Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours (Physics)

The Bachelor of Science Advanced Honours (Physics) degree is for high-achieving students interested in a challenging degree leading to a career in scientific research.

Offering a greater degree of flexibility, you have the opportunity to undertake individual research subjects in second, third, and fourth-year levels. You are also able to participate in various enrichment activities and develop a close association with an appropriate member of one of the faculty’s research teams.

This degree provides you with the first real opportunity to undertake research on a topic of your interest. In the final Honours year, you will undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in your major discipline, together with other required seminars and/or coursework.

The Honours year is particularly important as it represents a gateway to future research opportunities, both in the form of higher research degrees and as a career in research, or to other vocations that require advanced analytical and research skills. 

Many physicists at UOW work under the aegis of the Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials (ISEM). ISEM is recognised as a flagship research strength of UOW. 

The Department operates a 0.4m telescope equipped with modern electronic cameras and photometers, and collaborates with the Illawarra Science Centre in developing an astronomy teaching degree. 

Areas of study

Making, interpreting and extending observations relating to the behaviour and structure of matter: mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, vibrations, waves, optics, and modern, quantum and statistical mechanics, astronomy, cosmology, superconductivity, nanomaterials, nuclear radiation, semiconductors, terahertz technology, theoretical physics plus advanced mathematics subjects.

Career opportunities

Astrophysicist, atmospheric scientist, biomolecular scientist, biophysicist, computer scientist, cosmologist, defence logistics, econophysicist, health physicist, hydrographer, intelligence, medical imaging specialist, meteorologist, radiotherapist, researcher.

Professional recognition

All UOW physics degrees are fully accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics.

Practical experience

Optional internships, industry projects and other career-ready learning opportunities. Our close ties with industry bodies ensure you receive industry exposure throughout your degree. All subjects include a major practical component to complement and reinforce what you learn in lectures, and ensure you gain hands-on skills that prepare you for real-life activities in your future career.

Honours

Research component (thesis) in the final stages of the course.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Wollongong current fee information.