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Physics
is a major branch of modern science that provides a basis for an understanding
of the physical world. Many of the important methods and techniques found in
other branches of science and technology owe their existence to the practice of
physics. The discipline of physics ranges from the very practical, such as an
explanation as to why an integrated circuit works, to fundamental philosophical
questions about reality. A program of study in physics provides a sound
scientific background for today's complex and technologically oriented
world.
Both observation, measurement and data analysis are essential in physics as in
many areas of scientific endeavour. Therefore, with the exception of third and
fourth-year theoretical physics, all physics subjects involve laboratory work
where the emphasis is on instrumentation, data collecting and analysis. As well
as those students who major in physics, there are many who need a foundation in
physics as a prerequisite or recommended subject for their later-year studies.
The department also provides subjects in materials science at both second and
third-year levels, and in astronomy at both first and second-year levels.
Undue specialisation is avoided in the first three years (to pass BSc). In
subsequent years (BSc honours, MSc, MAppSc and PhD), opportunities exist for
specialisation within each of the fields of theoretical physics, experimental
physics, astronomy and astrophysics, applied physics and materials science. For
details of materials science, see separate entry. The astronomy subjects and
discipline details are also found under a separate entry for astronomy and
astrophysics.
Director
of first-year studies: Dr David Mills
Two first-year physics sequences are offered - PHS1011 and PHS1022 (Physics)
and PHS1031 and PHS1042 (Physics for bio- and environmental sciences). The
physics sequence PHS1011 and PHS1022 covers the foundations of physics over two
semesters, providing a balance between a theoretical understanding of physics
along with practical applications and experimental physics. This sequence
follows a mathematical approach using calculus and a Year 12 Physics
background is assumed. This sequence is normally taken by students with
interests in physics, mathematics, astrophysics, chemistry, computer science,
those interested in the nature of the universe, and those doing
science/engineering double degrees.
PHS1031 (Physics for the living world) and PHS1042 (Physics for bio- and
environmental sciences) are specifically designed for students interested in
biomedical and environmental disciplines. There is an emphasis on applications
of physics principles and instrumentation in the modern biosciences. The
approach is more descriptive than the former sequence and can be undertaken by
students with no previous physics.
Both PHS1011 and PHS1022 are normally required to enter the second-year physics
subjects PHS2011 and PHS2022, however students with exceptionally good results
in PHS1031 and PHS1042 may be enrolled at the discretion of the head of
department. Either first-year sequence provides an adequate foundation to
continue to second-year studies in astronomy and materials science as well as
providing a strong experimental background for students whose principal
interests are in other branches of science. Students entering second-year
physics should have done sufficient first-year mathematics to undertake
MTH2010.
A group of physics and physical science subjects is also offered at first-year
level on the Gippsland campus: PHS1616, PHS1627 and PHS1639.
The department also offers first-year astronomy ASP1010 (Earth to cosmos -
introductory astronomy). See separate entry under 'Astronomy and astrophysics'
for details.
There are three major subject groupings, or streams, taught by the Department of Physics in the BSc at second-year level:
These streams are
designed to provide a good grounding in the various aspects of physics for
students wishing to major in other disciplines as well as those intending to
continue to third-year physics and beyond. All second-year physics subjects
comprise three hours of lectures/problem classes/tutorials per week and four
hours of laboratory work per week.
Students intending to proceed to third-year physics and/or theoretical physics
must pass PHS2011 and PHS2022. The additional six-point subject PHS2510
(Medical physics) is available for students wishing to undertake more than 12
points of physics at second year. This subject complements the other physics
subjects and provides an understanding of the physical principles underpinning
modern medical imaging. This subject is recommended but not essential for
students who intend to continue to third-year physics. Alternatively, the
subjects PHS2211 (Astronomy: exploring the solar system), PHS2222 (Astronomy:
the stars and beyond), PHS2611 (Everyday materials) and PHS2622 (Functional
materials) are available to increase the number of physics points taken at
second year.
Second-year
physics coordinator: Dr Greg Jakovidis
The subjects PHS2011 and PHS2022 each comprise three theory units and are
designed to introduce some of the underlying principles of physics, including
quantum physics, solid state physics, electromagnetism, optics and atomic and
nuclear physics. The need to keep abreast of aspects of instrumentation and
electrical and electronic measurements is covered by the analogue electronics
and AC theory units. The key concepts of each theory unit are linked via common
applications in the areas of quantum concepts and technologies (PHS2011) and
physics for communications and measurement (PHS2022). Students intending to
proceed to third-year physics/theoretical physics should also take the
six-point second-year mathematics subjects MTH2010 and MTH2032.
Astronomy
coordinator: Professor John Pilbrow
The Department of Physics operates its own observatories at Mount Burnett and
at the Clayton campus. The two subjects ASP2011 and ASP2022 cover both
theoretical and observational astronomy. For details of these two subjects, see
'Astronomy and astrophysics'.
Three subject sequences are offered by the Department of Physics at third-year level - physics, theoretical physics and applied physics.
Third-year
physics coordinator: Dr Trevor Hicks
Third-year physics subjects are offered either as 12 or 24-point semester
subjects. In both cases, the subjects are made up of a specified number of
units (some compulsory). Each unit normally comprises 12 one-hour lectures. The
12-point physics subjects PHS3031, PHS3042, PHS3051 and PHS3062 comprise four
12-hour lecture units, one six-hour unit, 12 tutorials plus five-and-a-half
hours of laboratory work on average per week for the semester. The 24-point
physics subjects PHS3011 and PHS3022 have eight 12-hour lecture units, one
six-hour unit, 24 tutorials and 11 hours of laboratory work on average per
week. In all these subjects, the choice of units must be approved by the
coordinator. As part of the laboratory work, students attend a six-hour
professional studies unit in each semester. These units provide an important
introduction to the role of a professional physicist. During the year students
will visit an industrial, research or medical physics laboratory.
Two physics project subjects, PHS3351/PHS3352 (four points) and PHS3360/ 1/2 (eight
points), are available to allow students to work individually on a project of
their choice with a staff supervisor.
Third-year
theoretical physics coordinator: Dr Trevor Hicks
The 12-point theoretical physics subjects PHS3131 and PHS3142 comprise six
12-hour theory units and 18 tutorials.
Third-year
applied physics coordinator: Dr Trevor Hicks
Applied physics at third-year level comprises two subjects - PHS3331 and
PHS3342. These two subjects, each of four 12-hour units, one six-hour unit, 12
tutorials and five-and-a-half hours of laboratory work on average each week,
maintain a theme of instrumentation and monitoring, emphasising frequency
domain signal processing, the extraction of signals from noise, and the
application of instrumentation to measurements in a number of physical
fields.
The requirement for entry to honours year applied physics is a pass in both
PHS3331 and PHS3342 at an average of a distinction level.
Fourth-year
physics coordinator: Dr Andrew Smith
At the honours level, physics offers three subjects - PHS4000 (Experimental
physics), PHS4100 (Theoretical physics) and PHS4200 (Applied physics). Students
wishing to proceed to fourth year should apply towards the end of their third
year. Normally, a distinction or a higher grade at third-year level is
required. All students are assigned an individual supervisor. All three
subjects consist of lecture units and a research-oriented project.
Students may commence honours studies at either the beginning of the year or at
mid-year. For both groups of students, lectures are conducted in first semester
and the research project undertaken in second semester. By arrangement with
their supervisor, a student may undertake a limited amount of coursework in
second semester, but it is intended that the research work be carried out
without distraction from other activities.
Thus, students commencing at the beginning of the year complete all (or most)
of their coursework in first semester and undertake the bulk of their project
work in second semester. They are normally required to begin their studies
during the first week of February. Those students entering at mid-year carry
out their project in the second semester of that year and complete all (or
most) of their coursework in the first semester of the following year. They are
expected to begin their honours studies by the start of second semester.
The lecture units are only offered in first semester, and each unit comprises
approximately 18 hours of class contact. Students are required to choose
lecture units in collaboration with their supervisors. Students enrolling in
PHS4000, PHS4100 and PHS4200 must note the compulsory units under the relevant
headings.
Not all fourth-year units listed may be offered in any one year. In special
circumstances, some variation in the compulsory units listed may be permitted.
Students may include units at an appropriate level from those available in
other departments of the university. Students who have taken units offered at
both third and fourth-year levels, as part of their third-year study, may not
repeat those units at honours year.
wwwdev@monash.edu.au
Thu May 25 16:42:33 EST 2000