The University of Newcastle

Bachelor of Science (Physics)

Using the latest scientific developments and advancements, you'll learn first-hand from our actively involved researchers how to deliver innovative solutions for real-world problems. You'll also develop highly sought after and transferable skills in problem solving, communication and independent thinking.

These are courses currently available in "Physics".

Physics underpins most aspects of modern engineering, technology, and medicine; developments in physics often drive social change. Knowledge of physics is therefore vital to understanding the world around us. Physics is needed to make new materials, monitor our environment, put satellites into orbit, harness energy, determine the strength of structures, take scans of the human body, develop faster computers, etc. The course is calculus based and covers topics from mechanics and kinematics, wave mechanics, electricity, particle physics, cosmology, and thermal physics.

Physics underpins most aspects of modern engineering, technology, and medicine. For example, about 25% of the world's economy is tied to the quantum mechanics of silicon, and many of the most important practical advances in chemistry and biology can be traced to the precise understanding of the behaviour of atoms and molecules provided by quantum mechanics. Knowledge of physics is therefore vital to understanding the world around us. This calculus-based course continues on from PHYS1210 and covers the topics of mathematical tools, electromagnetism, optics and physics of matter.

Provides the essential mathematical techniques of Physical Science and Engineering. These are the methods of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations. Multivariable Calculus involves a study of the differential and integral calculus of functions of two or more variables. In particular it covers introductory material on the differential calculus of scalar and vector fields, and the integral calculus of scalar and vector functions. Differential Equations arise from mathematical models of physical processes. Also includes the study of the main analytical and numerical methods for obtaining solutions to first and second order differential equations.

Waves and oscillating systems are fundamental to an understanding of the physical world. Through these concepts we can understand diverse phenomena, from pendulums, musical instruments, and mechanical structures, through tides, plasma waves in space, to the nature of light. Technological applications of these ideas are at the heart of all optical and electrical devices. At its core Classical Physics 2 studies the motion of particles, fields and energy using the concepts of Wave Mechanics. This course requires an intermediate level of calculus for treatment of waves and oscillators, electromagnetism and optics.

Complex analysis forms a basis for not only advanced mathematical topics, including differential equations, number theory, operator theory and other 3000 and higher level courses, but also for special functions of mathematical and quantum physics. Through this, complex functions make a significant contribution to the understanding of the world in which we live. This course covers fundamental knowledge in the theory of analytical functions with applications to definite integration and culminates with study of harmonic and special functions.

This course covers the parts of calculus and algebra which are fundamental to all of mathematics and its applications. In algebra, students learn concepts and symbolic manipulation when calculating with large numbers of variables. In calculus, they learn concepts used when working with continuously changing variables. Both ways of thinking are essential in the mathematics met by students in the Sciences, Engineering and Commerce. These concepts will be further explored in MATH1120.

This course covers the mathematics necessary to perform calculations in, and create models for, the real world of Science and Engineering. Specifically, it will demonstrate how to do mathematics in a three-dimensional world. The course describes the fundamental ideas of calculus of functions of one and two variables, differential equations and linear algebra. It continues from MATH1110 to complete a first year of Mathematics suitable for Science and Engineering students, and others for whom Mathematics is a tool.

Quantum Information Science deals with the application of quantum mechanics to represent and process information. It is fundamental to the development of more realistic modelling on a practical timescale which will have a broad impact in a range of areas essential to the modern world. These include drug design, sustainable power generation, and the development of new materials.