Physics
is a major branch of modern science that provides the 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 first, second,
third and fourth-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 experience.
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 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.
An introductory physics subject, PHS1617, is available at Gippsland campus and
by distance, and is suitable for students with no previous physics
experience.
The department also offers a first-year subject in materials science, MSC1012
(Materials in our environment), and a first-year subject in astronomy ASP1010
(Earth to cosmos -- introductory astronomy). See separate entries under
´Materials science' and ´Astronomy and astrophysics' for details.
There are four 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 three 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 1) 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 and can also be studied in conjunction with the
third-year subject PHS3520 (Medical 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: Associate Professor Peter Wells
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 unit. 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'.
Third-year
physics coordinator: Dr Trevor Hicks
The Department of Physics offers a range of third-year subjects which cover
theoretical physics, the phenomena of physics and technological physics. In
addition, the department offers a subject which provides training in physics
relevant to astrophysics and a number of subjects based on a project approach
to the discipline.
Third-year physics subjects are offered as six-point subjects. Each non-project
subject normally consists of two series of 12 one-hour lectures, a further 12
hours of tutorial/workshops, and an average of 2.5 hours of laboratory per week
or one hour seminar work per week for theoretical subjects. Physics project
subjects require a total time commitment of 12 hours per week. As part of their
studies, students taking any of the subjects attend a professional studies
half-unit in each semester. These units provide an important introduction to
the role of a professional physicist.
The coordinator of the physics project subjects is Dr Don Hutton, and the coordinator of the Professional Studies unit is Associate Professor Trevor Finlayson
Honours
physics coordinator: Dr Andrew Smith
The physics honours subject PHS4000 prepares students for professional roles as
scientists. It encompasses a major research project of the student's own choice
carried out under the guidance of an academic member of staff. The project is
further supported by attendance at six lecture units, each consisting of
approximately 18 hours of class contact. These are chosen in collaboration with
the project supervisor and with the permission of the honours coordinator.
Students are also encouraged to participate in one of the research groups of
the department.
Students wishing to proceed to honours studies should apply towards the end of
their third year. Normally, a distinction average or higher at third-year level
is required.
Not all fourth-year lecture units may be offered in any particular year and
students may include units at an appropriate level from other departments of
the university. Lectures in PHS4000 are normally given during the first
semester of the calendar year and, accordingly, most of the project work is
carried out during the second semester.
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