R05 RP Master of Science - Physics

The Master of Science (Physics program) offers students an exciting array of topics designed to prepare students for a career as a professional physicist and beyond.

Students must complete 200 points comprising:

* 87.5 points of discipline subjects;
* a 12.5 point Professional Tools subject; and
* a 100 point Research Project.

Discipline subjects (all subjects are 12.5 points, total points: 87.5)

Students must take seven of the following subjects:

• 640-610 Quantum Mechanics
• 640-611 Quantum Field Theory
• 640-614 General Relativity
• 640-604 Statistical Mechanics
• 640-612 Physical Cosmology
• 640-613 Particle Physics
• 640-615 Condensed Matter Physics
• 640-603 Quantum Advanced Optics
• 600-656 Experimental Methods

Students may substitute at most two approved subjects at 300 level or higher. It will be compulsory to take 300-level Statistical Physics or 300-level Electrodynamics if the student did not take these subjects (or their equivalent at another institution) during undergraduate studies.

Professional tools (all subjects are 12.5 points, total points: 12.5)

Students must take one of the following subjects:

Research Project (100 points)

Students will gain research experience in Physics by completing a 100 point Research Project comprising:

* a preliminary literature survey and research plan at the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project (10 page limit of mixed text, diagrams and mathematical formulas; pass/fail);
* an oral presentation at the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project (up to 20 min; pass/fail);
* a major thesis at the end of year two (50 page limit of mixed text, diagrams and mathematical formulas; 90% of final grade);
* an oral presentation at the end of year two (up to 30 min; 10% of final grade); and
* the completion of an advanced seminar in the relevant research area (pass/fail)

Students would normally enrol in a combination of Research Project subjects as indicated below over four semesters of full-time study or over eight semesters of part-time study, to ensure they have completed a total of 100 points by the end of their course.

* 640-609 Research Project - 12.5 points
* 640-608 Research Project - 25.0 points
* 640-607 Research Project - 37.5 points
* 640-606 Research Project - 50.0 points

At the completion of this course, students should be able to:

• analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
• apply abstract concepts to real-world situations;
• manage time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and examinations.