The ANU Physics Honours program provides an opportunity for high achieving students to undertake a substantial program of original research, as well as studying advanced Physics coursework. The research project may be undertaken in any relevant area of the University. Projects are individually supervised by an academic staff member, usually embedded within a larger research group and/or Department. Research projects are available in theoretical and experimental Physics across a wide range of Physics disciplines (For an up to date list see our project website physics.anu.edu.au/projects). Honours in Physics prepares students for careers in a wide range of occupations, and sufficiently high marks qualify the student for entry into a PhD program.
Learning Outcomes
Master advanced skills and concepts in Physics.
- Systematically evaluate relevant theory and concepts, relate these to
appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Make a systematic and critical review of appropriate and relevant
information sources.
- Develop the ability to apply experimental techniques and methods to collect original research data in the field of study. In the case of theoretical research, learn the application of relevant advanced mathematical concepts and techniques.
Analyse and interpret original science research data with statistical or other evaluative processes where appropriate.
- Plan, consult and engage in an independent and sustained critical
investigation of a chosen research topic to generate new knowledge in the
chosen area of physics.
Effectively and compellingly communicate scientific material to a variety of audiences.
Other Information
Students can enrol in 4000 level coded courses from other disciplines with the approval of the PHYS-HSPC Honours Convener and the Course Convener of the relevant course.
Students can also enrol in 6000- or 8000-level courses with the approval of the Honours Convener. In the Research School of Physics, this might include enrolment one of the courses listed below, if the 3000 level equivalent has not been completed.
PHYS6101- Advanced Quantum Mechanics (6 units)
PHYS6102 - Advanced Electromagnetism (6 units)
PHYS6103 - Advanced Statistical Mechanics (6 units)
PHYS6500 - Optical Physics (6 units)
PHYS6105 - Physics of Matter (6 units)
Or
PHYS8302 - Quantum Field Theory I (6 units)
For more information on the Honours year in Science, please visit:
http://science.anu.edu.au/study/bachelor-degrees/honours-year
For more information on how to apply for Honours in Science include deadlines, please visit:
http://science.anu.edu.au/study/how-apply/honours-year-application
Relevant Degrees
- Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) (HBIOT)
- Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability (Honours) (HENSU)
- Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Advanced (Honours) (AENSU)
- Bachelor of Genetics (Honours) (HGENE)
- Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours) (HMASC)
- Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) (HMEDS)
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science (APHSC)
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) (ASCAD)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) (HSC)
Admission Requirements
Satisfaction of the admission requirements described in the relevant honours plan with at least:
- a major in Physics
- six courses in the subject area of Physics or Mathematics with a weighted average mark equivalent to an ANU 70 per cent calculated from the 36 units (i.e. 0.75 EFTSL) , excluding 1000-level courses (i.e. introductory undergraduate courses)
- the approval of an identified supervisor for the research project/thesis course
Cognate Disciplines
Physics
Requirements
This Honours specialisation requires the completion of 48 units, which must consist of:
30 units from completion of the Honours Reseach Project:
PHYS4110 - Honours Research Project (30 units) which must be taken twice over consecutive semesters (6+24 or 24+6 depending on start term)
18 units from completion of courses from the following list:
PHYS4301 - Applied Mathematical Methods in Physics (6 units)
PHYS4303 - Non linear Physics (6 units)
PHYS4304 - Quantum Scattering (6 units)
HONS4602 Final Honours Grade will be used to calculate the class of Honours and the mark. It will be calculated using the formula: S (mark x units) / S units, giving NCN and WN a nominal mark of zero
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