Physics Major

Code MAAAEF

Provides students with a thorough background in fundamental and advanced physics with a strong emphasis on scientific instrumentation, measurement and analytical skills.

The major is designed to meet industries' need for capable, dynamic and innovative graduates with well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills and a sound theoretical knowledge in physics. It gives students a hands-on and practical understanding of physics with laboratory-based programs and projects to encourage practical learning.

Special entry requirements

All applicants are required to have Physics ATAR, with equivalents considered, and have Mathematics: Methods ATAR, with equivalents considered.

Why ECU?

ECU top in teaching quality

For the fifth year in a row, ECU has received the top undergraduate teaching quality ranking of all 37 public universities in Australia.
ECU was also the top-ranked public university in Australia for undergraduate skills development for the sixth year in a row.
View QILT results.
Good Universities Guide

In the 2021 Good Universities Guide, ECU graduates have given us a 5-star rating for teaching quality, skills development, student support, learning resources, learner engagement and overall student experience.
The 5-star rating for undergraduate teaching quality has now been achieved for 14 straight years.
Read more about the Good Universities Guide.
THE Impact Rankings

ECU has been ranked number 9 in the world for Quality Education and is in the top 100 overall in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact rankings, showing how the global higher education sector is working towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Read more about the THE Impact Rankings
THE Young University Rankings

ECU has been ranked in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) Young Universities Rankings, THE World University Rankings.

Unit set overview

Code

MAAAEF

Availability & Campus

JO	ML	BU	OL

JO - Joondalup BU - South West ML - Mount Lawley OL - Online

Details

Structure

Unit Code	Unit Title	Credit Points
SCP1111	Physics of Motion	15
SCP1112	Waves and Electricity	15
SCP2343	Intermediate Physics	15
SCP2211	Modern Physics	15
SCP3318	Advanced Physics	15
SCI3150	Science Project	15

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
Unit Code	Unit Title	Credit Points
Plus 2 units from:
ENS1162	Electrical Engineering 1A	15
MAT1250	Mathematics 1	15
ENM2104	Instrumentation and Measurement	15
ENS2108	Mechanical Science	15
SCI2123	Astronomy	15

Notes: In SCI3150 Science Project, students must complete a physics-based project. Students are advised to consult with the Physics Coordinator for the selection of the most appropriate Recommended Elective units. Students considering undertaking Honours in Physics should consider taking additional physics, mathematics or engineering units as their electives in the Bachelor of Science course, in consultation with the Physics Coordinator.

For more detailed unit information for this Major take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Semester timetable.

Student handbook

Notes

Learning Outcomes

Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical physics situations.
Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex physics problems.
Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions to theoretical and practical physics problems.
Use scientific and digital technologies and literacies to access, investigate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity.
Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values, including Indigenous cultural competence
Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities

Employment opportunities go beyond positions with a specific description of Physicist. Additional employment opportunities include (but are not restricted to) science professionals in High Schools, teaching positions in High Schools and Universities, economic analysis positions in banks, analysts in the petrochemical industry, medical physicists in hospitals, etc.

Possible future job titles

Physicist, Astronomer, Teacher, Lecturer, Professor, Researcher.

This Major can be studied in the following courses

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.