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.

Why study

• Curtin offers a high-quality, student-centred learning environment, where you will receive personal attention from academic staff at all levels
• The integration of third-year research projects with our postgraduate research groups is exceptional, with high postgraduate and staff numbers relative to undergraduate students. This creates a very high undergraduate engagement with our research teams and international collaborators.
• Graduates gain a high level of employment flexibility, with analytical abilities, problem-solving skills and logical thinking being broadly applicable at the highest levels of industry and government organisations.

How this course will make you industry ready

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

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.

Careers

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

Industries

• Astronomy
• Defence
• Environmental consultation
• Manufacturing