skills in experimental and theoretical physics and electronics with a strong background in optics, electronics and computing, necessary to begin a career in the photonics industry. It is structured around the existing core of Physics subjects.

Core subjects plus the following subjects

Subject

Session

Credit Points

Year 1

CHEM103

Introductory Chemistry For Engineers*

Autumn

6

CSCI114

Procedural Programming*

Autumn

6

ECTE172

Introduction to Circuits and Devices

Spring

6

ECTE182

Internet Technology 1*

Spring

6

* Three electives are required, these are examples

Year 2

plus

One elective

Spring

6

Year 3

ECTE363

Communication Systems

Autumn

6

PHYS356

Physics of Detectors and Imaging

Autumn

6

PHYS363

Advanced Photonics

Spring

6

PHYS385

Statistical Mechanics

Spring

6

PHYS396

Electronic Materials

Spring

6

plus

One elective

Spring

6


Bachelor of Science (Physics and Mathematics)

UAC Code: 757637 ***

*** Student to apply via Bachelor of Science (Physics) and upon offer acceptance to seek admission approval from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences Sub Dean.

This double major provides students with a deeper understanding of the complementary areas of physics and mathematics. Students will be eligible for employment in areas requiring qualifications in physics and mathematics and will particularly equip them for work in areas where they will undertake mathematical modeling of physical systems.

Core Program plus the following subjects

Subject

Session

Credit Points

Year 1

PHYS295

Astronomy concepts of the University

Spring

6

PLUS Three first year electives (STAT131 Understanding Variation and Uncertainty is highly recommended)

Year 2

MATH204

Complex Variables and Group Theory

Spring

6

Year 3

MATH302

Differential Equations 3

Autumn

6

MATH305

Partial Differential Equations

Spring

6

MATH321

Numerical Analysis

Spring

6

Choose two from:

PHYS335

Classical Mechanics

Offered Autumn odd years

6

PHYS390

Astrophysics

Offered Autumn even years

6

PHYS375

Nuclear Physics

Spring

6

PHYS385

Statistical Mechanics

Spring

6

PHYS396

Electronic Materials

Spring

6

Plus one third year Mathematics elective

6

Honours

Students with a good academic record are encouraged to proceed to an Honours year, a fourth year of study providing training in independent research. Further information on the Honours Program is available at Bachelor of Science Honours (Physics).

Advanced

Information on the Advanced Program is available at Bachelor of Science Advanced (Physics).

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science (Physics) and the Honours degree conform to the requirements for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: eis@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 7 May, 2014