Overview

Physics is the study of space and time, matter and energy. By carrying out experiments and developing conceptual models, physicists seek to provide a fundamental understanding of how our physical universe works. Physics ranges from the very practical, such as developing biomedical-imaging and optoelectronic devices, to asking curiosity-driven questions about … For more content click the Read More button below. Physics at Monash covers the full spectrum of subjects, from atom optics to x-ray science. You will have access to world-leading researchers and facilities, including the $175M New Horizons Research Centre. We are also developing new ways of teaching physics and astronomy. At first year this centres on the Physics and Astronomy Collaborative-learning Environment (PACE). First year classes are held in the PACE Studios which are custom-designed to encourage independent learning, and to promote the problem solving, effective communication and teamwork highly valued by employers. We are forging a community of students who are pro-active learners, able to apply their knowledge and skills in creative ways. Physics graduates have varied and diverse career options. They may work as medical physicists in hospitals, as patent examiners, in the financial, business and government sectors. They may work in research roles for universities, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Australian Synchrotron, and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). Physicists are also found working in the renewable energy sector, science teaching, climate modelling and science communication. Availability Physics is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major, extended major or minor.

Requirements for progressing to honours and other further studies

You must meet the entry requirements for S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours), M5021 Graduate Diploma of Health and Science Research or meet the progression requirements to the fourth year of S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours).

You must also complete prerequisite study as per the intended discipline. Refer to the honours prerequisites table.

Learning outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of your course, and successfully completing this area of study, you will be able to:

1.

Explain how knowledge in physics is constructed as part of continually evolving conceptual frameworks developed from experiment and observation, and built around a core of unifying fundamental concepts

2.

Appreciate physics as a creative, social endeavour which provides intellectual pleasure and contributes to society and its development through a multitude of applications to past, current and future technologies

3.

Use a wide range of appropriate equipment and techniques in designing, planning, carrying out and refining experiments

4.

Demonstrate the experimental, numerical, computational, analytical and problem solving skills required to gain employment in a wide variety of industries or to undertake further learning in physics and related disciplines

Requirements
72 credit points

Mathematics requirement12 credit points
Supporting studies in Mathematics18 credit points
Level 1 core units12 credit points
Physics elective units6 credit points
Additional physics units24 credit points

Contacts

Coordinator(s)

Dr Alexis Bishop
Dr Paul Lasky
Dr Scott Findlay

Organisational contacts

Dr Paul Lasky (Level one) 
Dr Scott Findlay (Level two) 
Dr Alexis Bishop (Level three)