Glossary

Use this search only if you have an exact code for a Program, Stream, or Course, e.g. 3403, ACCTA13502, ACCT1501 or ACCT*.

Physics - PHYSL13457

Stream Summary

Faculty: SCI - Faculty of Science

School: School of Physics

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

Program: 3457 - Music / Science

Award(s):

Bachelor of Science (Major)

View stream information for previous years

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 Physics 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) or PHYS1141 Higher Physics 1A (Special) (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

MATH2069 Mathematics 2A (6 UOC)
MATH2089 Numerical Methods & Statistics (6 UOC)
PHYS2111 Quantum Physics (6 UOC)
PHYS2114 Electromagnetism (6 UOC)

Stage 3

PHYS3111 Quantum Mechanics (6 UOC)
PHYS3112 Experimental Physics (6 UOC)
PHYS3113 Thermal and Statistical (6 UOC)

PLUS 12 UOC from:

Notes
Students who are completing a double major in Mathematics and Physics should substitute MATH2011 or MATH2111 (Higher) Several Variable Calculus and MATH2521 or MATH2621 (Higher) Complex Analysis for MATH2069 Mathematics 2A; and MATH2301 Mathematical Computing and MATH2801 or MATH2901 (Higher) Theory of Statistics for MATH2089 Numerical Methods and Statistics.

Students who wish to take honours in Physics must take PHYS3114 Electrodynamics as one of their Physics electives.

Recommended science electives: (these are not compulsory but may complement a major in Physics) include PHYS1160 Introduction to Astronomy; CLIM2001 Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science; and BABS6741 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe.