Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

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Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) (Physics)

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) (Physics)

Abbreviation:

BScAdv(Hons)(Phys)

UOW Course Code:

358

CRICOS Code:

085500K

Total Credit Points:

192

Duration:

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences

Intake Session(s):

Autumn/Spring

Delivery Mode:

On-campus (Face-to-face)

Delivery Campus / UAC Code:

Wollongong / 757602

Additional Information:

Course Finder

Overview

The Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) (Physics) degree is for high-achieving students interested in a challenging program leading to a career in scientific research. The program offers a greater degree of flexibility in program design providing an opportunity to undertake individual research subjects at 2nd, 3rd and 4th-year levels. Students are also able to participate in various enrichment activities and to develop a close association with an appropriate member of one of the Faculty's research teams. 

In the final year, all students undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in their major discipline, together with other required seminars and/or course work.

Continuation in the Advanced degrees will normally be dependent on students achieving a WAM of at least 80 in each year of study. Students who do not meet the required average will be transferred to the equivalent non-Advanced degree.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) (Physics) will be able to:

  1. Integrate knowledge of a variety of fundamental physical laws to analyse behaviour and properties of physical systems.
  2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods associated with physics.
  3. Integrate advanced technical and cognitive skills in reviewing, analysing and synthesising information to address specific themes in physics.
  4. Exercise critical thinking, initiative and judgment in understanding complex concepts and constructing new understandings in contemporary physics.
  5. Communicate advanced knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently by written and oral means to an expert and non-expert audiences.
  6. Demonstrate initiative and creativity in planning and executing a research project pertinent to physics. 

Course Structure 

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Year 1
MATH187 Mathematics 1: Algebra and Differential Calculus 6 Autumn
PHYS141 Fundamentals of Physics A 6 Autumn
MATH188 Mathematics 2: Series and Integral Calculus 6 Spring
PHYS142 Fundamentals of Physics B 6 Spring
PHYS295 Astronomy - Concepts of the Universe 6 Spring
Plus THREE electives*
Year 2
MATH201 Multivariate and Vector Calculus 6 Autumn
MATH203 Linear Algebra 6 Autumn
PHYS205 Advanced Modern Physics 6 Autumn
PHYS235 Mechanics & Thermodynamics 6 Autumn
MATH202 Differential Equations 2 6 Spring
MATH204 Complex Variables and Group Theory 6 Spring
PHYS215 Vibrations, Waves & Optics 6 Spring
PHYS225 Electromagnetism and Optoelectronics 6 Spring
Year 3
PHYS305 Quantum Mechanics 6 Autumn
PHYS325 Electromagnetism 6 Autumn
PHYS356 Physics of Detectors and Imaging 6 Autumn
Plus ONE subject from the following two subjects:
PHYS335 Classical Mechanics 6 Autumn
PHYS390 Relativity, Astrophysics and Cosmology 6 Autumn
Plus the following subjects:
PHYS375 Nuclear Physics 6 Spring
PHYS385 Statistical Mechanics 6 Spring
PHYS396 Electronic Materials 6 Spring
Plus ONE elective*
Year 4
PHYS405 Honours in Physics 48 Annual

The Honours grade will be calculated in accordance with Method 1. For further information refer to General Course Rules.

* Recommended Physics Electives 

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
PHYS154 Energy, Climate Change and Human Society 6 Autumn
PHYS155 Introduction to Biomedical Physics 6 Spring
PHYS233 Introduction to Environmental Physics 6 Autumn

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Professional Recognition/Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours (Physics) 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
Email: Academic Program Director

Last reviewed: 27 June, 2016