Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and Master of Physics
Program Overview
This four-year Combined Bachelor and Master (CBM) in Frontier Physics is designed for exceptional students aiming to excel in the physics field. It provides a strong foundation in modern and frontier physics, including advanced theories and research training. Students graduate with both a Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and a Master of Physics, specializing in areas such as computational, theoretical, experimental physics, or astronomy and astrophysics. The program equips students with advanced knowledge, research skills, and industry connections for career opportunities in physics and beyond.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Combined Bachelor and Master (CBM) is a four-year accelerated program for those with an ATAR of 96 or above. Over the first three years you’ll complete a major in Frontier Physics, and four units from the Master of Physics, including research training. The frontier of 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 accelerated four-year Masters provides you with a solid grounding in the fundamental theories, conceptual framework, computational techniques and experimental skills in frontier physics; enabling you to progress to postgraduate studies, research or a career in physics faster. Your first three years studying frontier physics will provide not only the essential skills and knowledge of classical and modern physics at a broader level than the standard physics major, but also with an understanding of advanced theories of General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory, as well as preliminary research training and completion of some postgraduate units. You’ll then be able to complete your Masters of Physics, specialising in computational, theoretical, experimental physics or astronomy and astrophysics. This will place you in a very strong position to undertake further postgraduate studies and research at the frontiers of knowledge in physics, where you’ll contribute to exciting new discoveries and create new technologies.
Outline:
Year 1
- Semester 1: PHYS1100 - Classical and Frontier Physics, MATH1011 - Multivariable Calculus, CITS1401 - Computational Thinking with Python, Elective
- Semester 2: PHYS1200 - Modern and Frontier Physics, MATH1012 - Mathematical Theory and Methods, Elective, Elective
Year 2
- Semester 1: PHYS2001 - Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism, PHYS2100 - Stellar Astrophysics and Frontier Astronomy, MATH2501 - Advanced Mathematical Methods, Elective
- Semester 2: PHYS2002 - Many Particle Physics, PHYS3100 - Electrodynamics, Special and General Relativity, PHYS3011 - Mathematical Physics, Elective
Year 3
- Semester 1: PHYS3001 - Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics, PHYS3005 - Quantum Computation, PG Specific, PG Specific
- Semester 2: PHYS3012 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics, PHYS3101 - Quantum Field Theory and Quantum Technology, PG Specific, PG Specific
Year 4
- Semester 1: PG Specific, PG Specific, PG Specific, PG Specific
Unit Descriptions:
- PHYS1100 - Classical and Frontier Physics
- MATH1011 - Multivariable Calculus
- CITS1401 - Computational Thinking with Python
- PHYS1200 - Modern and Frontier Physics
- MATH1012 - Mathematical Theory and Methods
- PHYS2001 - Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism
- PHYS2100 - Stellar Astrophysics and Frontier Astronomy
- MATH2501 - Advanced Mathematical Methods
- PHYS2002 - Many Particle Physics
- PHYS3100 - Electrodynamics, Special and General Relativity
- PHYS3011 - Mathematical Physics
- PHYS3001 - Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
- PHYS3005 - Quantum Computation
- PHYS3012 - Special Topics in Contemporary Physics
- PHYS3101 - Quantum Field Theory and Quantum Technology
Careers:
Upon graduation you can pursue a number of careers in the field of physics and beyond:
- Physicist
- Astronomer
- Academic Researcher
- Defence Scientist
- Computational Scientist
- Technical Specialist
- High School Physics Teacher
- Lab Technician
- Software Developer
- Metallurgist
- Meteorologist
- Science Journalist
- Patent Attorney
- You'll learn how to experimentally test concepts in advanced and frontier physics using state-of-the-art techniques and instrumentation.
- You'll learn to utilise appropriate mathematical expression and communication of physical concepts.
- You'll learn to investigate physical and theoretical problems using computational techniques.
- You'll learn the ability to undertake and complete a substantial research project in physics, and to communicate the outcomes both orally and in writing.
- You will have the opportunity to learn from members of specialist research groups working in:
- Dark Matter Detection
- Gravitational Wave Astronomy
- Astrophysics and Cosmology
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Biophysics
- Theoretical physics beyond the Standard Model
- You’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Frontier Physics) and a Master of Physics, or a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) for students enrolling in BPhil, in four years.
- You can take the Master of Physics in either Astronomy and Astrophysics, Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Medical Physics, Theoretical Physics or Quantum Technology and Computing.
- Study at the frontiers of discovery in physics, including advanced theories of General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory, gaining advanced knowledge and research skills.
- Work with world-leading researchers and award winning lecturers in dark matter discovery, gravitational wave detection, quantum information and computing, quantum technology such as spintronics, quantum gravity and field theory, radio and optical astronomy.
- Gain both Bachelor and Masters degrees in four years, fast-tracking your journey to postgraduate research or a professional career in physics.
- Be part of a community of like-minded high-achieving students, where you can share knowledge and make lifelong friendships and connections.
- At UWA we have a range of student run clubs where you can engage with like-minded students
- The University Physics Society
- UWA Aerospace
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.
The University of Western Australia
Overview:
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.
Services Offered:
UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic support:
Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.Career services:
Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.Student wellbeing:
Mental health support, counselling, and health services.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options.Sports and fitness:
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.Clubs and societies:
A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Study abroad and exchange:
Opportunities to study at universities around the world.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Social events:
Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.Sporting events:
Supporting the university's sports teams.Volunteer opportunities:
Contributing to the local community.Cultural events:
Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class education:
UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.Excellent employability:
Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant campus life:
A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Beautiful campus:
A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.Strong research focus:
UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.Academic Programs:
UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Science and Engineering:
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.Business and Economics:
Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.Health Sciences:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.Law:
Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.Other:
UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.
Entry Requirements:
- Minimum entry requirements:
- Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: ATAR of 96
- ATAR Requirements:
- A scaled mark of at least 50% in:
- ATAR Physics (or equivalent or higher)
- ATAR Mathematics Methods (or equivalent or higher)
- ATAR Mathematics Specialists (or equivalent or higher)
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English competency:
- English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA.
- Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
