Coordinators: Listed below for each level
Physics is a major branch of modern science that provides an understanding of the physical world. Many of the important methods and techniques in other branches of science and technology owe their existence to physics. The discipline of physics ranges from the very practical, such as explanation of modern electronic and photonic devices, to probing the nature of our universe at quantum and cosmological scales. 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.
Instrumentation, measurement and data analysis are essential in physics, as in many areas of scientific endeavour, and are emphasised in all physics units, except those in theoretical physics. The School of Physics and Materials Engineering offers materials science at levels one, two, three and four and astronomy at levels one, two and three. See the separate entries for `Astronomy and astrophysics' and `Materials science' for details. Students may include these units in a physics major.
The first three levels of physics provide a broad foundation for the discipline. In honours and postgraduate study, opportunities exist for specialisation in a wide range of topics in theoretical physics, experimental and applied physics.
Minor sequence in physics (24 points):
Major sequence in physics (48 points):
Details of the ASP and MSC units, and 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
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 required. They are 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 for PHS1011/PHS1022, and these units 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. Any level-one unit provides a foundation to continue to level-two studies in astronomy and materials science. Students entering level-two physics should have completed sufficient level-one mathematics to undertake MTH2010.
Foundation physics PHS1080 is suitable for students with no Year 12 Physics who wish to study physics or astrophysics at level 2 and above. It should be followed by PHS1022.
The school also offers a level-one unit in astronomy, ASP1010. See the `Astronomy and astrophysics' entry for details.
Coordinator: Associate Professor Michael Morgan
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, MSC2011 and MSC2022 complement the mainstream physics units and allow students to broaden their understanding of the physical world.
The units PHS2011 and PHS2022 introduce some of the underlying principles of physics, including quantum physics, solid state physics, electromagnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, thermodynamics and statistical physics. The key concepts 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 and offers the level-two unit ASP2011. For details, see the `Astronomy and astrophysics' entry in this section of the handbook.
Details of the level-two materials science units MSC2011 and MSC2022, 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, solid state and fundamental particle 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.
The coordinator of the physics project units PSH3350 and PHS3360 is Associate Professor John Cashion.
Coordinator: Dr David Paganin
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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