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Available in 2012

Callaghan CampusSemester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

The Honours Program in Physics is designed to give students an advanced understanding of the fundamentals of modern physics, as well as exposure to the current research interests in Physics within the School which are Surface Physics, Near-Earth Space Physics, Solid State Physics and Medical Physics. Physics Honours comprises 115 hours of lectures which must include the three (15 lecture hour) compulsory core topics Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics and Electromagnetism, and 70 lecture hours made up from a range of 10 lecture optional topics. Students also undertake a research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory Workplace Health and Safety requirement. Students will receive full information on this compulsory course component in the course outline provided by the school.

Objectives
On successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate:

1. an understanding at an advanced level of the principles and techniques underlying many of the important areas of contemporary physics
2. competence in researching the scientific literature
3. a significantly enhanced understanding of how to apply their knowledge of physics to real physical systems
4. the capacity to devise and employ effective and creative strategies in problem solving, in conducting research, and in analysing and modelling the behaviour of physical systems.
5. mastery of a range of experimental, theoretical and computational techniques
6. an enhanced ability to effectively communicate their knowledge of physics
Content
Core Topics:

Quantum Mechanics 15
Solid State Physics 15
Electromagnetism 15

Elective Topics (seven topics chosen from)*:

Ionospheric Physics 10
Astrophysics 10
Surface Physics Techniques 10
Theoretical Surface Physics 10
Atomic Collisions in Solids 10
Medical Physics I 10
Medical Physics II 10
Space Physics 10
Signal and Image Processing 10

* This list of optional topics may vary from year to year.

Students may replace up to four physics elective topics with appropriate mathematics, photonics or chemistry topics. This is subject to approval by the Physics Honours Coordinator.

Major research project:

This will be in one of the current research areas and supervised by a member of the academic staff
Replacing Course(s)
NA
Transition
NA
Industrial Experience
0
Assumed Knowledge
A major in Physics with a Credit grade average in at least 40 units of 3000 level physics courses.
Modes of Delivery
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods
Lecture
Individual Supervision
Integrated Learning
Laboratory
Self Directed Learning
Seminar
Student Projects
Assessment Items
Examination: Formal
Projects
Contact Hours
Integrated Learning: for 0 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Timetables