It is possible to take anywhere from 6 to 36 credit points in Senior Physics. Most units are offered at both the Normal and Advanced levels. Entry to the Advanced level (unit numbers 39xx) is restricted to students who averaged a Credit or better in Intermediate Physics (this restriction can be waived if there is a good reason). Units with Special Projects are only available at the Advanced level and are undertaken in the research groups of the School of Physics.

Each Unit of Study is a combination of lectures modules (listed below), lab or a Special Project.

The combinations are listed in the Table of Units of Study.

The Lecture timetable is now available.

Important change for 2007: Optics and Plasma Physics have swapped. That is, in 2007, Optics is being offered in Semester 2 and Plasma Physics is offered in Semester 1.

Semester 1 Lecture modules in 2007:

Semester 2 Lecture modules in 2007:

Students intending to major in Physics, or to proceed to Physics Honours, must take at least 24 credit points of Senior Physics, which must include:

1. a Semester 1 Core unit (PHYS 3040, 3940 or 3941)
2. a Semester 2 Core unit (PHYS 3060, 3960 or 3961)
3. two Options units (usually one in each semester)

Students not majoring in Physics may take any of the listed units of study, provided they satisfy the prerequisites. In addition, it may be possible to select a combination of modules that is not covered in the standard units. There are 6-credit point units of study called Topics in Senior Physics A (PHYS 3015/3915; Semester 1) and Topics in Senior Physics B (PHYS 3025/3925; Semester 2). Please contact the Senior Physics Coordinator if you wish to discuss this.

Students majoring in Nanoscience & Technology are recommended to take (i) a Semester 1 Options unit containing the Nanoscience lecture module; and (ii) the Semester 2 unit PHYS 3062/3962.

Frequently asked questions:

• I have satisfied the prerequisities but the system won't let me enrol. What should I do? Please contact the Senior Physics Coordinator.

• Can I take units without having the prerequisities? Yes, in many cases this is possible. Prerequisities are specified so that all students have the background required for the course. However, you may have taken similar units that can be substituted for the prerequisities, or you may agree to undertake private study to catch up on assumed knowledge. Please contact the Senior Physics Coordinator if this applies to you.

• Can I include COSC units in my Physics major? Yes, you can include one Senior-level unit from Computational Science as one of your Options units.

• What if I started Senior Physics in 2006 or earlier? For students who have already completed part of their Physics major and who need to select a combination of modules that is not covered in the standard units, there are 6-credit point units of study called Topics in Senior Physics A (PHYS 3015/3915; Semester 1) and Topics in Senior Physics B (PHYS 3025/3925; Semester 2). Please contact the Senior Physics Coordinator if you wish to discuss this. If necessary, students will also be able to take special 2, 3 or 4 credit point units to make up their degree requirements.

• Can I take both my Options units in the same semester? Yes, you can take both PHYS 3051/3951 and PHYS 3054/3954 in Semester 1 and you can take both PHYS 3068/3968 and PHYS 3071/3971 in Semester 2.

• Can I take more than 24 credit points of Senior Physics? Yes (but, of course, you cannot take the same lecture module more than once). The most you can do is 36 credit points, which you can do by taking both Core units, plus two Options units in each semester (see previous bullet point). In addition, you can also take Senior COSC units.

What maths should you do?

Senior Mathematics: If you are planning to take Physics Honours, some recommended Senior Mathematics units are: MATH3964 Complex Analysis with Applications (Advanced); MATH3974 Fluid Dynamics (Advanced); MATH3076/3976 Mathematical Computing; MATH3078/3978 Partial Differential Equations and Waves; MATH3977 Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics (Advanced); MATH3068 Analysis; MATH3968 Differential Geometry (Advanced); STAT3012/3912 Applied Linear Models; STAT3013/3913 Statistical Inference.

Year in Industry program

When planning your courses, keep in mind the Year in Industry program, which provides students with the opportunity to spend a year using their Physics experience to work in industry between their Intermediate and Senior years.

International Student Exchange Program

The University of Sydney has an extensive range of Student Exchange Programs with universities throughout the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. These programs allow you to include an overseas study period into your degree program without having to extend your degree or pay overseas tuition fees.

In particular, we have a special arrangement with the School of Physics at the University of Exeter in south-west England.