Course description
About Applied Physics
The study of physics is concerned with the observation, understanding and prediction of natural phenomena and the behaviour of man-made systems. It deals with profound questions about the nature of the universe and with some of the most important practical, environmental and technological issues of our time. Its scope is broad and involves mathematics and theory, experiment and observations, computing, technology, materials and information theory. The applied physicist is expected to have a sound grounding in the principles of physics, to be able to apply their knowledge in the modelling analysis and solution of problems in the real world and to bale to communicate the results of their work to a wider audience. This program provides cooperative learning during the work placements and through the Diploma of Professional Practice, the professional preparation for work practice.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities exist in government-related facilities such as CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, ANSTO, National Standards Commission, Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Housing. There are also opportunities in regional hospitals, regional health and electricity authorities and areas such as mining and exploration, mineral processing, material testing, communications, industrial process control and signal processing.
Program Structure
Students must complete 35 courses/216 units of credit including 18 physics courses, 8 professional practice courses, 6 elective courses and an honours project/essay. Academic plans are available in maths, electronics/instrumentation and geophysics.
18 physics courses
PHYS11184 Engineering Physics A
PHYS11185 Engineering Physics B
MATH11163 Mathematics IA
MATH11164 Mathematics IB
MATH12171 Differential Equations
MATH12172 Multivariable Calculus
PHYS12073 Introduction to Modern Physics
PHYS12075 Optics
PHYS12076 Properties of Materials
PHYS13194 Modern Optics
PHYS13071 Quantum Physics
PHYS13072 Solid State Physics
PHYS13193 Oscillations and Waves
ENEE13013 Digital and Analogue Electronics
6 professional practice courses
ENEP11001 Professional Practice Preparation 1
ENEP11002 Professional Practice Review 1
ENEP11005 Industry Placement 1
ENEP12001 Professional Practice Preparation 2
ENEP12002 Professional Practice Review 2
ENEP12006 Industry Placement 2
Students must also complete 6 elective courses* and an honours project and essay (equivalent to 4 courses/24 units of credit)
PHYS19102 Essay
PHYS19188 Honours Project A
PHYS19189 Honours Project B
Approved electives - Level 1
CHEM11007 Introductory Concepts of Chemical Sciences
CHEM11008 Essential Principles of Chemical Sciences
COIT11133 Programming Fundamentals
ENTE13012 Applied Microcontrollers
ENVR11011 Fundamentals of Environmental Science
ENVR11012 Applications of Environmental Science
PHYG12003 Geological Science
PHYS12074 Concepts of Astronomy
Approved electives - Advanced
ENTI12001 Instrumentation and Transducers
PHYG13004 Earth Science
PHYS13068 Acoustics and Vibrations
PHYS13164 Applied Physical Techniques
PHYS13192 Stars, Planets & Galaxies
* Students must complete a total of 10 elective courses including:
* 4 elective courses from the 'Approved Electives' list (24 uc);
* 4 Applied Physics electives from the 'Advanced' list (24 uc); and
* 2 electives which may be chosen from any level 4-5 electives throughout the University or from a limited number of Level 3 courses (not previously studied) provided they meet the objectives of the course and have the approval of the Program Coordinator (12 uc).
