Bachelor of Science (Physics)
University of Technology Sydney
CRICOS provider number: 00099F TEQSA provider ID: PRV12060
Courses included
This course has been cancelled
About
Science holds the key to many of the challenges – pandemics, climate change, antibiotic resistance – that threaten the world today. With the UTS Bachelor of Science, students can take their place at the forefront of a profession with the power to build resilience in both humanity and the planet.
This flagship degree has been designed with flexibility in mind: with eight majors to choose from and extensive elective blocks on offer, students can build a degree that’s uniquely theirs. In their first year, they gain access to what we call the ‘scientist’s toolkit’, a series of core subjects designed to help them critically analyse the ways in which science can help solve global problems.
From there, they can dive into specialist science subjects in their chosen major, working in world-class facilities and on industry-standard equipment. Our practice-based learning approach means students learn by doing, translating scientific theory into real-world practice. But they don’t just do it in the classroom: extensive professional experiences, from internships and field trips to global exchange placements, help bring their learning to life.
At UTS, we believe science is about more than just what happens in the lab. Bachelor of Science students pair the study of in-depth scientific subjects with the development of crucial professional skills – inquiry, reflection, innovation and communication – that prepare them for a diverse and thriving career.
The Physics major is focused on the fundamental phenomena that make up the universe. With an emphasis on devices, application, and fabrication, curriculum introduces students to the theories that underpin transformational technologies like optical fibre and satellite communications, solar energy, battery technology, green energy and more. Students can tailor their qualification with a choice of three sub-majors in Mathematics, Chemistry or Engineering and work on real-world research projects in professional science laboratories, including the world-standard Microstructural Analysis Unit.
Areas of study
R&D, instrumentation, finance, IT, health and education. They can work as physicists, material engineers or scientists, research scientists, quantum application specialists, data scientists, opto-mechanical researchers, ultra-cold atom scientists, nanofabrication engineers or semiconductor engineers.
Career opportunities
Physicist, imaging specialist, nanotechnologist, optical physicist, noise consultants, materials scientist, energy and sustainability researcher, science teacher, academic. Graduates can find work in the communications and instrumentation industry, alternative energy sources, design of optical and electronic devices and publicly funded research at universities and organisations including CSIRO and ANSTO as well as regulatory authorities.
Honours
Available as an additional year to meritorious students.
Fees and charges
Refer to UTS current fee information.
Admission criteria
Applicants with recent secondary education
Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced, any 2 units of English, any 2 units of science.
Recommended studies: Chemistry, Mathematics Extension 1.
Other applicants
Statement of service: Applicants are advised to complete the employment question on their UAC application and provide statements of service to UAC, as an adjustment of up to five points to their selection rank may be awarded on the basis of relevant employment experience. Applicants must meet the UTS minimum matriculation requirements in order for their employment experience to be assessed, and their documented employment experience must be at least one full-time year or greater.
Optional aptitude assessment: UTS Science believes that some applicants may have an aptitude for scientific study that is not reflected in their HSC results. The aptitude assessment is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their potential, and possibly secure an offer to study at UTS Science. The assessment is designed to assess applicants’ analytical and critical thinking skills. Much like the STAT test, it is not a knowledge-based assessment and there is no need to study for it. Applicants who wish to commence study can register to participate in the UTS Science Aptitude test.
Taking this assessment does not mean applicants are guaranteed to receive an offer from UTS Science.
Student profile
Access information about the background of students in this course.
Further information
View all details of this course on the UTS website.
University of Technology Sydney degrees
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review.
ATAR profile
ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2024)
Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.
- This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
- The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
- The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.
Abbreviations
– = data is not available.<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria
Student profile
About UTS Science
Study at Australia’s #1 young university
As Australia’s #1 young university* (and number 11 in the world*), UTS is a vibrant and dynamic place to study. Our youth means we sit at the cutting edge of learning and research – and our students do too.
* QS7 Top 50 Under 50, 2017–2021.
Study Options
At UTS Science, choice is the name of the game. With more than 20 degrees to choose from, students can create a study plan that reflects their personal and professional goals.
Read more about UTS Science Programs.
Specialist degrees: These highly focused courses take students on a deep dive into their chosen area of science. Choices include Environmental Biology, Forensic Science, Marine Biology and Climate Change, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Science and Molecular Biotechnology.
Bachelor of Science: With eight majors and extensive elective choices, the Bachelor of Science is for students who want to create a degree that’s uniquely theirs. Major choices (Physics, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Science, Flexible) are split between a Life Sciences stream and a Mathematical and Physical Sciences stream; students can pick and choose subjects to build a customised learning plan.
Bachelor of Advanced Science: Designed for high-achieving students, the Bachelor of Advanced Science delivers specialist learning in Pre-medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Quantum Technologies. Students prepare for further study or for a career at the forefront of contemporary science.
Combined degrees: UTS Science or Mathematics degrees can be combined with another course in areas such as business, international studies, creative intelligence and innovation, engineering or law. A combined degree gives students two qualifications in one and expands their career potential, all in less time than it would take to complete two consecutive courses.
Where learning comes to life
Real-world experience: UTS Science is the home of hands-on learning. Course content combines theory, lab and practical experience, equipping students with the skills of their future professions. They’ll also have the chance to working alongside world-leading researchers and industry practitioners, building connections that count from early in their degrees.
World-leading facilities: UTS Science has undergone a massive upgrade as part of a billion-dollar redevelopment of the UTS City Campus. Students learn in award-winning, purpose-built teaching and research laboratories, including the UTS Science Super Lab and Hive Super Lab (all students), the Crime Scene Simulation Labs (Forensic Science students), the Microstructural Analysis Unit (Physics students) and the Surgical and Anatomical Science Facility (Advanced Science students). They can also access a range of collaborative spaces for group work and social activities.
Read more about our facilities.
Global and internship opportunities: Science is a global profession. At UTS, we encourage our students to develop a global mindset by offering travel and internship opportunities that can take them around the world. They can spend one or two sessions studying overseas (Global Exchange), engage with local and international leadership and global citizenship experiences (BUILD) or get a taste of international internships, either virtually or face to face (Global Short Programs).
Read more about UTS Global and Internship opportunities.
Getting ready to study
Bridging courses: Students can build skills and confidence in preparation for university study with an intensive bridging course(s) in biology, mathematics, physics or chemistry. Read more about UTS Bridging courses.
Scholarships: We’re committed to celebrating achievement and removing barriers to education. That’s why UTS and UTS Science offer a wealth of scholarships for high achievers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and students experiencing disadvantage. Read more about UTS scholarships and UTS Science scholarships.
Course start dates: In most cases, local students can commence their UTS Science studies at the beginning of the year (February/March) or mid-year (July/August). Some courses are also available in summer.
Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.
UTS Online Handbook
For further details about UTS courses listed below, including course content and structure, subject and elective choices, attendance patterns and credit point requirements, visit the UTS Online Handbook.
UTS cross-faculty and combined courses
UTS offers many cross-faculty courses and combined courses in the areas of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering and Information Technology, Health, Law and Science.
UTS also offers a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII), a Bachelor of International Studies and a Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment as combined degrees. TD School at UTS also offers a unique future-focused Diploma in Innovation that can be completed in parallel with almost any Bachelor degree and double degree, except BCII. Diploma enrolment is by direct application once at UTS.