Glossary

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Physical Science - PHYSK13987

Stream Summary

Faculty: SCI - Faculty of Science

School: School of Physics

Contact: http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/

Program: 3987 - Science (International)

Award(s):

Bachelor of Science (Major)

Information valid for students commencing 2013.
Students who commenced prior to 2013 should go to the Handbook's Previous Editions

Stream Outline

Physics is the study of the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of the universe, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the universe itself. It applies these laws to the solution of practical and theoretical problems and to the development of new technologies.

Stream Structure

A major in Physical Science is comprised of 78 units of credit of courses as follows:

Stage 1

PHYS1121 Physics 1A (6 UOC) or PHYS1131 Higher Physics 1A (6 UOC)
PHYS1221 Physics 1B (6 UOC) or PHYS1231 Higher Physics 1B (6 UOC) or PHYS1241 Higher Physics 1B (Special) (6 UOC)
MATH1131 Mathematics 1A (6 UOC) or MATH1141 Higher Mathematics 1A (6 UOC)
MATH1231 Mathematics 1B (6 UOC) or MATH1241 Higher Mathematics 1B (6 UOC)

Stage 2

PHYS2110 Quantum Physics & Laboratory (6 UOC)
PHYS2210 Electromagnetism and Thermal (6 UOC)

MATH2011 Several Variable Calculus (6 UOC) or MATH2111 Higher Several Variable Calculus (6 UOC)
MATH2120 Mathematical Methods for Differential Equations (3 UOC) or MATH2130 Higher Mathematical Methods for Differential Equations (3 UOC)

3 UOC level II or III MATH or PHYS course
12 UOC level II or III PHYS course

Stage 3

18 UOC of level III PHYS courses

Note: Students who wish to take honours in Physics should take 24 UOC of level III PHYS courses which include:

PHYS3011 Quantum & Electrodynamics (6 UOC)
PHYS3021 Statistical & Solid State (6 UOC)
PHYS3031 Optics & Nuclear Physics (6 UOC)

Notes

Students who are completing the Bachelor Science (majoring in Physical Science) in concurrent mode with a Bachelor of Engineering will need to substitute some level II courses in the Engineering program. For more information see this document: Mathematics in BE BSc Programs or contact the School of Mathematics and Statistics.