Contents
1.1 What is Physics?
 Physics
is the study of the laws of nature that govern the behaviour of
the universe, from the very smallest scales of sub-atomic particles
to the very largest scales of cosmology. It applies these laws to
the solution of practical problems and to the development of new
technologies. Physicists engage a broad range of skills to undertake
this work. A physicist might be a theorist puzzling over fundamental
laws, a numerical modeller developing sophisticated computer algorithms
to calculate how systems behave, an experimentalist developing new
techniques to measure properties of nature, or an engineer combining
those theories and techniques into new technologies. Physics is
becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, as physicists work with
mathematicians, engineers, chemists and biologists in order to understand
and solve a wide range of problems confronting society.
 Physics
is a challenging and rewarding subject. Its study instructs a person
in the art of critical thinking, how to pose questions and how to
solve problems. Physics is at the heart of almost every facet of
modern life. Physics provides training for a vast range of careers,
where it is either employed directly, or where the skills developed
can be applied in innovative ways in other fields.
1.2 Physics at UNSW
1.2.1 Why UNSW?
The School of Physics is part of the
Faculty of Science and Technology at UNSW, and is one of the largest
and most prominent Schools in the university. It is also among the
largest Schools of Physics in any Australian university. Through
its accomplishments in research it has proved itself to be one of
the most dynamic scientific institutions within Australia. There
are 27 academic staff, 35 support staff, 25 research fellows and
60 postgraduate students studying for higher degrees in the School.
Teaching facilities are modern and interaction between student and
teacher encouraged. Teaching encompasses a combination of lectures,
accompanied by multi-media and practical demonstrations, tutorials
and a range of laboratories. Research projects with individual academics
are undertaken in higher years. The School is well equipped with
computing facilities, and all physics undergraduates are given their
own accounts, with full access to e-mail and the World Wide Web.
1.2.2 Research
Areas
The School has an accomplished record
in a number of research areas. These include astrophysics, biophysics,
environmental physics, theoretical physics, nanotechnology and semiconductor
physics. This work is undertaken in individual groups within the
School, described below.
1.2.2.1
Astrophysics and Optics
 Astrophysics
encompasses the study of the Universe beyond the Earth – including
the solar system, the stars and galaxies, and cosmology. The astrophysics
group is one of the most active research groups in this discipline
in Australia. The principal activities are in cosmology, the structure
and evolution of galaxies, star formation and the interstellar
medium. There is also a particularly strong instrumentation group,
developing advanced technologies for astronomical telescopes.
The group is pioneering the development of astronomy on the Antarctic
plateau, as well as operating the Automated Patrol Telescope and
22-m diameter ‘Mopra’ millimetre wave telescope (the largest such
telescope in the world able to view the southern skies) at Siding
Spring Observatory.
1.2.2.2 Biophysics
 Biophysics
is the study of physical mechanisms behind life processes. Its
study is leading to an explosion in medical technology, impacting
on areas like biosensors, molecular electronics, magnetic resonance
imaging, and biocompatible materials for prosthesis and new drug
delivery systems. Research areas include membrane technology,
protein structure, cryobiology and the biophysics of hearing and
speech.
1.2.2.3 Condensed
Matter Physics
 Condensed
Matter Physics investigates the behaviour of matter in its solid
phase. Within the School condensed matter physics activity encompasses
several internationally regarded groups with laboratories housing
an outstanding range of experimental facilities. Interest focuses
on optoelectronics, magnetism, and ultra-small low dimensional
semiconductor devices (2–, 1– and 0–dimensional structures!).
Driven by a combination of technological and engineering needs
and by fundamental physics issues, much of the interest is in
understanding the physics relevant in technologically important
materials with structure at the sub-micron and nanometre scale.
Optoelectronic, rare earth and nanoscale magnetic materials and
sub-micron devices are probed at the physical extremes of low
temperature and in strong magnetic fields where quantum effects
dominate. A wide variety of research tools are in use at the School,
including laser light, high steady and pulsed magnetic fields,
very high pressures, tunnelling microscopy and many other sensitive
electronic and magnetic measuring systems. UNSW researchers are
also at the forefront of the race to develop the world’s first
practical “quantum computer”, a machine that promises an extraordinary
leap forward in computing power.
1.2.2.4 Environmental
and Applied Physics
 Environmental
physics concerns itself with the physics of the environment (both
natural and man-made). The group’s research activities focus on
the radiation balance of our atmosphere (otherwise known as the
“Greenhouse Effect”), on the role of atmospheric particles on
climate and visibility, and on the behaviour of the ionosphere.
acoustics of musical instruments.
Applied physics uses physics to investigate
and solve a variety of practical problems. The group’s applied
research is mainly in acoustics, especially in the acoustics
of musical instruments.
1.2.2.5 Theoretical
Physics
The final product of any research
is theory, giving us a quantitative understanding of Nature. It
also helps us to ask new questions and stimulates new experiments.
Research areas are diverse, ranging from cosmology to the nature
of fundamental particles, from the orderly properties of new crystalline
materials and superconductivity to quantum chaos and the origin
of statistical laws.
1.2.3 Major Facilities
with the School of Physics
The School of Physics has built up a
number of major teaching and research facilities which students
will use during their studies within the School. These include:
1.2.3.1 Teaching
Facilities
- First year teaching laboratories,
fully refurbished in 1999.
- Second year physics laboratory.
- Third year physics laboratory.
- Electronics laboratory.
- Micro-computer laboratory.
- Astronomical observatory, including
a 35-cm optical and a 4-m radio telescope.
- Extensive undergraduate computer
facilities.
- Supporting these facilities are
a mechanical and an electronic workshop.
1.2.3.2 Research
Facilities
- Automated Patrol Telescope and
‘Mopra’ Millimetre Wave Telescope, at Siding Spring Observatory,
Coonabarabran.
- Joint Australian Centre for Astrophysical
Research in Antarctica, including the ‘Automated Astrophysical
Site Testing Observatory’ at the South Pole.
- National Pulsed Magnet Laboratory.
- Protein Crystallography Facility.
- Semiconductor Nanofabrication Facility.
- UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science
and Technology.
- The School of Physics also hosts
the new Special Research Centre for Quantum Computing Technology.
- Computing facilities include a
range of DEC, Sun and Silicon Graphics Unix workstations, and
Macintosh and PC computers.
1.2.4 Scholarships
and Prizes
A number of Faculty scholarships are
available for able students. The School also offers prizes at the
end of each year for the best performance in various undergraduate
courses. Vacation
scholarships are available
for students who wish to spend some of their vacations gaining research
experience in one of the School’s research groups.
1.3 Career
Opportunities
Physics is a training in how to solve
problems. It also equips graduates with mathematical and information
technology skills. Consequently a vast range of career options are
available, options which might not directly use physics. For instance,
the CEOs of several large Australian companies are physicists. Physicists
face the world with confidence and know where to obtain the information
they need to complete a task. Of particular interest for many students
will be the joint degrees we offer, such as Science/Law, Science/Commerce
and Science/Engineering, with Physics as the principal scientific
component. These degrees teach students a broad range of skills,
including the scientific methodology so important in solving problems
in general, and provide recognised professional qualifications in
the second discipline.
Higher degrees such as the MSc or PhD
are an essential pre-requisite for a career in research. The School
offers a vigorous research program where these degrees can be obtained
through the submission of a thesis by research.
Physicists are thus employed in an extensive
range of activities, both within and outside the discipline itself.
Some of the opportunities include:
- Astrophysics. Astronomical
observatories are high-technology institutions, employing skilled
scientists with engineering, electronic, computing and optical
backgrounds, as well as astronomers. While the field is highly
competitive, Australia has a proud record in astronomy, and there
are many opportunities both within Australia and abroad for astronomical
careers. For example, in 1998 eight members of the Department
of Astrophysics found employment at major observatories around
the world.
- Commonwealth and State Public
Service, jobs requiring an understanding of basic scientific
processes, even if not directly using that science.
- Computing and Computing Science.
The experience gained as a physicist, using computers to solve
physics problems, is usually regarded by employers in the industry
as more valuable than that of students who simply have a computing
science degree.
- Engineering. The best engineers
are those who also understand and can apply physics.
- Environmental Science, including
studying global climate change. Many of these problems require
a sound physics background, often as a member of an interdisciplinary
team.
- Finance. The mathematical
model building and problem-solving skills of physicists are in
great demand in the financial sector.
- Industrial Physics. UNSW physics
graduates have made successful careers in industries such as manufacturing,
communications, electronics and biomedical technology.
- Management. Successful managers
require a great many skills, and the ability to recognise and
solve problems is one of the most important. A training in physics
prepares you for this need.
- Medical Physics, including
biophysics and bioengineering, associated with hospitals, health
departments and medical research.
- Optoelectronics, including
communication and data storage & retrieval using lasers, is one
of the fastest growing areas in science and technology. Its impact
on the world in the 21st century is likely to be as great and
extensive as electronics was in the 20th century.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships in
universities and government laboratories, permitting independent
research to be followed.
- Research positions in CSIRO,
Defence labs or industry (for example BHP, CSR, ICI and Telstra).
- Scientific Sales and Management,
especially in the computer industry.
- Teaching at schools, TAFE
and universities. There is a severe shortage of qualified physics
teachers at the moment.
- Technical and Professional Officers
in universities, industrial and government laboratories.
1.4 Degrees
in Physics
Physics can be studied through elective
courses, as a Minor or a Major in the Bachelor of Science, or as
a Study Plan in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science – Science
and Technology). These Study Plans include Physics and Astronomy
and Physics with Computer Science, in addition to Physics. They
are described in further detail below.
A Major in Physics requires the completion
of 42 units of credit (UOC) in Stages 2 and 3. Of these, four Level
II courses worth a total of 12 UOC are compulsory in Stage 2, with
another 12 UOC to be chosen from Level II or Level III courses.
In Stage 3 18 UOC of Level III courses must be taken. A Minor in
Physics requires the completion of 24 UOC from Level II or Level
III Physics courses; however there are no compulsory subjects.
It is also possible to take double degrees,
in Science/Arts, Science/Commerce, Science/Education, Science/Law,
and in Engineering/Science. These typically involve 4 or 5-year
programs, studying Science to pass or honours degree level, and
in addition obtaining a degree in the second field. The Science
part of the degree may be taken in Physics. These double degrees
will be of particular interest to students who wish to broaden their
range of skills to improve their subsequent employment prospects
for a wide range of career options.
1.4.1 Courses Studied
In the first year of all programs (Stage
1) half the time is spent studying Physics and Mathematics, acquiring
the essential skills needed before any specialisation can occur.
Teaching involves lectures, laboratories and tutorial classes. Other
courses which may be taken in first year include Chemistry and Computing.
In higher years the fraction of
time spent on Physics, and in particular specialities, increases.
Higher years include a number of core courses, which all students
undertaking a Major or a Study Plan in Physics take, and electives
based on particular areas of interest.
The Level II courses offered are Astronomy,
Atmospheric Physics, Biophysics, Computer Applications in Experimental
Science, Computational Physics, Electromagnetism, Mechanics, Quantum
Physics, Thermal Physics and The Search for Life Elsewhere in the
Universe. In addition, there are laboratory courses in Experimental
Methods and in Electronics.
The Level III courses are Astrophysics,
Biophysics, Computational Physics, Electromagnetism, Electronics,
Lasers, Nuclear Physics, Optics, Optoelectronics, Physics of Solid
State Devices and Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, Solid
State Physics and a laboratory component.
The core component of the Honours year
involves Electromagnetism & the Standard Model, Quantum Mechanics,
Solid State Physics and Statistical Mechanics. The Honours year
electives reflect the research specialities of the School and include
Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Molecular Physics and Quantum
Field Theory.
Students studying for an Advanced Science
(honours) degree also undertake research projects as an integral
part of their work. Small projects can be undertaken during the
first three years, but in Honours year two major research projects
are undertaken with individual academics, one each session. Through
the submission of an Honours thesis these contribute to half the
final degree marks. Each year the School publishes a list of the
available projects, from which students choose according to their
interests.
1.4.2 Assumed Knowledge
For science degree programs it is assumed
that students, through their high school studies (or other equivalent
study), will have achieved a level of knowledge of the subject area
that is considered desirable for successful university-level study.
For science programs this is equivalent to obtaining a mark in the
range 60–100 in 2 Unit Mathematics and in any 2 Units of Science
in the NSW HSC. Students who have
undertaken 2 Unit Science (General), Science for Life, Mathematics
in Society or Mathematics in Practice, however, will not have achieved
the recommended level of knowledge for university level Physics.
Students who do not have the level of assumed knowledge are not
prevented from enrolling but may be placed at a considerable disadvantage.
They are strongly advised to undertake a bridging program or other
appropriate preparation.
1.4.3 Advanced
Standing
First year students who wish to apply
for exemptions based on courses they have completed elsewhere should
apply to the relevant Year Director, with details of the relevant
syllabi and their academic record.
Higher year students seeking exemptions
should apply to the Undergraduate Director.
1.5 Study
Plans
1.5.1 Physics
The Physics Study Plan in the Bachelor
of Science (Advanced Science – Science and Technology) provides
a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of physics through the
core component of the Study Plan, and it leaves open the option
of specialising in later years. Through
choosing appropriate electives a student can primarily concentrate
on theoretical or experimental areas of Physics, and move towards
specialising in one of the School’s principal research areas in
Honours year. Thus, for instance, a student could enrol for the
Physics Study Plan, but end up studying the same courses as a student
in the Physics and Astronomy Study Plan through appropriate choice
of electives and research projects in higher years. The Physics
Study Plan thus allows a student to delay the choice on their final
speciality until they are sure they know what they want to study
through their experiences during the earlier years of their degree.
1.5.2 Physics with
Computer Science
Physics with Computer Science is available
as a Study Plan in the Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science – Science
and Technology). This program
provides a sound training in computer science as well as in physics.
With the explosion in the use of computers in all aspects of society,
and particularly within research and industrial laboratories, it
is increasingly important to understand how such systems work, how
they are assembled and how they are programmed. A training in physics
complements that provided by computer science. A typical degree
program would consist of 50% Physics courses, 25% Computer Science
courses and 25% Mathematics courses.
1.5.3 Physics and
Astronomy
Students interested in pursuing studies
in astrophysics can do so in the Physics and Astronomy Study Plan
of the Bachelor of Science (Science and Technology). An
astrophysicist studies the nature and behaviour of our Universe,
using all the techniques of modern physical sciences. At some point
along their career path they may follow a particular aptitude and
veer towards the theoretical or instrumental parts of the science,
or may steer a middle path in which data are acquired and interpreted.
For example, those with a mathematical bent may apply general relativity
to the study of black holes or cosmology. Those who enjoy computing
may specialise in computer control of telescopes or numerical analysis
of astronomical data. Others may build new instruments at the forefront
of technology or may use existing ones to discover new facts about
stars, nebulae and galaxies, and how they form and evolve.
Each year of the program contains core
physics courses, an astronomical component and electives. In first
year there are lectures in planetary astronomy and laboratory work
on a variety of astronomical projects. The second year contains
a course on galaxies, the third year on stellar astrophysics and
in honours year on the interstellar medium and on cosmology. Research
projects in astronomy during Honours can contribute up to 50% of
the final degree. The School of
Physics is particularly well equipped for the teaching of astronomy.
It possesses a 35-cm optical telescope with digital camera and spectrometer,
and a 4-m radio telescope, both dedicated to student use, and has
excellent computing facilities.
The Astrophysics and Optics group within
the School carries out a vigorous research program. It runs two
major telescopes; the 0.5-m Automated Patrol Telescope and the 22-m
‘Mopra’ Millimetre Wave Telescope (the largest such telescope viewing
the southern skies) at Siding Spring Observatory. It also runs the
Joint Australian Centre for Astrophysical Research in Antarctica.
In addition, members of the group regularly make observations on
major national facilities such as the Anglo-Australian Telescope
and the Australia Telescope (a synthesis array radio telescope),
as well as on overseas telescopes and the Hubble Space Telescope.
Honours research projects often involve the use of these facilities.
1.5.4 Engineering
Physics
This plan is not available to students
commencing in 2006
1.5.5 Medical Physics
This plan is not available to students
commencing in 2006
1.6 Double Degrees
Degrees with Physics Double degrees
typically involve 4 or 5-year programs. You study Physics as a Major,
in addition to obtaining a Major in a second field. An honours-level
degree can also be taken with an additional year of study. Double
degrees are suited to students who don’t intend to pursue a research
career in science, but wish to use science in their career and need
to gain qualifications in fields such as Commerce or Law to pursue
interests in these areas. A double degree allows a student to broaden
their range of skills and thus improve their subsequent employment
prospects for a wide range of career options.
1.6.1 Science /
Arts
Students graduate with a Bachelor of
Science and a Bachelor of Arts. This double degree allows students
to take courses from the Faculty of Science and from the Faculty
of Arts and Social Science. In each year typically between 65–75%
of courses are chosen from Science courses, and the remaining from
Arts. Physics may be chosen as the principal science course.
1.6.2 Science /
Commerce
Science / Commerce is a 4 year double
degree. Students complete a Major and a Minor in Science, plus a
Major from Commerce. A sliding scale operates in relation to the
number of courses in Science and in Commerce that a student studies.
Over the four years slightly over half the units taken in Science
courses, with the rest in Commerce courses. The exact proportion
of science courses and their mix is chosen by the student. Physics
may be selected as the Science discipline. Students graduate with
a double degree with the qualifications of Bachelor of Science and
Bachelor of Commerce.
1.6.3 Science /
Education
Students graduate with a Bachelor of
Science and a Bachelor of Education. The combined degree course
leads to the award of a degree at pass level after four years of
study, and at honours level after 5 years. A Major is chosen in
one of the Science schools, and in addition various education courses
are taken during each year. Students interested in this program
should enquire with the School of Physics for further information.
1.6.4 Science /
Engineering
Double degrees in Science and Engineering
are offered in Aeronautical, Civil, Computing, Electrical, Industrial,
Mechanical Engineering or Naval Architecture. Physics is usually
chosen as the Science discipline studied. For further information
on these degrees please consult the Faculty of Engineering handbook
or their website at www.eng.unsw.edu.au.
1.6.5 Science /
Law
The Science / Law double degree is a
5 year program. In the first three years students typically study
six Science and two Law courses per year, qualifying for a pass
degree (BSc) after that time. In the final two years Law is studied,
completing the requirements for a Law degree. The Science courses
covered are the core courses for the discipline chosen, which can
be Physics. However Law courses are studied instead of the Science
electives. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor
of Laws.
1.7 General Education
All students have to undertake a number
of General Education subjects outside their Faculty in order to
broaden their education. These are a distinctive feature of UNSW
degrees which other universities do not offer. The School of Physics
runs a wide range of General Education subjects.
1.8 Professional
Recognition
BSc graduates with a Major in Physics
and from all Advanced Science programs will be eligible for membership
of the Australian Institute of Physics. Other professional bodies
also are open for membership depending on particular specialties
chosen (eg. the Astronomical Society of Australia for the Physics
and Astronomy Study Plan).
Further
Information
For further information on the School
of Physics please
- contact Sue Hagon, the "Physics Friend",
School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052,
Australia, call (02) 9385-6293, fax (02) 9385-6060,
or email our special enquiries address:
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