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Master of Science (Physics) (MC-SCIPHY)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2024 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Further study
Contact
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Contact Stop 1
Future students:
- Further information: http://science.unimelb.edu.au/
Coordinator
David Simpson
Overview
Award title | Master of Science (Physics) |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2024 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 094600J |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 200 credit points |
Duration | 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time |
The Master of Science (Physics) is a coursework masters degree incorporating a substantial research project.
The School of Physics is well established and is internationally respected for its research excellence, broad-based undergraduate courses, and a challenging and rewarding postgraduate experience. Programs in astrophysics, theoretical particle and experimental particle physics explore questions relating to the origin, evolution and fate of our universe, addressing some of the most important and fundamental problems of our age. Research collaborations include the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, the LIGO gravitational wave detector, and the MWA low frequency radio telescope.
The Master of Science (Physics) gives students the opportunity to undertake a substantive research project in a field of choice as well as a broad range of coursework subjects including a professional skills component, as a pathway to PhD study or to the workforce
Links to further information
Entry requirements
- In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- an undergraduate degree with a major in Physics, Mathematical Physics, Chemical Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering, and a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) in the best 50 points in that major or relevant discipline studies at third year; AND
- completion of Quantum Mechanics at both second-year and third-year university level (in addition, Electrodynamics and Statistical Physics at third-year university-level are recommended)
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
- In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- prior academic performance.
- The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
- Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Note:
- Quotas may be applied and preference may be given to applicants with evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research.
- Entry into this stream of the Master of Science (Physics) is subject to the capacity of the department(s) or schools(s) to provide adequate supervision in a research project appropriate to the interests and preparation of the individual student and may be subject to the agreement of a member of academic staff to supervise the project module.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to providingsupport to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this course, students should be able to:
- analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
- apply abstract concepts to real-world situations;
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and examinations.
Graduate attributes
Graduates will:
- have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection;
- have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
- have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
- reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication;
- be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
- be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines;
- have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment; and
- be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces.
Course structure
The Master of Science - Physics program offers students an exciting array of topics designed to prepare students for a career as a professional physicist and beyond. Students must complete 200 pts comprising:
- Discipline Component subjects (87.5 points);
- Professional Skills subject (12.5 points);
- Research Project (100 points).
Subject options
Discipline Component
Students must select seven of the following subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC90007 | Quantum Mechanics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC90008 | Quantum Field Theory | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC90012 | General Relativity | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC90010 | Statistical Mechanics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC90009 | Physical Cosmology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC90011 | Particle Physics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC90013 | Condensed Matter Physics 4 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC90006 | Quantum and Advanced Optics | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
PHYC90056 | High Energy Astrophysics | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
PHYC90057 | Advanced Quantum Field Theory | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
*Students may substitute at most two approved subjects at 300 level or higher. It will be compulsory to take 300-level Statistical Physics or 300-level Electrodynamics if the student did not take these subjects (or their equivalent at another institution) during undergraduate studies. Please contact course coordinator for approval.
Professional Skills
Students must take one of the following subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST90044 | Thinking and Reasoning with Data | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90045 | Systems Modelling and Simulation | Not available in 2024 | 12.5 |
SCIE90005 | Ethics and Responsibility in Science | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BUSA90403 | Business Tools: Money People & Processes | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90007 | Statistics for Research Workers | Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SCIE90013 | Communication for Research Scientists |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
SCIE90012 | Science Communication | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
COMP90072 | The Art of Scientific Computation |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MULT90063 | Introduction to Quantum Computing | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90203 | Science & AI: Legal & Ethical Challenges | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SCIE90026 | Biomolecular Structure Determination | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Research Project
Students will gain research experience in Physics by completing a 100 point Research Project comprising:
- Satisfactory outcomes for Progress Review Reports completed at the end of each semester (pass/fail);
- Group seminar (15 min + 5 min questions) or preliminary research report (5 pages of mixed text, diagrams, and mathematical formulas) due after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project (pass/fail);
- A preliminary literature survey and research plan at the end of year one or after the student has enrolled in 25 points of Research Project, (10 pages of mixed text, diagrams, and mathematical formulas) (pass/fail);
- Major thesis, comprising up to 50 pages of mixed text, diagrams, and mathematical formulas, due at the end of the final semester of Research Project enrolment (70% of the final grade);
- Assessment of research performance based on attendance, application, initiative and demonstrated skills (20% of the final grade);
- An oral presentation lasting up to 30 minutes, given at the end of the final semester of Research Project enrolment (10% of the final grade);
- Successful completion of a seminar series and/or reading course (depending on the research stream) providing advanced theoretical and/or practical training, marked on a pass/fail basis. Enrolment in the seminar series is required after completion of 25pts of Research Project.
The research project will be taken over consecutive semesters (to a maximum of four) and will begin on the Monday of the first semester of research project enrolment (semesters 1 or 2) and continue until the end of the final semester of research project enrolment. The research project work continues over summer and winter breaks, minus recreation leave of 4 weeks per year
For how long and at what time within the enrolment the actual period of leave is to be taken needs to be negotiated with a student's supervisor.
The thesis will be due for submission at the end of the formal examination period of the final semester of research project enrolment (usually fourth semester) if an earlier date is not specified.
Students may enrol in a combination of research project subjects and coursework subjects as long as once the Research Project is commenced, the consecutive enrolment requirement is met and to ensure they have completed a total of 100 points for the research project by the end of their course.
You must consult your supervisor to discuss an appropriate study plan prior to enrolling in your subjects online through the Student Portal. In particular, it is important that you agree an appropriate combination of research project points and coursework point enrolment each semester.
The research project can be sequenced according to one of the following streams:
STREAM A (FOUR SEMESTERS)
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC90029 | Physics Research Project Pt 1 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
PHYC90033 | Physics Research Project Pt 2 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
PHYC90038 | Physics Research Project Pt 3 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
PHYC90044 | Physics Research Project Pt 4 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
50 |
STREAM B (THREE SEMESTERS)
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC90029 | Physics Research Project Pt 1 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
PHYC90035 | Physics Research Project Pt 2 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
37.5 |
PHYC90040 | Physics Research Project Pt 3 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
50 |
STREAM C (THREE SEMESTERS)
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC90030 | Physics Research Project Pt 1 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
PHYC90034 | Physics Research Project Pt 2 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
PHYC90040 | Physics Research Project Pt 3 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
50 |
Further study
The Master of Science offers a pathway to a PhD.
Last updated: 30 January 2024