Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate handbook 2004: Units indexed by faculty
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Undergraduate handbook 2004
Science

Physics

Coordinators: Listed below for each level

The discipline

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. Students explore diverse topics ranging from cosmology to nanotechnology to sub atomic particles. A program of study in physics provides a sound scientific background for today's complex and technologically oriented world.

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 units 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 for their higher-level studies. The school also provides units in materials science at levels one, two, three and four levels, and in astronomy at levels one, two and three. See the separate entries for `Astronomy and astrophysics' and `Materials science' for details.
Undue specialisation is avoided in the first three levels of study for the BSc. In subsequent years (BSc(Hons), MSc and PhD), opportunities exist for specialisation within each of the fields of theoretical physics, experimental physics, astronomy and astrophysics, applied physics and materials science.

Units offered

Level one
Level two
Level three

Sequence requirements

Minor sequence in physics (24 points):

Major sequence in physics (48 points):

Details of the ASP, MSC and NAN units, and some related sequences, are described in the `Astronomy and astrophysics' and "Materials science' entries in this section of the handbook.
In addition, students need to be aware of prohibitions and prerequisites, particularly with physics and mathematics units. In particular, students intending to proceed to level-three physics or theoretical physics should also complete the six-point level-two mathematics units MTH2010 and MTH2032.

Recommendations

Level one

Director of first-year studies: Dr David Mills

Two level-one physics sequences are offered - PHS1011 and PHS1022 and PHS1031 and PHS1042. The 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. These units follow a mathematical approach using calculus, and a Year 12 Physics background is assumed. They are 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 and PHS1042 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 level-two physics units PHS2011 and PHS2022, however students with good results in PHS1031 and PHS1022 may enrol in level-two units at the discretion of the head of school. Either level-one sequence provides an adequate foundation to continue to level-two 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 level-two physics should have completed sufficient level-one mathematics to undertake MTH2010.
An introductory physics unit, PHS1617, is available at Gippsland campus and by off-campus learning, and is suitable for students with no previous physics experience.
The school also offers a level-one unit in materials science MSC1012 and a level-one unit in astronomy ASP1010. See `Materials science' and `Astronomy and astrophysics' entries for details.

Level two

Coordinator: Associate Professor Peter Wells

There are three major unit groupings, or streams, taught by the School of Physics and Materials Engineering at level two: physics (PHS2011 and PHS2022), astronomy (ASP2011 and ASP2022) and materials science (MSC2011 and MSC2022). 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.

Students intending to proceed to level-three physics and/or theoretical physics must pass PHS2011 and PHS2022. The units ASP2011, ASP2022, MSC2011, MSC2022 and NAN2011 complement the mainstream physics units, and allow students to broaden their understanding of the physical world.
The units PHS2011 and PHS2022 each comprise three theory modules 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 module. The key concepts of each theory module 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 level-three physics/theoretical physics should also take the six-point level-two mathematics units MTH2010 and MTH2032.
The School of Physics and Materials Engineering operates its own observatories at Mount Burnett and at the Clayton campus. The two units ASP2011 and ASP2022 cover both theoretical and observational astronomy. For details of these two units, see the `Astronomy and astrophysics' entry in this section of the handbook.
Details of the level-two materials science units MSC2011, MSC2022 and NAN2011, which are taught by the School of Physics and Materials Engineering, are provided under the `Materials science' entry in this section of the handbook.

Level three

Coordinator: Dr Imants Svalbe

The School of Physics and Materials Engineering offers a range of level-three units that cover theoretical physics, the phenomena of physics and technological physics. In addition, the school offers a unit that provides training in physics relevant to astrophysics and a number of units based on a project approach to the discipline.

Level-three physics units are offered as six-point units. Each non-project unit 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 units. Physics project units require a total time commitment of 12 hours per week. As part of their studies, students enrolled in any unit must 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 units PHS3350 and PHS3360 is Dr Imants Svalbe, and the coordinator of the professional studies half-unit is Associate Professor Trevor Finlayson

Honours

Coordinator: Associate Professor Michael Morgan

Honours in physics 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 school.

Students wishing to proceed to honours studies should apply towards the end of their third year. A distinction average or higher in 24 points at level three 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 schools of the university. Lecture units 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. Mid-year entry to the honours program is also available.

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