2020 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of Science | 2020

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Abbreviation:

BSc

UOW Course Code:

757

CRICOS Code:

031274F

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/Spring

Delivery Mode:

On-campus (Face-to-face)

Delivery Campus / UAC Code:

Wollongong / BSc (Atmospheric Science) 757660
Wollongong / BSc (Biomolecular Physics) 757661
Wollongong / BSc (Nuclear Science and Technology) 757638
Wollongong / BSc (Physics) 757637

Overview

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, quantum and statistical mechanics, with options including: cosmology, astrophysics, energy and environmental physics, complemented by a number of advanced mathematics subjects.

The following majors are on offer in this Bachelor of Science program:

  • Atmospheric Science
  • Biomolecular Physics
  • Nuclear Science and Technology
  • Physics
  • Physics and Mathematics 

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Identify significant components of physical systems and describe their interactions.
2 Apply knowledge of fundamental physical laws to analyse behaviour and properties of a variety of physical systems
3 Demonstrate foundational knowledge of research principles and methods associated with physics.
4 Integrate technical and cognitive skills in reviewing, analysing and synthesising information to address specific themes in physics.
5 Demonstrate knowledge of physical principles underlying a variety of measurement techniques.
6 Demonstrated ability to conduct and interpret experiments using contemporary scientific instruments.
7 Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently by written and oral means.

Course Structure

To complete the Bachelor of Science (in one of the five majors listed below) students are required to complete the subjects listed on each individual page. 

Majors

Each major has a common core: 

  • 10 core subjects (60 credit points);
  • a minimum of 144 credit points in total.  
Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core Subjects
Year 1
PHYS141 Fundamentals of Physics A 6 Autumn
MATH187 Mathematics 1: Algebra and Differential Calculus 6 Autumn
PHYS142 Fundamentals of Physics B 6 Spring
MATH188 Mathematics 2: Series and Integral Calculus 6 Spring
Year 2
PHYS205 Advanced Modern Physics 6 Autumn
MATH202 Differential Equations: Analysis and Applications 6 Autumn
MATH201 Multivariate and Vector Calculus 6 Autumn
PHYS215 Vibrations, Waves & Optics 6 Autumn
PHYS225 Electromagnetism and Optoelectronics 6 Spring
PHYS235 Mechanics & Thermodynamics 6 Spring

Advanced Honours

The Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) program is a 4 year degree which includes an honours year and offers majors in:

  • Atmospheric Science
  • Biomolecular Physics and
  • Physics.  

Students with an average WAM of 80% or more may apply to transfer to the Advanced degree.  Information on the Advanced Honours Program is available at Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours).

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).

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

For further information email: eis@uow.edu.au or Academic Program Director

Last reviewed: 13 November, 2019