Bachelor of Science with a major in Photonics
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Overview
Science at Macquarie has a strong focus on peer-assisted learning and practical work, both in the field and in our high-quality laboratories. This hands-on approach will allow you to develop your scientific research skills, critical thinking and problem solving ability.
Learn from internationally recognised researchers and gain state-of-the-art scientific knowledge.
Photonics is the use and application of light. It is the basis for products such as DVDs, digital cameras and flat-panel displays, laser scanners, biomedical instrumentation and communication systems.
Photonics is intrinsic to many technologies for medicine, environmental monitoring, advanced computers, machine vision and manufacturing.
This major combines physics, optics, materials science and electronics in a professionally oriented degree, incorporating nanophotonics, biophotonics, and technologies such as lasers, optical fibres and communications.
Key features
- Gain industry-relevant skills including technical writing and communication, technology management, and practical skills using modern instrumentation and facilities.
- Opportunity for placement in a local technology company during final semester project, which boosts your job chances.
- Apply for summer vacation scholarships to work on research projects.
- There is a strong Australian tradition in optics and optical fibre technology, and our highly qualified graduates are eagerly sought by employers.
Location
North Ryde
Suitable for
Those planning a career in high technology industries or science. The hands-on laboratory component will appeal to practically-oriented students.
HECS Course fee
Student amenities fee
Information on the Student services and amenities fee
Entry requirements
English language requirements
If you have completed the NSW HSC or equivalent you satisfy the English proficiency requirements.
For full information view the English proficiency requirements table (436 Kb).
Work experience requirements
What you will study
| Degree requirements | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of credit points for the degree | 68 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 200 level or above | 38 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 300 level or above | 18 |
| Minimum number of credit points designated as Science | 42 |
| Completion of a Qualifying Major for the Bachelor of Science | |
| Completion of a designated People unit | |
| Completion of a designated Planet unit |
Major requirements
The following outlines the units (subjects) to be studied within this major
| 100 level | Credit Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required | PHYS140 | Physics IA | 3 | ||
| Required | PHYS143 | Physics IB | 3 | ||
| Required | either | MATH135 | Mathematics IA | ||
| or | MATH132 | Mathematics IA (Advanced) | 3 | ||
| Required | either | MATH136 | Mathematics IB | ||
| or | MATH133 | Mathematics IB (Advanced) | 3 | ||
| 200 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | PHYS201 | Physics IIA | 3 | ||
| Required | PHYS202 | Physics IIB | 3 | ||
| Required | PHTN221 | Introduction to Optical Science and Technology | 3 | ||
| Required | MATH235 | Mathematics IIA | 3 | ||
| 300 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Capstone | PHTN310 | C | Industrial Project | 3 | |
| Required | PHTN321 | Optical and Photonic Devices and Systems 1 | 3 | ||
| Required | PHTN322 | Optical and Photonic Devices and Systems 2 | 3 | ||
| Required | PHYS301 | Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics | 3 | ||
| Total credit points required to satisfy this major | 36 | ||||
Notes
- Units marked with a C are Capstone units.
- The course information contained on this page is applicable for 2012 ONLY.
For more information please read the courses disclaimer.
Careers
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the degree take up a broad range of employment including:
- engineering
- management and education and training
- postgraduate study
- science research support
- technical sales support
Employers
There is a strong Australian tradition in optics and optical fibre technology, and our highly qualified graduates are eagerly sought by employers. There is an ongoing demand for applied physicists including specialists in the fields of optics, lasers, optoelectronics and photonics. Research, development and manufacturing employment opportunities are strong in industries such as telecommunications, optical components, biomedicine, sensing and defence. Some major employers include:
• Alcatel
• Braemar
• Fujitsu
• British Aerospace
• Canon
• CSIRO
• DSTO
• Olympus
• Optus
• Phillips
• Redfern Photonics
• Telstra
• Warsash
Average starting salary
Median starting salary is $48,000 for a physical sciences graduate (source: GradStats 2009).


an education in the top two per cent of universities in the world, giving you an international recognised and respected degree