Physics major
Physics examines the world around us at the most fundamental level, from the origin and fate of the universe, to the behaviour of matter on subatomic length scales—and everything in between. The overarching objective of the Physics major at UWA is to provide students with access to the frontiers of modern physics via an emphasis on essential mathematical skills. You apply the key pillars of relativity and quantum physics to atomic, molecular, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, photonics and astrophysics. You understand the role of physics as the driving force behind many advanced technologies, from radar to lasers, from GPS to quantum computers and MRI and PET scanners. The choice of Western Australia as the site for part of the Square Kilometre Array makes the Physics major an exciting prospect.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) develop increasing levels of conceptual understanding of the physical principles which underpin a wide range of applications; (2) develop and apply increasing levels of critical thinking skills in a range of physical situations; (3) develop and apply problem identification, exploration and solution skills in physical situations that range from simple to complex; (4) apply increasing levels of appropriate mathematical sophistication in the expression and communication of physical concepts; (5) develop in-depth understanding of the physical principles of measurement, experimental technique, quantitative analysis and data analysis; and (6) develop and demonstrate skills relevant to the communication of physics concepts including writing, oral presentations, critical information literacy skills and interpersonal skills.
Degree-specific major
Physics can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
BP004 Bachelor of Science
BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview of unit sequence
Physics is a degree-specific single major comprising:
- two Level 1 units
- two Level 2 units
- four Level 3 units
- two Level 3 complementary units
- one Level 4 complementary unit
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2 |
Level 1
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | PHYS1001 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers |
|
| S1, S2 | PHYS1002 | Modern Physics |
|
Take all complementary units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | MATH1011 | Multivariable Calculus |
|
| S1, S2 | MATH1012 | Mathematical Theory and Methods |
|
Level 2
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PHYS2001 | Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism | |
| S2 | PHYS2002 | The Physics of Particles |
Take the following complementary unit:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | MATH2501 | Advanced Mathematical Methods |
Level 3
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PHYS3001 | Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics | |
| S2 | PHYS3002 | Electrodynamics and Relativity |
Take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PHYS3003 | Astrophysics and Space Science | |
| S2 | PHYS3004 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics |
|
| S1 | PHYS3011 | Mathematical Physics | |
| S2 | PHYS3012 | Frontiers in Modern Physics |
Choosing your degree-specific major
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how the Physics degree-specific major can be included in the Bachelor of Science course.
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .
Choosing a second major
You also have the option to choose a second major from those available in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design Only available to re-enrolling students. or Bachelor of Science course, giving you the opportunity to pursue your interests no matter how different they are.
The following example illustrates how the Physics degree-specific major can be combined with a second major in the Bachelor of Science course.
For more examples of combinations of majors, search the study plans .
Physics can also be taken as a second major.
Second major
Physics can be taken as a second major in the following degree courses:
- BP001 Bachelor of Arts
- BP006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- BP002 Bachelor of Commerce
- BP003 Bachelor of Design Only available to re-enrolling students.
- BP004 Bachelor of Science
- BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview of unit sequence
The Physics second major is a single major comprising:
- two Level 1 units
- two Level 2 units
- four Level 3 units
- two Level 3 additional units
- one Level 4 additional unit
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2 |
Level 1
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | PHYS1001 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers |
|
| S1, S2 | PHYS1002 | Modern Physics |
|
Take all additional units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | MATH1011 | Multivariable Calculus |
|
| S1, S2 | MATH1012 | Mathematical Theory and Methods |
|
Level 2
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PHYS2001 | Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism | |
| S2 | PHYS2002 | The Physics of Particles |
Take all additional units (6 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | MATH2501 | Advanced Mathematical Methods |
Level 3
Take all units (12 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PHYS3001 | Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics | |
| S2 | PHYS3002 | Electrodynamics and Relativity |
Take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | PHYS3003 | Astrophysics and Space Science | |
| S2 | PHYS3004 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics |
|
| S1 | PHYS3011 | Mathematical Physics | |
| S2 | PHYS3012 | Frontiers in Modern Physics |
Choosing a second major
The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you the option of including a second major. You have the choice to either nominate your second major when you first enrol in the course or delay it until your second year. For a major to be recorded on your academic record it must be nominated before the requirements of the course are completed.
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how Physics can be included as a second major in an undergraduate degree course.
For more examples of combinations of majors, search the study plans .
Physics can also be taken as a degree-specific major.