Physics is concerned with the understanding and quantitative description of natural phenomena. Applied physics is concerned with the application of this knowledge for the advancement of society. The areas in which professional physicists are employed are changing rapidly and becoming increasingly cross-disciplinary; these include biophysics, medical physics, environmental science, geophysics, computational physics, instrumentation and data acquisition and processing.
The Bachelor of Science (Applied Physics) program is designed to produce graduates who are well qualified to succeed in the changing employment scene. Graduates may be employed in fields as diverse as acoustics consulting, biophysics research, electro-optics, materials research, environmental monitoring, computing technology, geophysical exploration and secondary teaching. The program includes in-depth studies in physics, including courses that introduce students to problems and applications in research and industry, as well as individual research projects of an applied nature in which students solve real problems and compile evidence of practical competence to show prospective employers.
The internal and external versions of the program have identical content, and students can transfer from one mode to the other as circumstances warrant.
To satisfy the requirements of the award, students must complete 24 courses or 144 units of credit as outlined below.
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| 6 compulsory courses at Level 1, which are | |
| ENSE11001 | Digital Systems |
| PHYS11182 | Physics 1A |
| PHYS11183 | Physics 1B |
| MATH11163 | Mathematics 1A |
| MATH11164 | Mathematics 1B |
| COIS11014 | Engineering Computing |
| 6 compulsory courses at Level 2, which are: | |
| PHYS12075 | Optics & Lasers |
| PHYS12076 | Properties of Materials |
| ENSE12002 | Analog Systems (external students) or |
| ENEE12001 | Introduction to Analogue Electronics (internal students) |
| PHYS12073 | Introduction to Modern Physics |
| MATH12171 | Differential Equations |
| MATH12172 | Multivariable Calculus |
| 2 compulsory courses at Level 3, which are: | |
| PHYS13071 | Quantum Physics |
| PHYS13072 | Solid State A |
| At least 4 Level 3 Physics courses, which may include: | |
| PHYG13004 | Earth Science |
| PHYS13070 | Modern Optics & EM Waves |
| PHYS13067 | Stars & Galaxies |
| PHYS13068 | Acoustics & Vibrations |
| PHYS13164 | Applied Physical Techniques |
| ENTE13012 | Applied Microcontrollers |
| ENTE13011 | Digital Signal Processing |
| 6 elective courses selected from a plan stream or any undergraduate degree program. | |
| These elective courses may be selected from one or more of the following plans: | |
| Electronics/Instrumentation | |
| ENTI12001 | Instrumentation & Transducers |
| ENTE13011 | Digital Signal Processing |
| ENCO11005 | Computer Hardware Fundamentals |
| COIT11133 | Programming A |
| ENCO12008 | Computer Architecture & Assembler |
| Geophysics Strand | |
| PHYS12074 | Concepts of Astronomy |
| PHYS13067 | Stars & Galaxies |
| ENVR11011 | Environmental Science A |
| ENVR11012 | Environmental Science B |
| PHYG12003 | Geological Science |
| PHYG13004 | Earth Science |
| Mathematical Physics Strand | |
| MATH12173 | Linear Algebra |
| MATH12174 | Real Analysis |
| MATH13180 | Applied Partial Differential Equations |
| MATH13181 | Advanced Dynamics |
| COIT11133 | Programming A |
| COIT11134 | Programming B |
| Recommended electives include: | |
| CHEM11007 | Introductory Concepts of Chemical Sciences |
| CHEM11008 | Essential Principles of Chemical Sciences |
| Students must note: | |
| At least 36 units of credit of Level 3 courses must be completed. | |
| Students may select Level 2 courses before all Level 1 courses are completed as long as prerequisites are satisfied. | |
A study program for the whole program can be considered with the program coordinator at the first residential school. External students must check the Residential School Timetable to ensure that they do not have any timetable clashes. Continuing students should contact the program coordinator to discuss future enrolment.
Please note that full-time students usually enrol in four courses per term and part-time students usually enrol in two courses per term.
New internal students should enrol in the following courses in their first year of study:
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| COIS11014 | Engineering Computing |
| PHYS11182 | Physics 1A |
| PHYS11183 | Physics 1B |
| MATH11163 | Mathematics 1A |
| MATH11164 | Mathematics 1B |
| ENSE11001 | Digital Systems |
| plus 2 electives |
Part-time external students should enrol in 2 or 3 courses per term. It is suggested that part-time external students commencing in Autumn Term (T2) enrol in the following in the first year:
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| PHYS11182 | Physics 1A |
| PHYS11183 | Physics 1B |
| MATH11163 | Mathematics 1A |
| MATH11164 | Mathematics 1B |
Note: Students must check to see when and where a course is offered before enrolling. See the course availability section in this handbook for details.
Application for Credit Transfer
Credit transfer will be granted only where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies equivalent in content and depth to the CQU program have been successfully completed. Students should examine the course synopses in this handbook to determine the courses for which they may be eligible to claim exemption. For more information about credit transfer contact the program administrator.
Access to a computer is desirable as some elective courses assume you have access to the CQU website via the Internet.
CQU CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D
This handbook was correct as at: 16-06-2003