科廷科技大学

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.

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.

Career information

Careers

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

Industries

Astronomy
Defence
Environmental consultation
Manufacturing

What you'll learn

Apply physics, mathematics, and computing knowledge, principles and concepts
Apply critical, creative and reflective thinking to physics problems
Access, evaluate and synthesise information relating to physics
Effectively communicate physics ideas and concepts
Use a range of technologies to collect and analyse data with appropriate regard to uncertainties
Work as responsible, self-directed and motivated learners
Apply internationally-accepted scientific conventions, standards and protocols
Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in professional life
Work safely, effectively and ethically in a multifaceted scientific environment