Coordinators: Listed below for each level
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents