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Physics - Faculty of ScienceCoordinators: Listed below for each level The disciplinePhysics is a major branch of 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. Students explore diverse topics ranging from cosmology to sub-atomic particles. A program of study in physics provides a sound scientific background for a complex and technologically oriented world. Instrumentation, measurement and analysis are essential in physics, as in many areas of scientific endeavour, and are emphasised in all physics units. The School of Physics offers physics units at levels one, two, three and four and astronomy at levels one, two and three. See the separate entry for `Astronomy and astrophysics' for details. Materials science units are equivalent to materials engineering units and are co-taught with Department of Materials Engineering staff from the Faculty of Engineering. Students may include some astronomy, astrophysics and materials science 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 and experimental physics. Units offeredLevel one
Level two
Level three
Sequence requirementsMinor sequence in physics (24 points)
Major sequence in physics (48 points)
In special circumstances, the head of school may approve PHS1042 instead of PHS1022. For level two and three physics, there are mathematics prerequisites: PHS2022 has MTH2010 as a prerequisite; PHS2011 has MTH1030 as a prerequisite; PHS3031 has MTH2010 and MTH2032 as pre-requisites. At level one, MTH1020 or MTH1030 are recommended corequisites for PHS1011 and PHS1022. 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. RecommendationsLevel oneDirector 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 the student is required to have studies VCE year 12 Physics (or equivalent) . PHS1011 and PHS1022 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. Foundation physics PHS1080 is suitable for students with no year 12 Physics (as above) who wish to study physics or astrophysics at level two and above. It should be followed by PHS1022. PHS1031 and PHS1042 are specifically designed for students interested in biomedical and environmental disciplines. There is an emphasis on applications of physics principles in a broad range of sciences. These units can be undertaken by students with no previous physics experience; the approach is a balance of descriptive and analytical treatments; calculus is not used. PHS1011 or PHS1080 and PHS1022 are normally required to enter the level-two physics units PHS2011 and PHS2022, however students with alternative semester-one physics may enrol in level-two units at the discretion of the head of school. Any level-one physics provides a foundation for level two in astronomy and materials science. Students entering level-two physics should have completed sufficient level-one mathematics to undertake MTH2010. The school also offers a level-one unit, ASP1010 (Introductory astronomy). See the `Astronomy and astrophysics' entry for details. Level twoCoordinator: Dr Greg Jakovidis There are three major unit groupings, or streams, at level two: physics (PHS2011 and PHS2022), astronomy (ASP2011), taught by the School of Physics, and materials science (MSC2011 and MSC2111), taught by Faculty of Engineering staff. 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 major in physics. Students intending to proceed to level-three physics and/or theoretical physics must pass PHS2011 and PHS2022. The units ASP2011, MSC2011 and MSC2111 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 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 6-point level-two mathematics units MTH2010 and MTH2032. The School of Physics has observatory facilities 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 MSC2111, which are taught by School of Physics staff and Department of Materials Engineering staff, are provided under the `Materials science' entry in this section of the handbook. Level threeCoordinator: Associate Professor Andrei Nikulin The School of Physics 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 normally consist 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. HonoursCoordinator: 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 should apply towards the end of their third year. A distinction average or higher in 24 points of PHS, ASP or MSC units 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. |