Program Overview
Program Overview
Physics underpins our modern world, with discoveries in physics advancing computer technologies, telecommunications, diversifying energy sources and storage, revolutionising biomedical science and health imaging, and tackling global challenges. The Physics major within the 3-year Bachelor of Science at Murdoch University provides the essential physics principles found in physics majors throughout the world, with a hands-on, practical approach focused on applications of these physical principles to key industries and global challenges.
Program Structure
The Physics major consists of 24 credit points, with the following required units:
- PEN152: Principles of Physics (3 cp)
- PEN201: Thermodynamics for Chemistry and Physics (3 cp)
- CHE200: Electromagnetism and Electrochemistry (3 cp)
- PEN300: Sensors and Biophysics (3 cp)
- PEN301: Soft Matter and Statistical Physics (3 cp)
- CHE300: Surface and Interface Phenomena (3 cp)
- PEN302: Functional Materials (3 cp)
Students must also choose one of the following specific electives:
- MAS220: Mathematical Methods and Multivariable Calculus (3 cp)
- MAS221: Mathematical Modelling and Differential Equations (3 cp)
Available in Courses
The Physics major is available in the following courses:
- B1411: Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) (72 credit points)
- B1410: Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science) (72 credit points)
Admission Requirements
Special requirements for the program include:
- Computer with internet access
- Email Entry requirements for onshore students are as per normal undergraduate admission requirements. Students who have not completed the necessary mathematics or physics at WACE-level may be required to complete introductory units in first year. English language requirements include an equivalent of an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Acquire an understanding of the breadth and depth of physical laws, concepts, and principles.
- Apply experimental and quantitative principles, concepts, and methods in physics-specific and interdisciplinary contexts.
- Apply physics-specific principles, concepts, and experimental, computational, and mathematical techniques to investigate problems, and critically appraise the generality and limits of the approach.
- Formulate quantitative descriptions for physically mediated scientific, natural, or technological phenomena or processes.
- Identify and apply suitable numerical methods for the study of processes or problems in physics, and use appropriate software to implement scientific computational analyses.
- Communicate physics knowledge effectively and accurately to technical and non-technical audiences in oral or written form in ways that conform to professional standards.
- Develop effective teamwork and independent learning skills to respond to a diverse range of perspectives and contexts, and use self-guided learning to tackle problems beyond the current level of ability.
- Demonstrate behavior that conforms to ethical and professional standards in dealing with quantitative data, results, and methods, and their dissemination and application in real-world situations.
Professional Outcomes
Graduates of the program find employment in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Government agencies
- Private companies in areas such as:
- Pure research
- Research and development
- Education and Training
- Quality control
- Health and medical physics
- Environmental monitoring
- Meteorology and astronomy
Research Areas
The program covers research areas including:
- Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
- Engineering
- Biological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Technology
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Education
- Information and Computing Sciences
- Medical and Health Sciences
Program Details
- Owning college: College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Owning school: Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics
- Enrolment pattern(s): Part Time, Full Time
- Credit points: 24
- Version: 07
- Version start date: 01/07/2024