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For information on course structure, subject details, how to apply and scholarships in Honours/Postgraduate Diploma 2010.
For information on Masters in Science
General Information
Bachelor of Science Honours (Physics)
The Honours program in Physics comprises coursework and research based study taken over one year. It has three main aims:
- to enhance the students' knowledge of physics on a broad front;
- to introduce students to the current research literature in specialised areas;
- to engage the students in their own research by participation in the activities of a research group in the School.
The minimum entry requirement for Honours is 65 as an average of equivalent 3rd year Science points (best 87.5 points selected). You will be affiliated with the research group of your supervisor and afforded most of the privileges of the staff and the postgraduate students of the School. This includes keys for after-hours access, office and laboratory space, and the facilities for your research. These facilities will be provided through your supervisor's research group.
Honours Program (refer to 2009 Handbook entry)
The year consists of two components which carry equal weight for assessment:
640-497 Physics Advanced Coursework
Students need to complete four advanced coursework subjects. These must include the subject Quantum Mechanics. The other three subjects may be selected from electives offered by the School and subjects from other disciplines (eg. mathematics and statistics) which are approved by the Head of the School of Physics. Elective subjects taught by the School cover topics in:
o Quantum Mechanics
o Quantum Field Theory
o General Relativity
o Statistical Mechanics
o Physical Cosmology
o Particle Physics
o Condensed Matter Physics
o Optics
o Experimental Methods
Information about these subjects can be found at MSc-Physics
640-496 Physics Research Project
The research project subject comprises original, supervised research (experimental and/or theoretical) in one of the school's current fields: astrophysics, optics, particle physics, atomic physics or condensed matter physics.
The assessment is based on a written report (main text of the order of 20 pages) and a 15-minute talk on the research done during the year. The talk will be presented to the School of Physics shortly after the report has been submitted.
How to apply for Honours in 2010
We have a new exciting alternative to Honours which will interface more closely with preliminary programs around the world and have even stronger research and coursework components. We strongly encourage students to enroll in this two-year Masters of Science in Physics degree as a prelude for the PhD program in Physics. The new MSc - Physics program expands on material currently presented in fourth year courses in a more rigorous treatment, extended over a two year period. For more information on program and entry criteria, please refer to MSc - Physics.
For students who have enrolled in 'Continuing BSc degree' prior to 2008, Honours will still be available as an enrolment option; however, we strongly recommend that students consider MSc - Physics rather than Honours, particularly for those students who aim to undertake PhD studies at the University of Melbourne.
It is advised that prospective applicants first make an appointment with the MSc/Hons/Postgrad Dip Coordinator, Dr Andy Martin, for further discussion on the range of research projects available. Entry into Honours is possible only after confirming research project and supervisor first. Forms and deadlines are outlined in the application process. Julie Warden is the administrative contact with whom applications can be left after consultation with Dr Andy Martin.
The summary list of research projects that are offered in 2010 .