Extended Major Overview
- Description
Contemporary physics is built on a broad base of deep theoretical ideas that have been verified with astonishing precision by the most intricate and challenging experiments known to mankind. This major aims to provide students with a sound grounding in the fundamental theories, conceptual framework, computational techniques as well as experimental skills in frontier physics. The rewards for this major range from the profound satisfaction of understanding the universe at its smallest and largest scales, right through to engaging careers in research, teaching, or technical development in industry.
- Outcomes
Students are able to:
- explain the physical concepts and principles that underpin a wide range of applications at the level of an early-career scientist
- apply problem identification, exploration and solution skills in physical situations that range from simple to complex
- utilise appropriate mathematical sophistication in the expression and communication of physical concepts
- investigate physical, numerical and theoretical problems using appropriate computational techniques
- experimentally test concepts in advanced and frontier physics using appropriate statistical techniques
- evaluate arguments based on known physics to test their validity
- apply research methods, including ethical considerations, to a specific research project or topic.
- Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. For students in a Combined Bachelor's masters Course, you have elected to pursue a highly specialised and in-depth program of study in your chosen field. While you are encouraged to use the free elective units available in your course to study in other disciplines offered at UWA, your formal requirement to broaden your course will be met through the Honours and Postgraduate units which form an integral part of your course.
- Prerequisites
- enrolment in the CM015 Combined Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and Master of Physics or BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy [Honours] and (Physics ATAR or equivalent or higher) and (Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher) and (Mathematics Specialists ATAR or equivalent or higher) and an ATAR score of at least 96.
- Incompatibilities
MJD-PHYSC Physics (ID 1585)
- Courses
Frontier Physics can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
Example Study Plan
See study plans for more information.
Units
Key to availability of units:
- S1
- Semester 1
- S2
- Semester 2
Level 1
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (30 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | CITS1401 | Computational Thinking with Python | |
| S1, S2 | MATH1011 | Multivariable Calculus |
|
| S1, S2 | MATH1012 | Mathematical Theory and Methods |
|
| S1 | PHYS1100 | Classical and Frontier Physics | |
| S2 | PHYS1200 | Modern and Frontier Physics |
|
Level 2
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (30 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | MATH2032 | Complex and Fourier Analysis |
|
| S1 | MATH2501 | Advanced Mathematical Methods | |
| S1 | PHYS2001 | Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism | |
| S2 | PHYS2002 | Many Particle Systems | |
| S1 | PHYS2100 | Stellar Astrophysics and Frontier Astronomy |
Level 3
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (30 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PHYS3001 | Quantum Mechanics |
|
| S2 | PHYS3006 | Atomic and Nuclear Physics |
|
| S2 | PHYS3011 | Mathematical Physics | |
| S2 | PHYS3012 | Topics in Contemporary Physics |
|
| S2 | PHYS3100 | Electrodynamics, Special and General Relativity |