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Physics

Studying Physics

What is Physics?

Physics can be defined as the science of matter and energy, and of interactions between the two. Physics deals with the physical properties, interactions, processes or laws governing these interactions, consisting of the study of the natural world and phenomena.

Physicists want to thoroughly understand how the world works, in every detail and at the deepest level. This includes everything from elementary particles, to nuclei, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, living cells, solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, living organisms, the human brain, complex systems, supercomputers, the atmosphere, planets, stars, galaxies and the universe itself. Physicists study many of today's important scientific and technological questions, developing new instrumentation, refining measurement techniques, and modelling. The latter make up the discipline of applied physics. With mathematics and chemistry it is commonly known as an 'enabling science' because it forms the basis for many of the professional disciplines and, increasingly, in commerce.

Why Study Physics?

The study of Physics is traditionally grouped into fields such as acoustics, optics, mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism, as well as in modern extensions including atomic and nuclear physics, cryogenics, solid-state physics, particle physics and plasma physics. There are a number of reasons to study physics, not only to enhance career prospects, but also for reasons of personal development:

On a Personal Level

A physics education emphasises problem-solving and abstract thinking and this training makes physics graduates very desirable employees in a wide variety of areas. Physics graduates can go on to work in high tech companies, where training in practical subjects such as optics, lasers, computer interfacing, image processing and electronics also heighten their appeal.

Personal qualities which the study of physics requires include curiosity, imagination, inventiveness and, above all, honesty in dealing with data, theory and colleagues. An ability to communicate one's ideas in spoken and written form is essential and should be developed. The enjoyment of problem-solving and working with mathematics and computers is also important.

On a 'Big Picture' Level

Physics is an international enterprise which plays a key role in the future progress of humankind. Physics education and research are important as they are an exciting intellectual adventure which expands the frontiers of our knowledge about Nature. Physics generates fundamental knowledge needed for the future technological advances that will continue to drive the economic engines of the world, as well as contributing to the technological infrastructure and providing the training needed to take advantage of scientific advances and discoveries.

Physics also improves our quality of life by providing the basic understanding necessary for developing new instrumentation and techniques for medical applications, such as computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasonic imaging and laser surgery.

What Types of Physics Can I Study?

The range of areas which can be studied in physics courses is quite large, and includes:
Astrophysics, Chemical Physics, Computational Physics, Condensed Matter Physics Electromagnetism, Fluid Mechanics, Geophysics, Laser Physics, Mathematical Geophysics, Mathematical Physics, Medical Physics, Nuclear Physics, Optics, Quantum Physics, Radiation Physics, Physical Electronics, Semiconductor Physics, Theoretical Physics, Thermodynamics and Wave Motion. For more information about these courses, visit some of the links listed on the last page of this profile.

Physics Degrees are often combined with Engineering to gain a double degree. It broadens the range of employment options and gives entry to a wider range of postgraduate studies.

Where Can I Study Physics?

Most Australian universities offer bachelor and postgraduate degrees which are either physics-based, or contain a significant degree of physics, and these can range from medical radiation physics, optoelectronics or geophysics, to combined degrees such as Science/Asian Studies, Science/Law or Business/Science. The complete list of Australian tertiary institutions offering courses with physics components includes:

  1. Australian Defence Force Academy
  2. Australian National University
  3. Avondale College
  4. Central Queensland University
  5. Curtin University of Technology
  6. Edith Cowan University
  7. Flinders University of South Australia
  8. Griffith University
  9. James Cook University
  10. La Trobe University
  11. Macquarie University
  12. Monash University
  13. Murdoch University
  14. Northern Territory University
  15. Queensland University of Technology
  16. RMIT University
  17. Swinburne University of Technology
  18. University of Adelaide
  19. University of Canberra
  20. University of Melbourne
  21. University of New England
  22. University of New South Wales
  23. University of Newcastle
  24. University of Queensland
  25. University of Southern Queensland
  26. University of Sydney
  27. University of Tasmania
  28. University of Technology, Sydney
  29. University of Western Australia
  30. University of Western Sydney
  31. University of Wollongong
  32. Victoria University.

Want to read more about careers for Physics graduates? Download a complete copy of Careers in Physics below:

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