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MJRU-PHYCS

Physics

Undergraduate major

Reach for the stars, by gaining advanced knowledge of matter and energy and specialising in applied physics, astrophysics, materials science or mathematical physics.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Physics Major (BSc Science)
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Course outline
Physics

Outline

Outline

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.

You can specialise in one of four areas:

Applied Physics
In this specialisation, 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. During field excursions, you'll learn how to deploy instruments and undertake field and satellite data analysis.

In addition, you could 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 specialisation is suitable for students who 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 will give you the chance to analyse data from cutting-edge radio telescopes.

Materials Science
This specialisation looks for connections between the underlying structure of a material, its properties and applications, and changes due to processing.

You will study materials including metals, semiconductors, glasses, ceramics and polymers. You’ll also learn about analytical instruments and radiation used to investigate the microstructure of samples.

Mathematical Physics
Mathematical physics is the study of nature through mathematical models and computation using the latest supercomputers. You will study physics from very small scales, using quantum mechanics, to the very big, utilising Einstein's theory of general relativity.

Physics is also offered as an Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

How this course will make you industry ready

You will study real-world problems through observation, measurement and theoretical analysis.

What jobs can the Physics course lead to?

Careers

  • Physicist
  • Astrophysicist
  • Computational physicist
  • Environmental physicist
  • Materials analyst
  • Meteorologist
  • Satellite remote-sensing scientist
  • Financial analyst
  • Medical physicist

Industries

  • Astronomy
  • Defence
  • Software development
  • Environmental consultancy
  • Manufacturing

Further study

What you'll learn

  • have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in Physics that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of Physics, GC1
  • can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to Phycis, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within Physics, GC2
  • understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in Physics using digital technologies, GC3
  • can gather and interpret relevant data within Physics to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with Physics, and how these impact upon the practice of Physics, GC4
  • understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of Physics, GC5
  • display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6

Why study Physics

Highly ranked global university

Curtin is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

Advanced science

This course offers an Advanced Science (Honours) option for high-achieving students.

Industry accredited

This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) and Curtin graduates are eligible for AIP professional membership.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). Graduates are eligible for AIP professional membership.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted. Written English may be used to demonstrate English Competency (140)

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted. Written English may be used to demonstrate English Competency (140)

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    • A TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant field of study, if you are not sure if it is relevant, check with the course co-ordinator for the major they are going into.

    • Curtin College Diploma of Information Technology does NOT meet the MAM requirements for the data science major. Alternative offer B-MTDSC to be given

     

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted. Written English may be used to demonstrate English Competency (140)

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  1. Met the minimum admission criteria
  2. Met ATAR Mathematics Methods prerequisite (or equivalent)
  3. Met ATAR Physics prerequisite (or equivalent)

Prerequisite Information

The ATAR Mathematics Methods prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin unit:
MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
MATH1016 Calculus 1

The ATAR Physics pre-requisite can be met with the following Curtin unit:
PHYS1006  Foundation of Physics

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider.

In addition, you need to have: 

  1. Met ATAR Mathematics Methods prerequisite (or equivalent)
  2. Met ATAR Physics prerequisite (or equivalent)

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Specialist ATAR and Chemistry ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

July intake: Course duration may exceed three years due to unit prerequisites.

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree or Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRU-PHYCS
  • Last updated on: 11 October 2024

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