Physics

Physics deals with the fundamental phenomena of nature: space, time, matter and energy. It underpins all science and technology. Physics enables us to develop an understanding of everything from the nucleus of an atom to the structure and origin of the universe. If you are curious about the world around you then consider studying physics at the University of Sydney.

www.physics.usyd.edu.au

What do Physicists do?

Among Sydney physics graduates you will find chief executives and senior managers, patent attorneys, computer programmers, consultants, astronomers, geophysicists, actuaries, and research scientists.

The skills acquired through a degree in physics, such as problem-solving, information handling, quantitative analysis and the use of computers as a problem solving tool, are in demand for jobs in research, medicine, communications, manufacturing, environmental science, teaching, finance, journalism, public service and management, to name but a few.

Physics is excellent training for hundreds of careers: jobs requiring critical reasoning, logical thought, teamwork and problem solving are commonly filled by physics graduates. Recent graduates have found employment in companies such as Telstra, BHP Billiton, Canon and research organisations such as CSIRO, DSTO and NASA.

A Physics course for everyone

Physics is not just for aspiring physicists. Many people find a physics background useful, but have their sights on a career in another field. Our students range from those who have not done physics at school to those who excelled at it. Physics at Sydney offers course options for everyone.

The fundamentals unit offers a gentle introduction in semester one of first year for those who have little or no previous experience in physics. It starts with the “language of physics” and brings students to a point where they can choose between technological or environmental and life science “flavours” in semester two. Many students with a background in high school physics take the “regular” entry into first year physics and then make the same technological or environmental and life science choice in semester two.

Students with a strong background in physics may choose the advanced units throughout their study of physics. These include more challenging material than other units, covered in greater depth and with more mathematical rigour.

Physics attracts some of the very best students in the Faculty. They are offered advanced units of study and the opportunity to undertake special programs, working with staff on projects of current research interest.

The School of Physics is dedicated to quality teaching, highlighted by several teaching awards won by the staff. There are special interactive tutorials in first year, a classroom ‘voting’ system in some lectures, plus a vast collection of demonstrations, which enrich the learning experience.

What will you study?

First year

In first year, all of the main areas of physics are introduced. These are mechanics, thermal physics, waves, fluids, electricity, magnetism and quantum physics. Students in the advanced level course will cover extra topics such as chaos. Laboratory work and interactive tutorials are important components of each unit.

In the second semester an astronomy unit is offered. It presents a view of the full range of modern astronomy to students across the university. It does not assume any prior knowledge and does not require first semester physics.

Second year

In second year, topics such as quantum physics, special relativity, electromagnetism, optics, nuclear and particle physics and astrophysics are covered. There is an experimental physics course for all students. Some units also have a laboratory component where realistic problems are investigated using computer-based techniques.

Third year

In third year there is more in-depth coverage of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics, plus options including condensed matter physics, optics, thermodynamics, energy physics, astrophysics, high energy physics, plasma physics, nanoscience and biological physics. There is also an experimental physics component. Advanced students can undertake a special project with a research group in the School of Physics. The project can be experimental, theoretical, or computational.

Honours

Students join one of the research groups in the School of Physics for their Honours year where they work on a significant research problem. Fifty per cent of the total mark for this year is awarded for a written report and an oral presentation describing their research project. Lectures covering various topics in advanced physics account for the rest.

Further Studies

Physics graduates can continue with research in a Masters or PhD degree. Higher degree students undertake original research in one of the School’s research groups, with opportunities to collaborate with numerous other organisations, both in Australia and overseas. Graduates can also pursue a Masters by coursework rather than research in the exciting fields of Medical Physics and Applied Nuclear Physics.

Computing and Physics

On top of the computational approaches in specific physics units, the School of Physics offers units in the computational science major