ObjectivesAt the completion of this course, students should be able to:
* analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
* apply abstract concepts to real-world situations;
* manage time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and examinations.
Academic titleMaster of Science - Physics
Course descriptionStudents must complete 200 points comprising:
* 87.5 points of discipline subjects;
* a 12.5 point Professional Tools subject; and
* a 100 point Research Project.
Discipline subjects (all subjects are 12.5 points, total points: 87.5)
Students must take seven of the following subjects:
Students may substitute at most two approved subjects at 300 level or higher. It will be compulsory to take 300-level Statistical Physics or 300-level Electrodynamics if the student did not take these subjects (or their equivalent at another institution) during undergraduate studies.
Professional tools (all subjects are 12.5 points, total points: 12.5)
Students must take one of the following subjects:
* 600-619 Science and Communication
* Critical analysis in Science (available from semester 2, 2010)
* eScience (available from semester 2, 2010)
* 600-615 Thinking and Reasoning with Data
* 600-617 Systems Modelling and Simulation
* 600-616 Science in Context
* 600-618 Ethics and Responsibility in Science
* 600-614 Business Tools: Money, People and Projects
Research Project (100 points)
Students will gain research experience in Physics by completing a 100 point Research Project comprising:
* a preliminary literature survey and research plan at the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project (10 page limit of mixed text, diagrams and mathematical formulas; pass/fail);
* an oral presentation at the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project (up to 20 min; pass/fail);
* a major thesis at the end of year two (50 page limit of mixed text, diagrams and mathematical formulas; 90% of final grade);
* an oral presentation at the end of year two (up to 30 min; 10% of final grade); and
* the completion of an advanced seminar in the relevant research area (pass/fail)
Students would normally enrol in a combination of Research Project subjects as indicated below over four semesters of full-time study or over eight semesters of part-time study, to ensure they have completed a total of 100 points by the end of their course.
* 640-609 Research Project - 12.5 points
* 640-608 Research Project - 25.0 points
* 640-607 Research Project - 37.5 points
* 640-606 Research Project - 50.0 points
Subject Semester Credit Points
640-613 Particle Physics
Particle Physics is the study of the elementary constituents of matter, and the fundamental forces of nature. The subject introduces modern elementary particle physics, with an emphasis on the theoretical description of the Standard Model of Particle... Semester 2 12.50
640-615 Condensed Matter Physics
This subject provides an advanced introduction to condensed matter physics. The general topics covered are (i) experimental and theoretical aspects of the characterisation of condensed matter using eletrons and x-rays and (ii) the quantum model of so... Semester 2 12.50
640-614 General Relativity
This subject provides an advanced introduction to Einstein's theory of general relativity. Specific topics may inlcude special relativity, manifolds and curvature, experimental tests, Einstein's equations, the Schwarzschild solution and bla... Semester 1 12.50
640-612 Physical Cosmology
This subject provides an advanced introduction to physical cosmology. Specific topics may include the isotropic homogeneous Universe, the Robertson Walker metric, the Friedmann equations, baryogenesis, inflation, big-bang nucleosynthesis, the recombi... Semester 2 12.50
640-610 Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics introduces a dramatically new and rich understanding of the universe. In addition to providing a much deeper insight into the world of atoms and subatomic particles than afforded by classical Newtonian physics, Quantum Mechanics un... Semester 1 12.50
640-604 Statistical Mechanics
This subject provides an advanced introduction to the mathematical theory of collective phenomena in complex, many-body systems, in equilibrium and far from equilibrium, with an emphasis on critical phenomena and the emergence of long-range order. S... Semester 1 12.50
640-603 Quantum and Advanced Optics
Optics and photonics are vibrant international research areas, advancing many aspects of modern life. From the determination of the structure and function of biomolecules to the study of stars and galaxies; from high-efficiency lighting to innovativ... Semester 2 12.50
640-611 Quantum Field Theory
This subject introduces quantum field theory, the combination of quantum mechanics and relativity that explains the fundamental structure of matter and the physics of the early universe. The course has an emphasis on quantum electrodynamics. Specifi... Semester 1 12.50
600-656 Experimental Methods
No description available Semester 1 12.50
600-619 Science and Communication
This subject reviews the range of competencies needed to operate effectively in the workplace.Students develop a clear understanding of the nature of managerial work and the kinds of skills required to manage oneself and others in organisations. Comm... Semester 1 12.50
600-615 Thinking and Reasoning with Data
What conclusion can be drawn from a pool of data? How can a scientist draw meaningful conclusions while not overreaching? How can modelling help the scientist interpret data? This subject will address these questions by teaching students critical th... Semester 1 12.50
600-617 Systems Modelling and Simulation
Modern science and business makes intensive use of computers for simulation, optimisation and data analysis. This is because complex real-world systems often can not be analysed exactly, but can be simulated. Using simulation we can perform virtual e... Semester 1 12.50
600-616 Science in Context
As a Scientist, one of the main challenges is to communicate scientific knowledge to the wider community. Whether the issues are big or small, communicating complex scientific knowledge needs to be ‘context relevant’. Increas... Semester 2 12.50
600-618 Ethics and Responsibility in Science
What is scientific fraud? What should a scientist do when he or she finds fraud is occurring on a scientific or medical research team? How does a scientist write and defend an ethics submission and get it approved? How can a scientist ensure complian... Semester 2 12.50
600-614 Business Tools:Money, People & Projects
This subject will give an overview of the tools required to operate successfully in an organisational environment. The focus of the subject is the internal workings of an organisation and specifically addresses three main areas: working with people,... Semester 2 12.50
640-609 Research Project
In this subject, students undertake a substantial program of original research in one of the many research fields in which the School of Physics is active and internationally recognised: astrophysics, condensed matter physics, optics, and particle ph... Semester 1, Semester 2 12.50
640-608 Research Project
In this subject, students undertake a substantial program of original research in one of the many research fields in which the School of Physics is active and internationally recognised: astrophysics, condensed matter physics, optics, and particle ph... Semester 1, Semester 2 25
640-607 Research Project
In this subject, students undertake a substantial program of original research in one of the many research fields in which the School of Physics is active and internationally recognised: astrophysics, condensed matter physics, optics, and particle ph... Semester 1, Semester 2 37.50
640-606 Research Project
In this subject, students undertake a substantial program of original research in one of the many research fields in which the School of Physics is active and internationally recognised: astrophysics, condensed matter physics, optics, and particle ph... Semester 1, Semester 2 50