Future Students

Physics

The Area of Study

Physicists study, explore and seek to understand natural phenomena, from the early universe to basic components of matter. They apply this knowledge to high technology including lasers, new materials, nanotechnology and medicine.

Major topic areas are astronomy, astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, relativity, quantum physics, electromagnetism, optics, solidstate physics, astronomy and cosmology. Important elements of nanotechnology and quantum information science arise in many of these areas.

The degree program in physics, supported by parallel study in mathematics and other science subjects, provides the basis for understanding the universe, matter and energy. It allows you flexibility in designing your own program of study. Thus, it is possible to supplement a major study in physics (which includes mathematics) with computing and electronics, other sciences, languages and arts subjects.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course duration
Bachelor of Science 73.00 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Arts 76.00 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Science with Bachelor of Laws 96.00 5 years full-time
Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws 95.45 5 years full-time

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in one of the following:

  • Physics
  • Mathematical Physics

Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • physics
  • theoretical and mathematical physics
  • mathematics
  • electronic systems
  • optoelectronics

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

HSC Mathematics (band 4) or its equivalent is a subject prerequisite for physics units. Higher levels of mathematics and some HSC science subjects such as Physics or Chemistry, Engineering Studies or Senior Science and Information Processes and Technology, or their equivalents, are strongly recommended. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Accreditation

All degrees with a major in physics or astronomy and astrophysics at Macquarie University are accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics.

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Career Options

  • scientific research
  • university postgraduate study and research
  • industrial management or research and development
  • teaching physics and mathematics
  • consulting
  • information technology
  • high-technology industries
  • medical physics

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Some Major Employers

  • Anglo Australian Observatory
  • hospitals
  • CSIRO
  • telecommunication firms
  • Department of Defence
  • science and technology organisations
  • universities
  • departments of education and training
  • secondary schools
  • scientific and medical instrumentation firms

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Further information

Department of Physics and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109
Telephone:  (02) 9850 8912
Fax: (02) 9850 8115
Email: physicsandengineering@mq.edu.au
Web: www.physics.mq.edu.au

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