Course Structure 2006/07
Physics & Physics(concentration in Applied Physics)
Physics is one of the most fundamental of all sciences, and is the basis of our scientific knowledge of the physical world. It seeks to explain the behaviour of matter, time and space in the universe and covers phenomena ranging from subnuclear interactions to cosmological events like the Big Bang. The traditional B.Sc. degree in Physics is centered on understanding scientific fundamentals and it is through this basic approach that advances in scientific knowledge and technological innovations have been made.
Programme Structure & Curriculum Rationale
B. Sc. (Hons) and B.Sc. in Physics is a rigorous course covering the core topics in physics. The broadness of the scope and the training in critical thinking and in analysis will enable graduates to choose from a wide variety of careers. B. Sc. (Hons) and B. Sc. in Physics with Concentration in Applied Physics prepares graduates directly for work in industrial R&D as well as manufacturing. The programme combines fundamental training in physics with emphasis on broad applications of physics in modern technologies so as to fill the knowledge gap between academic science and engineering.
The modules offered are categorised into two groups:
Group A - fundamental physics modules
Group B - applied physics modules
Career Prospects
The Physics Department, which has research strengths in many frontier areas including nanoscience, quantum information technology, optical and magnetic materials, and biophysics, provides a stimulating learning environment for all students who wish to major in physics. For some time now, Singapore’s high-tech industrial base has been expanding towards knowledge-intensive businesses. While physics graduates do have the appropriate scientific grounding and the potential to participate significantly in technology development, the Department has expanded its solid-state technology oriented courses into a Concentration in Applied Physics programme which would further prepare graduates directly for work in industrial R&D as well as manufacturing. The programme combines fundamental training in physics with emphasis on broad applications of physics in modern technologies so as to fill the knowledge gap between academic science and engineering. Graduates will be armed with a clear understanding of scientific principles and methods and at the same time be aware of how physics is applied to industrial problem solving and technology development.
Graduation Requirements
To be awarded a B.Sc. or B.Sc.(Hons.) with a major in Physics, candidates must satisfy the following:
Module Level |
Major Requirements | Cumulative Major MCs |
|
Level-1000 |
Pass |
- PC1141 Physics I |
24 |
Level-2000 |
Pass | - PC2130 Quantum Mechanics I |
44 |
Level-3000 |
Pass |
|
63 - 64 |
Level-4000 |
Pass | - PC4199 Honours Project in Physics
|
93 - 96 |
* These elective modules are only offered to students reading a double degree in B.Eng. in Materials Science and Engineering and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics.
Students majoring in Physics have the option to qualify for a Concentration in Applied Physics.
For a Concentration in Applied Physics, the requirements are:
B.Sc.: at least 16 MCs, from Group B, of which 12 MCs are at Level 3 and above.
B.Sc. (Hons): an additional 12 MCs, from Group B, at Level 4 and above.
The total MCs required at each level for graduation with Concentration in Applied Physics remains the same as those for a major in Physics.
Summary of Requirements |
B.Sc. |
B.Sc. (Hons.) |
University Requirements |
20 MC |
28 MCs |
Faculty Requirements |
8 MCs † |
8 MCs † |
Major Requirements |
63 – 64 MCs |
93 – 96 MCs |
Unrestricted Elective Modules |
28 – 29 MCs |
28 - 31 MCs |
Total |
120 MCs |
160 MCs |
† Students under the B.Sc. and B.Sc.(Hons.) programmes are required to fulfill 8 MCs of faculty requirements, where 4 MCs must come from any two of the following three subject groups: Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences, Computing Sciences;
But not from the following subject groups: Physical Sciences or Mathematical & Statistical Sciences.
This is because the remaining faculty requirements of 4 MCs and 8 MCs (required for the B.Sc. and B.Sc.(Hons.) programmes respectively) are automatically fulfilled through the reading of MA1505 and MA1506.
