The University of Western Australia
Future Students

Physics

Physics is the key to understanding the world around us.

Introduction

The knowledge generated through the study of Physics is also the driving force behind most new technologies – from radars to lasers, from transistors to quantum computers, and from electron microscopes to advanced medical imaging scanners.

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Course description, features and facilities

The hallmark of the Physics major is the strong focus that it has on complementary mathematical skills. These are required to allow you to access the frontiers of modern physics, including the key pillars of relativity and quantum physics, with applications to atomic, nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter physics, laser physics, relativity, and astrophysics. The Astronomy and Astrophysics stream in the major is particularly exciting, as Western Australia has been short-listed as a potential site for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) – a multi-billion-dollar project that will open amazing opportunities in radioastronomy. To complement your lectures from internationally recognised researchers in their various fields, you will have the chance to discuss, apply and expand on the theory of your unit in weekly practical laboratory classes and structured tutorials.

Visit the Science website for further information on careers in science, graduate profiles, scholarships and the benefits of choosing science at UWA.


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Student profile

Student profile – David McKenzie

I've always enjoyed the physical sciences and discovering how the natural world works. I chose to study Physics at UWA because the subject matter was very interesting to me- areas like quantum mechanics and particle physics, which on the surface seemed to have little real-world application, were used to explain everyday phenomena. Physics also has a strong maths element, which I enjoy, and the labs do a great job at showing the practical side of physics and are usually very cool- lasers and liquid nitrogen are great fun!

Everyone in the School of Physics- students, lecturers, demonstrators and lab technicians is very friendly, helpful and shares a common enthusiasm for the topic. This creates a great atmosphere around the building, and it’s also great to see the head of the school taking a keen interest in undergraduate studies.

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Structure

 

UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.

As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.

You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.

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Career opportunities

The Physics major can open the door to many career choices. As a Physics graduate, your strong problem solving and critical thinking abilities will be in demand from employers in industry, government and the business and finance sector. You will also find employment in teaching and high-tech industry, where discipline specific skills are important. Further studies will lead to careers in research or academia. The SKA project will provide a variety of job opportunities for Physics graduates in the Astronomy and Astrophysics stream.

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Further study opportunities

Students with a physics major can pursue further studies at honours level, Graduate Diploma in Science, Master of Science or PhD. Other further study options include the Master of Science (Medical Physics), and the Master of Teaching.

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Check the Entrance requirements

This course is available to Australian and International students.

On this page

  1. Prerequisites and minimum scores
  2. Additional information
  3. English competency
  4. Advanced standing

Prerequisites and minimum scores

Qualification and prerequisite subjectsCourse entry score
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
  • A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Physics 3A/3B
  • A scaled score of 50 or above in WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3C/3D
80
International Baccalaureate
  • A score of 4 or above in HL Physics
  • A score of 4 or above in HL Mathematics or in SL Further Mathematics
29

Additional information

Alternatively, if you did not take or did not pass WACE Mathematics: Specialist 3C/3D, but have a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE Mathematics 3C/3D (or equivalent), you may satisfy the mathematics prerequisite by taking an additional mathematics unit in first year.

Note 1: If you only have a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE Mathematics 3C/3D (or equivalent) this may extend the duration of the degree beyond the minimum 3 years.

Note 2: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98.00 (or equivalent).

English competency

University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.

The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.

Advanced standing

If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).

Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.

On this page

  1. Prerequisites and minimum scores
  2. English competency
  3. Advanced standing

Prerequisites and minimum scores

Qualification and prerequisite subjectsCourse entry score
French Baccalaureat
12
International Baccalaureate
29
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
66
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
8
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
63
Trinity College Foundation Program
85
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
270
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
60
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
12
Chinese Gao Kao
525
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
12
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
60
Norwegian Vitnemål
4.14
Swedish Slutbetyg
15.70
German Abitur
3.17
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
8
South African National Senior Certificate
4.60

These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.

If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.

English competency

To be eligible for admission to a program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.

Advanced standing

Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).

How to apply

This course is available to Australian and International students.

On this page

  1. First semester entry
  2. Second semester entry
  3. Fees
  4. Information for…
  5. Contact details - admission information

We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.

First semester entry

Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre. Applications open Monday 13 August 2012.

Closing dates:

  • On-time closing date - Friday 28 September 2012
  • The deadline for adding preferences for Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry is Friday 28 September 2012, and late applications will not be accepted.
  • Late applications for other courses will be accepted, with a late fee, until Friday 4 January 2013.
  • Students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2011 can add preferences (except for Medicine and Dentistry Assured Entry Pathways) until Friday 4 January 2013.

Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.

Second semester entry

Closing date:

  • Friday 22 June 2012.

After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.

Fees

$, per year.

This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.

Information for

Contact details - admission information

UWA Admissions Centre (M353)

Address
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
Location
UWA Map
Telephone
(+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
Fax
(+61 8) 6488 1226
Enquire on-line
askUWA
Opening hours
Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm

On this page

  1. First semester entry
  2. Second semester entry
  3. Information for…
  4. Contact details - admission information

First semester entry

International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.

Closing dates:

  • Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry - 30 June 2011
  • All other courses - 1 December 2011

You must also:

If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.

Second semester entry

International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.

Closing date:

  • 1 June 2011

You must also:

If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.

Information for

Contact details - admission information

UWA International Centre (M352)

Address
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
Telephone
(+61 8) 6488 3939
Fax
(+61 8) 9382 4071
Contacts
International Centre
Enquire on-line
askUWA
Location
UWA Map
Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
About UWA
Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
Foundation and preparatory courses
There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
Social life on campus
There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.

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Physics: the details

Status
Available 2012
Locations offered
Crawley
Attendance types
Part-time, Full-time
Delivery mode
Internal
Starting dates
Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly first year time commitment
Three hours of lectures, 2 hours of laboratories, 1 hour problem class, plus your own study time
Standard full-time completion
3 years
Maximum time to complete
10 years
Degrees (available in)

This major is available in:

Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

All majors (except Economics and Biomedical Science double majors, Architecture, Specialist Music Studies and Science Communication) can also be taken as second majors in any of our undergraduate degrees

Honours available
Yes
Contact details: course information

Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences
1st floor Physics building (M011), Fairway entrance 2, Crawley 6009
contactscience@uwa.edu.au
(+61 8) 6488 3396

Footnote links and information

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Last updated
Wednesday, 8 June, 2011 10:47 AM
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