Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics
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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.
Physics is fundamental to all natural sciences and plays a central role in the development of new technologies.
Physics is a core discipline for all science and technology students. It challenges students to:
- explore the underlying principles of all physical phenomena
- develop skills in problem-solving, numerical analysis, good laboratory techniques, technical writing and oral communication.
You’ll explore basic questions about intrinsic laws of the universe, and learn how physics is applied to interdisciplinary fields.
Physics at Macquarie University uses high-quality, innovative approaches to teaching, based on excellent research and strong links with other organisations and industry, both nationally and internationally.
Key features
- Teachers are active physics researchers, recognised nationally and internationally.
- Practical experience in undergraduate teaching laboratories that are among the best equipped in Australia.
- Apply for summer vacation scholarships to work on research projects.
Location
North Ryde
Suitable for
Students with an interest in physics, and abilities in mathematics, chemistry, computing, biology and other sciences.
HECS Course fee
AUD $4,520 p.a.
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 | MATH132 | Mathematics IA (Advanced) | ||
| or | MATH135 | Mathematics IA | 3 | ||
| Required | either | MATH133 | Mathematics IB (Advanced) | ||
| or | MATH136 | Mathematics IB | 3 | ||
| 200 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Required | PHYS201 | Physics IIA | 3 | ||
| Required | PHYS202 | Physics IIB | 3 | ||
| Required | MATH235 | Mathematics IIA | 3 | ||
| 300 level | Credit Points | ||||
| Capstone | PHYS310 | C | Energy and Entropy | 3 | |
| Required | PHYS301 | Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics | 3 | ||
| Required | 6cp from | ASTR378 | General Relativity and Cosmology | ||
| PHTN321 | Optical and Photonic Devices and Systems 1 | ||||
| PHYS303 | Atomic and Solid-State Physics | ||||
| PHYS304 | Quantum Physics II | ||||
| PHYS306 | Optical Physics | 6 | |||
| Total credit points required to satisfy this major | 33 | ||||
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
- consulting
- high-technology industries
- industrial management or research and development
- information technology
- medical physics
- patent assistant/examiner
- scientific research
- teaching physics and mathematics
- technology sales
- university postgraduate study and research
Employers
• Anglo Australian Observatory
• CSIRO
• Department of Defence
• departments of education and training
• hospitals
• scientific and medical instrumentation firms
• science and technology organisations
• secondary schools
• telecommunication firms
• universities
Average starting salary
Median starting salary is $48,000 for a physical sciences graduate (source: GradStats 2009).
Profiles
Our Expertise
Dr James Downes
James Downes spent his undergraduate years in New Zealand before moving to the US to complete his PhD at Boston University. At Macquarie he is the Director of the Bachelor of Science Physics program and of the 100-level physics teaching laboratory. When he is not teaching, James studies the electronic structure of next-generation semiconductor materials using synchrotron x-ray spectroscopy and neutron techniques.
an education in the top two per cent of universities in the world, giving you an international recognised and respected degree
