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PhysicsHave you ever wondered why the sky is blue, how your computer works, orwhat the universe is made of? Have you ever had an x-ray or an MRI scan?Do you use a mobile phone, or a DVD player?

Almost everything that makes your life more comfortable,or allows you to do the things you do t oday, come fromengineered solutions to physical principles.

The discovery of electricity, magnetism and quantumphysics came about through human curiosity but didnot have practical applications until decades later.Physics provides insight into philosophical questions

about the nature of reality and the origin of the universe.Physicists explore the universe at all scales of length, timeand energy, from sub-atomic particles, such as the recentdiscovery of the Higgs boson to the large scale structureof the universe; from ultra cold Bose-Einstein condensates(close to absolute zero temperature), to what happened atthe Big Bang.

The skills you gain through studying physics atMonash can be used in a diverse range of areas,from modelling complex financial systems, to climatemodelling, to looking at innovative ways to addresssustainability, to understanding our place in the universe,to understanding things like consciousness andcomplex biological systems.

Physics at Monash University is in an excitingnew phase in which we are working on a range ofcreative, curiosity-driven research areas that will haveimpact for future generations including quantumcomputing, atomtronics and nano-fabrication.

Visit monash.edu/physics fo r more.

What to expect in first year physicsMonash is one of only a small number of universities in Australiathat offers a broad range of physics and astrophysics subjects.Studying physics at Monash allows you to explore everything fromastronomy and astrophysics to x-ray and synchrotron science;from biomedical imaging and biophotonics to condensed matterphysics and nanoscience; from atomic and laser physics toparticle physics and cosmology, and many more.

The range of subjects and majors on offer are complemented byfacilities that are the best in the world. They allow you to do hands-onlab work and work closely with your peers to explore problems andsolutions under the direct guidance of physicists who are genuineexperts and leaders in their research.

Whether you are interested inthe environment , the cosmos or the biosciences , there arephysics units to suit you.

We also provide a transition unit for students who havent studiedphysics in Year 12.

You can take a physics major at Monash in the following courses:Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science Advanced Research (Honours)Bachelor of Science Advanced Global Challenges (Honours)

A major in physics can also be taken as part of a double degree.For further details and information on these options pleasesee our Science Undergraduate Course Guide orvisit monash.edu/science/future/courses

Honours studiesFollowing their first degree, students can apply to do honours.

The honours program involves the completion of a research projectand coursework units, which cover a broad range of topics selectedby the student in conjunction with the coordinator.

Postgraduate studies After honours, students can undertake MSc and PhD studies. These higher degrees involve coursework options, a significantresearch project and the submission of a thesis.

Name Course information What youll study

Semester one

Physics (Mainstream)PHS1011

This unit is the main route into Physics at Monash. Year 12 Physics is required and calculus is used. The mathematics unit MTH1020 (or MTH1030) isrecommended alongside PHS1011.

Classical mechanics, waves & oscillations,and special relativity.

FoundationPhysics (Pre-Mainstream)PHS1080

This unit is for students who wish to study physicsor astrophysics, but have not taken Year 12 Physics;it provides students with the option of moving intothe main physics stream by taking PHS1022 inSemester 2. It has no prerequisites. A general scienceand mathematics background is sufficient. MTH1020or MTH1030 is recommended alongside PHS1080.

Mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism,and basic quantum physics.

Physics for the Living WorldPHS1031

For students in bio-medical and biological s ciences

It has no prerequisites. A general science andmathematics background is sufficient. No calculusis used.

Key biophysical processes of life, involvingbiomechanics, fluids, electricity and energy,as well as key technologies, such asimaging systems.

Earth to Cosmos:Introductory Astronomy

ASP1010

Suitable for students with a broad interest in science.

A general science and mathematics backgroundis sufficient. No calculus is used.

Note: Serious astrophysics requires second levelmathematics and physics.

Provides an introduction to, andunderstanding of, the nature of thesolar system, our galaxy, and thecosmos beyond.

Semester two

Physics (Mainstream)PHS1022

This unit provides a route to physics at higher levels.

It requires PHS1011, PHS1080 or equivalent.MTH1030 is recommended prior to, or concurrentwith, PHS1022

Rotational dynamics, gravity,electromagnetism, and quantum physics.

Physics, Energy andthe EnvironmentPHS1042

It has no prerequisites. A general science andmathematics background is sufficient. No calculusis used.

Physics principles which underlie ourunderstanding of the environment andprocesses in nature are studied, withparticular focus on energy, its forms,sources, and usage.

Life and the Universe:Introductory Astrophysics

ASP1022

Suitable for students with a broad interest in science. A general science and mathematics backgroundis sufficient.

Note: Serious astrophysics requires second levelmathematics and physics

Investigates the characteristics of life,how life first appeared on Earth and theconditions for life to appear elsewherein the cosmos.

Thethethin

Atom optics experiment for focusing neutral helium atoms

Are you curious? A problem solver? An explorerwith a strong dash of creativity? If so, join us onour journey into the unknown in Monash Physics.

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GRADUATES IN PHYSICS HAVE VARIED AND DIVERSE CAREER OPTIONS

Where Physicscan take youStudying physics can take you to places we are yetto imagine. Some of the exciting areas physicistsat Monash are working on include astronomy andastrophysics, cold atoms and molecules, theoreticaland computational physics, condensed matterphysics, and X-ray physics and imaging.

Studying physics at Monash will help developand hone your ability to work as part of a team,communicate your ideas, think creatively and solveproblems. These are essential skills you need in theworkplace, and they can be used in any career.

ACCELERATOR PHYSICIST

INSTRUMENTATION

PHYSICIST

SCIENCEJOURNALIST

MATERIALS SCIENTISTPHYSICS TEACHER

MEDICAL PHYSICIST

SYNCHROTRON SCIENTIST

ACOUST ICIAN

BIOPHYSICIST

PARTICLEPHYSICIST

R E N E W A B L EENERGY MANAGERNUCLEAR PHYSICIST

ENERGYCONSULTANT

APPLIEDPHYSICIST

AT MO SP HE RI CPHYSICIST

ELECTRONMICROSCOPIST

FORENSICSCIENTISTINDUSTRIAL PHYSICIST

ASTRONOMER AND ASTROPHYSICIST

OPTICAL PHYSICIST

U N I V E R S I T YLECTURER PATENT ATTORNEY

The New Quantum Revolution The first quantum revolution uncovered the rules which govern the behaviour ofatoms the fundamental building blocks of matter. Understanding and applyingthese rules are pivotal to technologies that underpin much of modern society.For example, the computer and communications revolution is based on ourability to control electrons and photons.

In the 21st century, we are poised to take advantage of a new quantum revolution one which will allow us to not only understand the behaviour of atoms, but toengineer and control quantum states of matter and light with unprecedentedprecision, such as atomtronics. This new quantum revolution also involvescondensed matter and materials physics.

The School has established a new Centre for 2D Materials, focussed ontransformative technologies for society, such as graphene-based electronics,spintronics, photovoltaics and room temperature superconductors.

The Quest for NewPhysics and SymmetriesPhysicists in the School areexploring the Universe from thevery small scales of sub-nuclearstructure to the large scale structureof the Universe. We are tacklingsome of the most profoundquestions in science, such as theorigin of space, time and matter.

As a major partner in the ARC Centreof Excellence for Particle Physics atthe Terascale, we conduct researchin collaboration with leading groupsworld-wide, including CERN.

The School also hosts the MonashCentre for Astrophysics, where ourastronomers and astrophysicistsinvestigate the evolution of galaxies,the origin of stars and exoticobjects, such as supermassiveblack holes, neutron stars/pulsarsand supernova remnants.

New Ways of Seeing andUnderstanding the WorldImaging and computational scienceshave driven discoveries in materialsscience, biological sciencesand medicine. The School is aworld-leader in the development andapplication of x-ray phase contrastimaging in biomedicine and imagingof materials using electrons, x-raysand visible light. Using world-classfacilities in the Monash Centre forElectron Microscopy and synchrotronradiation facilities in Europe, Japanand at the Australian Synchrotron,we are carrying out research thatwill positively impact the healthof our nation. From molecule toorganism, physics has a critical roleto play in 21st century biology it iscentral to the development of toolsthat enable new discoveries and thephysical understanding of complexbiological systems.

Our facilitiesPACEWeve developed a new way of teaching physicsand astronomy called the Physics and AstronomyCollaborative-learning Environment (PACE).PACE teaches students creative problem-solving,effective communication, teamwork andadaptability in spaces designed purposefullyto foster this way of learning.

The PACE teaching model moves away fromacademic lecturing to hundreds of students.We are creating a community of students who areactive learners and are able to apply the knowledgethey have learned- within and outside of theclassroom in creative and imaginative ways.

NEW HORIZONS The New Horizons Centre is a new $175M researchand training complex, which houses the researchlaboratories of the School of Physics.

The New Horizons Centre brings togetherworld-class researchers from Monash and CSIRO,with diverse backgrounds in physics, engineering,mathematics, IT and biology.

The scope of New Horizons is beyond anything thatexists in Australia putting together an incrediblearray of talent, state-of-the-art equipment andspecialised infrastructure to generate and developnew ideas across disciplines.

In New Horizons, physicists are pushing theboundaries at the intellectual frontier of physics the new quantum revolution.

Our researchThe School conducts research withinthree broad research areas

Opticsforlaser coolingofatomsto nearabsolutezerotemperature

The informationinthis brochure wascorrectat the time ofpublication(July 2014).MonashUniversity reservesthe rightto alterthis informationshouldthe needarise.

Youshouldalways check withthe relevantFaculty office whenconsidering a course.

CRICOSprovide r: MonashUniversity 00008C

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