Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences at Murdoch University combines chemistry and physics to equip students with practical, hands-on skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and computational methods. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in research, education, technical support, and diverse industries requiring advanced quantitative and analytical abilities. Students can specialize in either Physics or Chemistry while also pursuing other majors or minors to broaden their qualifications. The program emphasizes real-world applications and provides students with the tools to contribute to solutions in various fields, including health, sustainability, agriculture, and next-generation technologies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences) is a program designed for students fascinated by the workings of the world and interested in exploring the fields of chemistry and physics. It offers two majors: Physics and Chemistry, which can be taken together or combined with other majors across the university. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, combining computational and experimental methods with problem-solving to build students' confidence. It aims to equip students with highly relevant skills for industry and global challenges.
Objectives:
- Develop practical, high-demand skills in analytical and computational methods.
- Provide hands-on experience in imaging, materials synthesis, and characterization.
- Enhance students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Explore cutting-edge science with immediate real-world applications.
- Contribute to practical solutions to issues in health, sustainability, agriculture, critical minerals, and next-generation technologies.
Outline:
- Total Credit Points: 72
- Required Units:
- Spine: 9 credit points
- MSP100 Career Learning: Managing Your Career (3 credit points)
- MSP200 Building Employability Skills (3 credit points) OR MSP201 Real World Learning (3 credit points) OR MAS300 Quantitative Projects and Consulting (3 credit points)
- Course Core: 15 credit points
- PEN100 Transitioning Through Time and Space (3 credit points)
- PEN203 Scientific Computing and Visualisation (3 credit points)
- CHE144 Foundations of Chemistry (3 credit points)
- PEN200 The Quantum Realm (3 credit points)
- MAS182 Introductory Calculus with Applications (3 credit points) OR MAS161 Calculus and Matrix Algebra (3 credit points)
- Major: 24 credit points
- MJ-CHE Chemistry (24 credit points) OR MJ-PHY Physics (24 credit points)
- Options: 24 credit points
- Recommended Majors: MJ-PHY Physics (24 credit points) OR MJ-CHE Chemistry (24 credit points) OR MJ-AMST Applied Mathematics and Statistics (24 credit points) OR MJ-FC Forensic Chemistry (24 credit points) OR Available Majors (24 credit points)
- Recommended Minors: MN-FC Forensic Chemistry (12 credit points) OR General Elective Units (24 credit points)
Careers:
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science (Physical Sciences), graduates can pursue careers in:
- Research and development within industry or government
- Education and training
- Technical support in fields like mining and mineral processing
- Finance, consulting, agriculture, manufacturing, and more due to the advanced quantitative and critical thinking skills developed in the program.
Other:
- The program emphasizes the breadth and depth of the physical sciences while specializing in at least one sub-discipline.
- They develop the ability to formulate quantitative descriptions for scientific, natural, or technological phenomena or processes.
- The program focuses on effective communication of discipline knowledge to technical and non-technical audiences in oral or written form.
- Students completing the major externally need access to a suitable computer and software packages for some units.
- Murdoch RISE, a selection rank adjustment, is available for students from regional, Indigenous, and low socio-economic backgrounds.
- The program offers a range of enabling pathways for students who don't meet the admission requirements.
