If you have a high UAI (or equivalent) then there is a special physics program for you! The School of Physics Talented Student Program (TSP) is part of the Faculty of Science Talented Student Program. The program is offered on the basis of UAI score for first year students, and examination performance and Weighted Average Mark (WAM) for students in subsequent years (see the Faculty information for details). In special circumstances, Physics may allow a small additional number of highly achieving students to participate in Physics TSP activities.

This program extends the physics course by special seminars and project work, together with a major excursion to a location of interest. The seminar work has a theme each year. In recent years the theme has been 'communications', 'the quantum world', and 'the arrow of time'. In 2002 the theme is 'Symmetry in the Natural World'.

The special project work introduces the students to research activities and other staff members in the School. The aim is to broaden your knowledge of physics and give you an insight into how physicists think and how a real research project is tackled. There is also an emphasis on cross disciplinary subjects and the relation of physics to the community as a whole. Check out below the diverse range of topics covered in the 2001 TSP projects. All the oral presentations were made in PowerPoint, and you can download PDF versions of the presentations by clicking on the title pages.

Why do a program that involves extra work? Students in the program are the top students of their year. You will get special tuition and attention. As well, you will enjoy the company of other talented students working on special projects.

The Talented Student Program coordinators are Prof David McKenzie and Dr Richard Hunstead. Contact them for more information.