Master of Physics (coursework and dissertation)

This course consists of a combination of advanced coursework, a research project and a dissertation. The research project is undertaken as part of an internationally recognised research group. Students develop a combination of high-level research, analytical and problem-solving skills which are highly valued by industry and government employers. For students wishing to continue to a PhD, the Master of Physics provides an outstanding preparation.

Course overview

Course title
Master of Physics (coursework and dissertation)
Award abbreviation
MPhys
Course code
53560
Course type
master's degree by coursework and dissertation
Status
current / 2020
Administered by
Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
CRICOS code
077499J

Course details

Intake periods
Beginning of year and mid-year
Attendance type
full-time only
Articulation
The Master of Physics has the following exit award: 52360 Graduate Diploma in Physics (48 points) (48 points)
Credit points required
96
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester.
Standard course duration
1.5 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising 72 points of taught units and 24 points of admission credit, as recognised and granted by the Faculty
Maximum course duration
2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising up to 96 points of taught study (see Rule 5 for further information)
Professional accreditation
Master of Physics (coursework and dissertation) is accredited by: The Australasian College of Physical Scientists & Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM).
Time limit
5 years
Delivery mode
internal
Locations offered
UWA (Perth)
Domestic fee type
Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP
Course Coordinator(s)
Professor Li Ju
Fees
Visit the fees calculator.

Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.

Specialisations

SP-ASTPH Astronomy and Astrophysics
SP-CMPPH Computational Physics
SP-EXPPH Experimental Physics
SP-MEDPH Medical Physics
SP-THEPH Theoretical Physics

Course structure

Key to availability of units:
S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2

All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.

Students who have not completed a major in Physics from this University, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by the Faculty, may be required to complete conversion units up to the value of 24 points.

Students who have completed degree studies in a non-cognate area, or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty, must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the Faculty.

Note: Students take conversion units relevant to their chosen specialisation in the Master of Physics. Students who do not require 24 points of conversion may substitute conversion units with optional units up to the value of 24 points.

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2CITS1401Computational Thinking with Python
Prerequisites:
Mathematics Applications ATAR or WACE Mathematics 2C/2D or MATH1720 Mathematics Fundamentals or equivalent or higher
lectures: 2 hours per week; labs: 2 hours per week; workshop: 1 hour per week
S2MATH2501Advanced Mathematical Methods
Prerequisites:
MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus or MATH1002 Mathematical Methods 2
Co-requisites:
MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods
Incompatibility:
MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications and GENG4407 Advanced Engineering Mathematics
lectures: 2 hours per week; practical classes: 2 hours per week
S1PHYS2001Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism
Prerequisites:
PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers and PHYS1002 Modern Physics and (MATH1001 Mathematical Methods 1 or MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus)
Co-requisites:
MATH1002 Mathematical Methods 2 or MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods or a Level 2 Mathematics major unit
labs: 6 x 3 hours; lectures: average 3 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week
S2PHYS2002The Physics of Particles
Prerequisites:
PHYS1001 Physics for Scientists and Engineers and PHYS1002 Modern Physics and (MATH1001 Mathematical Methods 1 or MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus)
Lectures: average 3 hours per week; Practical Classes: 1 hour per week; Project/Laboratory Work: 18 hours per semester (6 x 3 hours)
S1PHYS3001Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
Prerequisites:
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism [formerly Quantum Mechanics 1 and Electromagnetism] and (MATH2501 Mathematical Methods 3 or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications) and (MATH1002 Mathematical Methods 2 or [MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus and MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods] or equivalent.
lectures: average 3 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week; project/lab work: 24 hours per semester
S2PHYS3002Electrodynamics and Relativity
Prerequisites:
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism [formerly Quantum Mechanics 1 and Electromagnetism] and (MATH2501 Mathematical Methods 3 or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications) and (MATH1002 Mathematical Methods 2 or [MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus and MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods] or equivalent.
Lectures: average 3 hours per week; Workshops: 12 hours per semester; Project/Laboratory Work: 24 hours per semester
S1PHYS3003Astrophysics and Space Science
Prerequisites:
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism (formerly Quantum Mechanics 1 and Electromagnetism) and (MATH1002 Mathematical Methods 2 or (MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus and MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods) or equivalent)
lectures: average 3 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week; project/lab work: 24 hours per semester
S2PHYS3004Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Prerequisites:
PHYS3001 Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics (formerly Quantum Mechanics 2 and Atomic Physics)
lectures: average 3 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week
S1PHYS3011Mathematical Physics
Prerequisites:
PHYS2001 Quantum Mechanics 1 and Electromagnetism and PHYS2002 The Physics of Particles and (MATH2501 Advanced Mathematical Methods [formerly Mathematical Methods 3] or MATH3023 Advanced Mathematics Applications or equivalent)
lectures: average 3 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week; project/lab work: 24 hours per semester
S2PHYS3012Frontiers in Modern Physics
Prerequisites:
PHYS2001 Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism (formerly Quantum Mechanics 1 and Electromagnetism) and PHYS2002 The Physics of Particles and [MATH1002 Mathematical Methods 2 or (MATH1011 Multivariable Calculus and MATH1012 Mathematical Theory and Methods) or equivalent]
lectures: average 3 hours per week; practical classes: 1 hour per week; project/lab work: 24 hours per semester

Take all units (24 points):

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2PHYS5301Physics Research Project Part 1
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
PHYS5015 Research Proposal in Theoretical Physics or PHYS5035 Research Proposal in Computational Physics or PHYS5025 Research Proposal in Experimental Physics or PHYS5562 Research Proposal in Astronomy and Astrophysics or PHYS5435 Research Proposal in Medical Physics
Students should work on their research projects and meet with their supervisors during the semester to discuss their progress and research outcome. Students should spend at least 150 hours on research for this unit.
S1, S2PHYS5302Physics Research Project Part 2
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Students should work on their research projects and meet with their supervisors during the semester to discuss their progress and research outcome. Students should spend at least 150 hours on research for this unit.
S1, S2PHYS5303Physics Research Project Part 3
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Students should work on their research projects and meet with their supervisors during the semester to discuss their progress and research outcome. Students should spend at least 150 hours on research for this unit.
S1, S2PHYS5304Physics Research Project Part 4
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
PHYS5016 Dissertation in Theoretical Physics or PHYS5036 Dissertation in Computational Physics or PHYS5026 Dissertation in Experimental Physics or PHYS5563 Dissertation in Astronomy and Astrophysics or PHYS5436 Dissertation in Medical Physics
Students should work on their research projects and meet with their supervisors during the semester to discuss their progress and research outcome. Students should spend at least 150 hours on research for this unit.

Students who do not require 24 points of conversion may substitute conversion units with optional units up to the value of 24 points.

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1PHYS4010Symmetry Principles in Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1PHYS4020Frontiers in Experimental Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 2 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 2 x 45 minutes per week.
S1PHYS4415Special Topics in Physics I
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS4418Cosmological Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S2PHYS5010Electrodynamics and Differential Geometry
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures:3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS5020Quantum Measurement and Technology
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent and PHYS4020 Frontiers in Experimental Physics
lectures: 2 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 2 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS5510Special Topics in Physics II
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1, S2PHYS5512Physics Reading Unit
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent
Weekly discussion sessions
S2PHYS5513Computational Statistics for Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S1SHPC4001Computational Methods for Physics
Prerequisites:
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2SHPC4002Advanced Computational Physics
Prerequisites:
SHPC4001 Computational Methods for Physics and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Incompatibility:
CITS3402 High Performance Computing
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week

Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation

Take all units (48 points):

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1PHYS4020Frontiers in Experimental Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 2 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 2 x 45 minutes per week.
S1PHYS4415Special Topics in Physics I
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS4418Cosmological Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S2PHYS5510Special Topics in Physics II
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS5513Computational Statistics for Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S1, S2PHYS5562Research Proposal in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S1, S2PHYS5563Dissertation in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Astronomy and Astrophysics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
PHYS5304 Physics Research Project Part 4
S1SHPC4001Computational Methods for Physics
Prerequisites:
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.

Computational Physics specialisation

Take all units (48 points):

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1PHYS4010Symmetry Principles in Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1PHYS4415Special Topics in Physics I
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1, S2PHYS5035Research Proposal in Computational Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Computational Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Average 1 hour per week (students meet with their project supervisors throughout the semester to define the content of the literature review and research proposal)
S1, S2PHYS5036Dissertation in Computational Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Computational Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
PHYS5304 Physics Research Project Part 4
Average 1 hour per week (students meet with their project supervisors during the semester to discuss the contents of their final thesis and oral defence)
S2PHYS5510Special Topics in Physics II
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS5513Computational Statistics for Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S1SHPC4001Computational Methods for Physics
Prerequisites:
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2SHPC4002Advanced Computational Physics
Prerequisites:
SHPC4001 Computational Methods for Physics and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Incompatibility:
CITS3402 High Performance Computing
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week

Experimental Physics specialisation

Take all units (48 points):

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1PHYS4020Frontiers in Experimental Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 2 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 2 x 45 minutes per week.
S1PHYS4415Special Topics in Physics I
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS4418Cosmological Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S2PHYS5020Quantum Measurement and Technology
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent and PHYS4020 Frontiers in Experimental Physics
lectures: 2 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 2 x 45 minutes per week.
S1, S2PHYS5025Research Proposal in Experimental Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Experimental Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Average 1 hour per week (students meet with their project supervisors throughout the semester to define the content of the literature review and research proposal)
S1, S2PHYS5026Dissertation in Experimental Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Experimental Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
Physics Research Project Part 4
S2PHYS5510Special Topics in Physics II
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1SHPC4001Computational Methods for Physics
Prerequisites:
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.

Medical Physics specialisation

Take all units (48 points):

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1, S2ANHB5451Anatomy and Biology for Medical Physicists
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
This unit is taught online
S1PHYS5401Medical Imaging Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation) or 62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Biomedical Engineering specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
2 - 4 hours per week plus one hour of practicals per week
S2PHYS5402Radiation Biology and Protection
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks
S2PHYS5403Radiotherapy Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks.
S1PHYS5404Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks
S1, S2PHYS5435Research Proposal in Medical Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Average 1 hour per week (students meet with their project supervisors during the semester to discuss the contents of their research proposal and literature review)
S1, S2PHYS5436Dissertation in Medical Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
PHYS5304 Physics Research Project Part 4
Average 1 hour per week (students meet with their project supervisors during the semester to discuss the contents of their final thesis and oral defence)
S1SHPC4001Computational Methods for Physics
Prerequisites:
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.

Theoretical Physics specialisation

Take all units (48 points):

AvailabilityUnitcodeUnitnameUnit requirementsContact hours
S1PHYS4010Symmetry Principles in Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1PHYS4415Special Topics in Physics I
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S2PHYS4418Cosmological Physics
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
S2PHYS5010Electrodynamics and Differential Geometry
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures:3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1, S2PHYS5015Research Proposal in Theoretical Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Theoretical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Average 1 hour per week (students meet with their project supervisors throughout the semester to define the content of the literature review and research proposal)
S1, S2PHYS5016Dissertation in Theoretical Physics
Prerequisites:
enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Theoretical Physics specialisation) and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Co-requisites:
PHYS5304 Physics Research Project Part 4
Average 1 hour per week (students meet with their project supervisors during the semester to discuss the contents of their final thesis and oral defence)
S2PHYS5510Special Topics in Physics II
Prerequisites:
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
Lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.
S1SHPC4001Computational Methods for Physics
Prerequisites:
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python and completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major or equivalent.
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week; practical classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week.

See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.

Rules

Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures

1.(1) The http://handbooks.uwa.edu.au/postgraduate/student-procedures'>student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.

Academic Conduct Essentials module

2.(1) Except as stated in (2), a student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module).

(2) A student who has previously achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the ACE module is not required to repeat the module.

English Language competency requirements

3. To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework.

Admission requirements

4. To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

(a) (i) a bachelor's degree in physics, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and

(ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 65 per cent;

or

(b) an honours degree in physics, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.

Admission ranking and selection

5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

Articulations and exit awards

6.(1) This course has the following exit award:

  • 52360 Graduate Diploma in Physics (48 points)

(2) A student who withdraws from the Master of Physics course before completing it, but after completion of 36 points of core units from within a single specialisation and 12 points of option units, may apply to the Faculty to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Physics.

Course structure

7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 96 points (maximum value) which includes conversion units to a value of 24 points, course core units and specialisation units. The course comprises the following specialisations:

  • SP-ASTPH Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • SP-CMPPH Computational Physics
  • SP-EXPPH Experimental Physics
  • SP-MEDPH Medical Physics
  • SP-THEPH Theoretical Physics

(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.

(3) Students who have completed a bachelors degree with a major in Physics and Mathematics or equivalent are granted credit for conversion units up to a value of 24 points.

Satisfactory progress

8. A student who does not pass units to a value of at least half the total points value of units for which they are enrolled, or who fails the same unit twice, will not have made satisfactory progress.

9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the ACE module when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.

Progress status

10.(1) Students who make satisfactory progress are assigned the status of 'Good Standing'.

(2) Unless the relevant board determines otherwise because of exceptional circumstances—

(a) students who do not make satisfactory progress under Rule 8 for the first time are assigned a progress status of 'On Probation';

(b) students who do not make satisfactory progress under Rule 8 for the second time are assigned a progress status of 'Suspended';

(c) students who do not make satisfactory progress under Rule 8 for the third time are assigned a progress status of 'Excluded'.

11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.

Award with distinction

12. To be awarded the degree with distinction a student must achieve a course weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 80 per cent which is calculated based on—

(a) all units above Level 3 attempted as part of the course that are awarded a final percentage mark;

(b) all relevant units above Level 3 undertaken in articulating courses of this University that are awarded a final percentage mark;

and

(c) all units above Level 3 completed at this University that are credited to the master's degree course.

Additional rules
Substitution

13. The Faculty, on the recommendation of the Head of Department, Physics, may permit a student to substitute a relevant unit outside the School for one of the core Special Topics in Physics units'.