Physics

Supporting studies

Except for some level 1 units, most Physics (PHS) units have mathematics prerequisites.

All level 2 physics units require MTH1030 Techniques for modelling. All level 3 Physics units require MTH2010 Multivariable calculus and MTH2032 Differential equations with modelling.

Note 1: Students who have not met the VCE entry requirements for MTH1030 must also complete MTH1020.

Note 2: Students in the double degree course with Engineering complete ENG1090 and/or ENG1005 instead of MTH1020 and/or MTH1030 and either ENG2005 or ENG2006 from 2017 instead of MTH2010.

Minor requirements (24 points)

12 points at level 1 and 12 points at level 2.

Students complete:

(a.) Two level 1 units (12 points):

• PHS1011 Classical physics and relativity, or PHS1080 Foundation physics, or PHS1031 Physics for the living world
• PHS1022 Fields and quantum physics

Note 3: Students who have passed physics at year 12 (or equivalent) should take PHS1011; it extends students' existing knowledge and skills in physics. Students without year 12 physics should take PHS1080. Students with a specific interest in the relation of physics to biological systems can choose PHS1031.

(b.) Two level 2 units (12 points) from the following:

• PHS2061 Quantum and thermal physics
• PHS2062 Electromagnetism and optics
• PHS2081 Atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics

Note 4: PHS2061 and PHS2062 are required for a major in Physics; PHS2081 can contribute to a major in Physics.

Major requirements (48 points)

12 points at level 1 and at least 18 points at level 3.

Students complete:

(a.) The requirements for the minor in physics which includes PHS2061 and PHS2062 (24 points)

(b.) Three level 3 units (18 points) from the following:

• PHS3031 Foundations of contemporary physics
• PHS3051 Photon physics
• PHS3131 Theoretical physics
• PHS3042 Fundamentals of condensed matter physics
• PHS3062 Fundamental particle physics
• PHS3142 Theoretical physics II

(c.) One additional unit (6 points) chosen from the list in (b.) above or from the following:

• PHS2081 Atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics
• PHS3350 Physics and astronomy research project 1 or PHS3360 Physics and astronomy research project 2**
• MTE3545 Functional materials and devices*
• MTE3547 Materials characterisation and modelling*
• one level 3 mathematics unit approved by the School of Physics and Astronomy level 3 coordinator.

* This unit requires additional prerequisites.

** Enrolment in these units requires approval by the School of Physics and Astronomy level 3 coordinator.

Extended major requirements (72 points)

No more than 18 points at level 1 and at least 30 points at level 3.

Students complete:

(a.) The requirements for the major in Physics (48 points)

(b.) Four additional units (24 points) chosen from the lists (b.) and (c.) under the major or from the following, with overall at least five units (30 points) from list (b.) under the major:

• ASP1010 Earth to cosmos - introductory astronomy or ASP1022 Life and the universe
• ASP2011 Astronomy or ASP2062 Introduction to astrophysics
• ASP3051 Relativity and cosmology
• ASP3231 Observational astronomy
• ASP3012 Stars and galaxies
• ASP3162 Computational astrophysics and the extreme universe

Requirements for progressing to honours

24 points of relevant level 3 Physics units including PHS3031 Foundations of contemporary physics.

Refer to S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours) for full details.