ObjectivesPhysics is concerned with the understanding and quantitative description of natural phenomena. Applied physics is concerned with the application of this knowledge for the advancement of society. The areas in which professional physicists are employed are changing rapidly and becoming increasingly cross-disciplinary; these include biophysics, medical physics, environmental science, geophysics, computational physics, instrumentation and data acquisition and processing.
The Bachelor of Applied Physics program is designed to produce graduates who are well qualified to succeed in the changing employment scene. Graduates may be employed in fields as diverse as acoustics consulting, biophysics research, electro-optics, materials research, environmental monitoring, computing technology, geophysical exploration and secondary teaching.
The program includes in-depth studies in physics, including courses that introduce students to problems and applications in research and industry, as well as individual research projects of an applied nature in which students solve real problems and compile evidence of practical competence to show prospective employers.
The internal and external versions of the program have identical content, and students can transfer from one mode to the other as circumstances warrant.
Entry requirementsDomestic students - Prerequisites: Maths B (4, SA), physics (4, SA)
Note: the physics prerequisite for domestic students can be satisfied by a combination of physics (2, SA) and maths C (2, SA).
Academic titleBachelor of Applied Physics
Course description
About Applied Physics
Physics underpins all technology. Although it is a career that is often not explicitly recognised, applied physicists are making major contributions to many areas of science and technology. Physics is the science of matter and processes, the interaction of the physical world and the University. The skills of the applied physicists in investigating, modelling and analysing the problems of the real work are one of the corner stones of modern society.
If you're interested in the fundamental questions of life, the universe and everything, and in using your knowledge to make sure the quality of our environment is improved and our lives safe and healthy, a degree in physics may be for you.
Career Opportunities
Due to its all-embracing nature, it is difficult to identify a single career path followed by the physicist but careers actually taken up by our graduates include: exploration geophysics, medical physics, research laboratories like CSIRO, DSTO (materials, image analysis, signal processing), higher degrees research (geophysics, astrophysics, atomic physics, surface science), tertiary and secondary education, materials evaluation, electronic design and maintenance, acoustics/environmental measurement and pollution control, laser technology, energy production processes.
Program Structure
To satisfy the requirements of the award, students must complete 24 courses/144 units of credit as outlined below:
* 4 compulsory courses at Level 1;
* 6 compulsory courses at Level 2;
* 4 compulsory courses at Level 3;
* at least 3 Level 3 physics courses; and
* 7 elective courses selected from a plan stream or any undergraduate degree program.
4 compulsory courses at Level 1
Course Code Course Name
PHYS11184 Engineering Physics A
MATH11163 Mathematics IA
MATH11164 Mathematics IB
PHYS11185 Engineering Physics B
6 compulsory courses at Level 2
Course Code Course Name
ENEE13013 Digital and Analogue Electronics
MATH12171 Differential Equations
MATH12172 Multivariable Calculus
PHYS12073 Introduction to Modern Physics
PHYS12075 Optics
PHYS12076 Properties of Materials
4 compulsory courses at Level 3
Course Code Course Name
PHYS13194 Modern Optics
PHYS13071 Quantum Physics
PHYS13072 Solid State Physics
PHYS13193 Oscillations and Waves
at least 3 Level 3 physics courses
Course Code Course Name
Which may include:
ENEE13017 Signal Processing Systems
ENEE14003 Embedded Microcontrollers
PHYG13004 Earth Science
PHYS13068 Acoustics and Vibrations
PHYS13164 Applied Physical Techniques
PHYS13192 Stars, Planets & Galaxies
plus 7 elective courses
Elective courses should be selected from a plan stream or any undergraduate degree program. These elective courses may be selected from one or more of the following plans.
Electronics/Instrumentation
Course Code Course Name
COIT11133 Programming Fundamentals
ENCO11005 Computer Hardware Fundamentals
ENCO12008 Computer Architecture and Assembler
ENEE13017 Signal Processing Systems
ENEE14003 Embedded Microcontrollers
ENTI12001 Instrumentation and Transducers
Geophysics strand
Course Code Course Name
ENVR11011 Fundamentals of Environmental Science
ENVR11012 Applications of Environmental Science
PHYG12003 Geological Science
PHYG13004 Earth Science
PHYS12074 Concepts of Astronomy
PHYS13192 Stars, Planets & Galaxies
Mathematical Physics strand
Course Code Course Name
MATH12173 Linear Algebra
STAT11048 Essential Statistics
Recommended electives include
Course Code Course Name
CHEM11007 Introductory Concepts of Chemical Sciences
CHEM11008 Essential Principles of Chemical Sciences
Students must note:
* at least 36 units of credit of Level 3 courses must be completed; and
* students may select Level 2 courses before all Level 1 courses are completed as long as prerequisites are satisfied.
Recommended study schedule
Please note: that full-time students usually enrol in 4 courses per term and part-time students usually enrol in 2 courses per term.
New internal students should enrol in the following courses in their first year of study.
Course Code Course Name
PHYS12075 Optics
PHYS12073 Introduction to Modern Physics
PHYS11184 Engineering Physics A
PHYS11185 Engineering Physics B
MATH11163 Mathematics IA
MATH11164 Mathematics IB
Elective
Elective