Curtin University

Bachelor of Science (Physics)

From the kinetic energy of a speeding car to nuclear fusion energy, from nearby stars to distant galaxies, physicists examine matter and energy in all their forms.

In this course, you will study real-world problems through observation, measurement, and theoretical analysis. You’ll learn the core concepts of physics and gain experience using complex technical equipment, such as those found at supercomputing facilities.

You can specialize in one of the following streams:

• Applied Physics: In this stream, you will study matter and energy in the Earth’s natural and managed environments: the atmosphere, oceans, rivers, land, soils, and living organisms. You’ll study contemporary topics such as the development of energy-saving ‘green’ materials and the disposal of radioactive wastes. You’ll also learn how to deploy instruments during field excursions and undertake field and satellite data analysis. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake applied acoustics with Curtin’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology, and applied underwater optics with Curtin’s Remote Sensing and Satellite Research Group.
• Astrophysics: This stream is suitable if you are interested in radio astronomy. You’ll grapple with scientific questions ranging from the origins of the Universe to the nature of dark matter. Curtin’s major involvement in the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research and the Square Kilometre Array means you will have the chance to analyze data from cutting-edge radio telescopes.
• Materials Science: This stream looks for connections between the underlying structure of a material, its properties and applications, and how processing changes the material. You will study materials including metals, semiconductors, glasses, ceramics, and polymers. You’ll also learn about analytical instruments and radiation that materials scientists use to investigate the microstructure of samples.
• Mathematical Physics: Mathematical physics is the study of nature. Through mathematical models, we can predict the progress of climatic changes, the flow of oil reservoirs, and development of new materials.