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Home Study Undergraduate Physics Major (BSc Science)
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MJRU-PHYCS

Physics

Undergraduate major

Reach for the stars, studying matter and energy in all their forms.

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  • ATAR
    Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Physics Major (BSc Science)
  • Credit
    200
See full course structure

Check the application deadline for the parent course

Bachelor of Science (Science)
See full course structure
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Why study Physics at Curtin?

Cutting-edge

Graduate ready to work in environments where research and discovery abound.

Professional recognition

Gain professional membership of the Australian Institute of Physics.

Top 1 %

Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2022.

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, such as those found at supercomputing facilities.

You can specialise 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 analyse 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.

This stream will prepare you to work as a physicist or mathematician.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

See our handbook for more course information.

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 Major (BSc Science) lead to?

Careers

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

Industries

  • Astronomy
  • Defence
  • Environmental consultation
  • 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

Professional recognition

You will be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP). Many international equivalents of the AIP also accept graduates as members.

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)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • 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

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

    Not accepted.

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • 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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

    AQF Diploma; or AQF Advanced Diploma AND satisfied the prerequisites: Maths Methods and Physics. The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with: Maths Methods ATAR; or MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus, and MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus. The Physics prerequisite can be met with: Physics ATAR; or PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

  • STAT entry

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • 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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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:

  • attained an ATAR of 80 and met the prerequisites; or
  • if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
    • completed 100 credits within one semester, with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher; or
  • if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
    • completed 100 credits within one semester with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher; or
  • completed 200 credits with a course weighted average (CWA) of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher; or
  • completed 400 credits with a CWA of 50% of higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher.

The Maths Methods prerequisite can be met with:

  • Maths Methods ATAR; or
  • MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus (12.5 credits); and
  • MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus.

The Physics prerequisite can be met with:

  • Physics ATAR; or
  • PHYS1006 Foundations of Physics.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have:

  • attained an ATAR of 80 plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR AND Physics ATAR; or
  • if you have studied Maths Applications or equivalent:
    • completed 100 credits within one semester with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 65% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher; or
  • if you have studied Maths Methods or equivalent:
    • completed 100 credits within one semester with an SWA of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher; or
  • completed 200 credits with a course weighted average (CWA) of 60% or higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher; or
  • completed 400 credits with a CWA of 50% of higher, plus any unit/s assessed as comparable to Maths Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR or higher.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR and Physics ATAR, or equivalent.

  • 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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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.

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

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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
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Fees & charges

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