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Bachelor of Science
Testamur Title: | Bachelor of Science |
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 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 | |||
Mathematics 1: Algebra and Differential Calculus | Autumn | 6 | |
Fundamentals Physics A | Autumn | 6 | |
Mathematics 2: Series and Integral Calculus | Spring | 6 | |
Fundamentals Physics B | Spring | 6 | |
Year 2 | |||
Multivariate and Vector Calculus | Autumn | 6 | |
Linear Algebra | Autumn | 6 | |
Advanced Modern Physics | Autumn | 6 | |
Mechanics and Thermodynamics | Autumn | 6 | |
Differential Equations 2 | Spring | 6 | |
Vibrations, Waves and Optics | Spring | 6 | |
Electromagnetism and Optoelectronics | Spring | 6 | |
Year 3 | |||
Quantum Mechanics | Autumn | 6 | |
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: | |||
Classical Mechanics | Offered Autumn odd years | 6 | |
Physics of Detectors and Imaging | Autumn | 6 | |
Astrophysics | Offered Autumn even years | 6 | |
Nuclear Physics | Spring | 6 | |
Statistical Mechanics | Spring | 6 | |
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 | |||
Astronomy - Concepts of the Universe | Spring | 6 | |
plus three electives | 18 | ||
Year 2 | |||
Complex Variables and Group Theory | Spring | 6 | |
Year 3 | |||
Physics of Detectors and Imaging | Autumn | 6 | |
Classical Mechanics | Offered Autumn odd years | 6 | |
or |
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|
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Astrophysics | Offered Autumn even years | 6 | |
Nuclear Physics | Spring | 6 | |
Statistical Mechanics | Spring | 6 | |
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 | |||
Introduction to Environmental Physics | Autumn | 6 | |
Chemistry IA: Introductory Physical and General Chemistry (Recommended) | Autumn/Summer | 6 | |
Molecules, Cells and Organisms (Recommended) | Spring | 6 | |
Astronomy Concepts of the Universe | Spring | 6 | |
Year 2 | |||
Radiation Physics | Spring | 6 | |
Year 3 | |||
Physics of Detectors and Imaging | Autumn | 6 | |
Detection of Radiation | Autumn | 6 | |
Nuclear Physics | Spring | 6 | |
Nuclear Fuel Cycle | Spring | 6 | |
Statistical Mechanics | Spring | 6 | |
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 | |||
Introductory Chemistry For Engineers* | Autumn | 6 | |
Procedural Programming* | Autumn | 6 | |
Introduction to Circuits and Devices | Spring | 6 | |
Internet Technology 1* | Spring | 6 | |
* Three electives are required, these are examples | |||
Year 2 | |||
plus | One elective | Spring | 6 |
Year 3 | |||
Communication Systems | Autumn | 6 | |
Physics of Detectors and Imaging | Autumn | 6 | |
Advanced Photonics | Spring | 6 | |
Statistical Mechanics | Spring | 6 | |
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 | |||
Astronomy concepts of the University | Spring | 6 | |
PLUS Three first year electives (STAT131 Understanding Variation and Uncertainty is highly recommended) | |||
Year 2 | |||
Complex Variables and Group Theory | Spring | 6 | |
Year 3 | |||
Differential Equations 3 | Autumn | 6 | |
Partial Differential Equations | Spring | 6 | |
Numerical Analysis | Spring | 6 | |
Choose two from: | |||
Classical Mechanics | Offered Autumn odd years | 6 | |
Astrophysics | Offered Autumn even years | 6 | |
Nuclear Physics | Spring | 6 | |
Statistical Mechanics | Spring | 6 | |
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