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PHYS-MAJ · Major · 48 credit points

Physics

Available in Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours), Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours)

Rules for completing this course

You must complete: - a maximum of two units at Level 1 (12 credit points), and - a minimum of three units at Level 3 (18 credit points). Physics major requirements You must complete 48 credit points, comprising: - 36 credit points of Core units; - 6 credit points of Additional units; and - 6 credit points of Elective units. Progression to Honours requires completion of 24 credit points of relevant Level 3 units.

Supporting studies in Mathematics

Physics is an area of study that benefits from supporting studies in Mathematics. This entry lists the requirements of the major and the mathematics supporting studies required for progression in Physics. You must complete the following mathematics units. Note 1: These supporting studies units can form part of your Part B Specified studies - Additional science studies. Note 2: If you meet the prerequisites, you may consider replacing MTH1030 and MTH2010 with one or more of their advanced units: MTH1035 and MTH2015. Note 3: For Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (E3007) double degree students, you must complete ENG1005, ENG2005 and MTH2040.

  • MTH1030Techniques for modelling6 cp
  • MTH2010Multivariable calculus6 cp
  • MTH2032Differential equations with modelling6 cp

Core units

36 cp

You must complete six units (36 credit points), comprising: - two units at Level 1 (12 credit points); - two units at Level 2 (12 credit points); and - two units at Level 3 (12 credit points). Note 1: Your selection will depend on your background and interests in Physics and Mathematics. Refer to the individual units for prerequisite requirements. Note 2: It is recommended that you select your two Level 1 units in one of the following combinations: PHS1011 and PHS1022; or PHS1001 and PHS1002; or PHS1002 and PHS1031. Note 3: If you are a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (S2007) student, you complete BMS1031 instead of PHS1031.

  • PHS1011Classical physics and relativity6 cp
  • PHS1022Fields and quantum physics6 cp
  • PHS1001Foundation physics6 cp
  • PHS1002Physics for engineering6 cp
  • PHS1031Physics for the living world6 cp
  • PHS2061Quantum and thermal physics6 cp
  • PHS2062Electromagnetism and optics6 cp
  • PHS3000Experimental physics6 cp
  • PHS3101Quantum mechanics6 cp

Unit substitutions and requirements for double degree students

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (E3007) - You must complete ENG1005, ENG2005 and MTH2040. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (S2007) - You must complete BMS1031 instead of PHS1031. BMS1031 cannot be counted towards the 96 credit points of science units required for the Bachelor of Science.

Additional units

6 cp

You must complete one unit (6 credit points) from the following list

  • PHS3102Statistical and condensed matter physics6 cp
  • PHS3201Classical dynamics and field theory6 cp
  • PHS3202Wave optics and atomic physics6 cp
  • PHS3302Relativity and particle physics6 cp

Elective unit

6 cp

You must complete one unit (6 credit points) from the following list, or from the Additional units list above (not already completed). Note 1: You can complete only one of PHS2350 or PHS2360 or only one of PHS3350 or PHS3360. Note 2: Enrolment in PHS2350, PHS2360, PHS3350 or PHS3360 requires achievement in a minimum set of units and permission of the unit coordinator.

  • ASP2064Computation and data analysis in astrophysics6 cp
  • PHS2081Atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics6 cp
  • PHS2350Physics and astronomy introductory research project 16 cp
  • PHS2360Physics and astronomy introductory research project 26 cp
  • PHS3350Physics and astronomy research project 16 cp
  • PHS3360Physics and astronomy research project 26 cp

Source: 2027 handbook entry