UTS course code: C10192
UAC code: 607145
Testamur title: Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics
Abbreviation: BSc
Course Director: Associate Professor Kendal McGuffie
Course fee: HECS (local); $8,250 per semester (international)
Total credit points: 144

Overview
Course aims
Admission requirements
Advanced standing
Attendance
Course duration
Course structure
Course program
Assessment
Honours
Professional recognition
Other information

Overview

This course provides a firm foundation in the study of science, with an in-depth study in applied physics. Major areas of study include electronics, optics, vacuum techniques, computers, and practical applications for measurement and control of the physical environment. Minor studies or electives may be undertaken in a wide range of areas offered within the Faculty of Science or within the University. Students should refer to the Second Majors section in this handbook and contact the Course Director. Students are encouraged to undertake the Diploma in Scientific Practice¹, a period of industrial training providing excellent preparation for employment in the field.

The development of modern technology and its application in a wide variety of industries has created a demand for scientists who have a confident approach to applied problem solving, a deep understanding of the physical principles underlying systems, who are able to utilise modern equipment for measurement and control, and are flexible and adaptable to changing job needs. Applied physics graduates meet this demand and find employment in a wide range of private industries and public authorities.

Footnotes:
1. The Diploma in Scientific Practice is not available to international students.

Course aims

This course aims to produce professional physicists with highly adaptable and practical scientific skills, accompanied by a thorough grounding in theory. Graduates can expect to find employment in a range of industries including telecommunications, technical consulting, medical and health sciences, energy, defence systems, mineral exploration and meteorology. Graduates are working in a range of positions in industry, government research laboratories, and universities as research scientists, computer modellers, communications experts, energy consultants and laser and optics specialists.

Admission requirements

Australian students are required to apply for admission through the NSW University Admissions Centre (UAC). For school leavers, admission is based on UAI scores. We recommend that HSC studies include the following subjects: HSC Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Non-current school leavers should apply through UAC in addition to submitting a Personal Statement to UTS. Applications are taken from September to December each year.

International students should contact the UTS International Office for application procedures. In addition to academic requirements, students are required to meet English language proficiency requirements. Further details are available from the International Office.

Advanced standing

UTS recognises prior tertiary level learning, including that from other universities and TAFE (Associate Diploma and Diploma only). Once a student's application to study has been accepted, he or she may apply to receive recognition of successful prior learning, and may therefore be able to complete the course in less than the standard time. Applications for credits and exemptions should be made to the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Science.

Attendance

Full-time attendance involves approximately 24 hours each week at the University. This enables a full stage of the course to be completed in one semester. Part-time attendance involves approximately 12 hours each week at the University. This form of attendance allows students to complete a full stage in one year. All students are strongly encouraged to undertake the additional year of industrial experience, through enrolling in the Diploma in Scientific Practice.

Course duration

This course can be completed in:

• three years, full time
• six years, part time, or
• four years, full time with successful completion of the Diploma in Scientific Practice.

Other patterns of attendance may also be permitted. Contact the Course Director for advice.

Course structure

The course consists of six academic stages but students are strongly encouraged to include a period of industrial training that extends the minimum completion time to four years leading to the additional award of Diploma in Scientific Practice.

Course program

Full-time program

Part-time program

Spring semester
65101 Chemistry 1C 6cp
68101 Foundations of Physics 6cp

Spring semester
33290 Computing and Mathematics for Science 6cp
68201 Physics in Action (Physics 2) 6cp

Spring semester
68413 Quantum Technology 6cp
68414 Particles and Fields 6cp

Spring semester
68491 Introduction to Computational Science 6cp
68415 Measurement and Analysis of Physical Processes 6cp

Spring semester
68606 Solid-state Science and Nanodevices 6cp
xxxxx Elective/second major 6cp

Spring semester
68412 Energy Science and Technology 6cp
xxxxx Elective/second major 6cp

Footnotes:
1. At this point students study subjects in a different order depending on whether they enter Stage 3 in an even or an odd numbered year. Above is shown the program for entry in an odd year. For the other program refer to the Applied Physics Student Coordinator, Kendal McGuffie or Head of the Applied Physics Department, Geoff Anstis.

Assessment

Depending on the subjects chosen, students can expect to undergo a variety of assessment types before completion of this course including formal and informal examinations, assignments and essays, practical reports and write-ups, and seminar presentations. Assessment tasks may be based on individual or group work. For further details on individual subjects, see the Subject Descriptions section, or contact the subject's coordinator.

Honours

The Honours program is designed to introduce students to more advanced coursework and to research work in applied physics. It allows selected students to continue on with postgraduate studies if desired and enhances their employment prospects. For further information see the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Physics.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics.

Other information

All academic inquiries should be made to:

Course Director, Applied Physics
Associate Professor Kendal McGuffie
Department of Applied Physics
telephone (02) 9514 2072
fax (02) 9514 2219
email Kendal.McGuffie@uts.edu.au