Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Physical sciences tackle challenges at all scales in the universe: from identification of distant galaxies and gravitational waves, to medical image analysis for patients, to prediction of ocean waves for offshore structures, to understanding the quantum world. The main objectives of this unit are to introduce students to the state-of-the-art development in the application of advanced computational methods to solve data-intensive physics problems. Students will gain hands-on experience in implementing these methods, and they will also learn to solve physics problem by using high-level programming language, open source software, and public datasets.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) build algorithms to model and predict complex physical phenomena and processes; (2) apply data-driven computation approach to analyse, visualise, discover, and interpret patterns from data; (3) demonstrate data analytical skills to quantitatively identify signals from noise; and (4) communicate data science methods and results with clarity and impact.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) oral presentation; and (3) final project report. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Jingbo Wang
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
HON-GEOPH Geophysics [Honours]
or the HON-PHYSC Physics [Honours]
and
completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
Incompatibility
CITS3402 High Performance Computing
and CITS5507 High Performance Computing
and PHYS4022 Advanced Quantum Computing
Advisable prior study
Programming in Python, Fortran,
or C
Contact hours
lectures: 3 x 45 minutes per week
Practical Classes: 1 x 45 minutes per week
Note
SHPC4002 will be replaced by PHYS4022 Advanced Quantum Computing from 2022.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.