Course Structure 2008/09
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) students can choose to specialize in one of the following areas: (i) Astrophysics, and (ii) Physics-in-Technology. These programs will prepare graduates with in-depth knowledge in each area of specialization.
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. Physics graduates will be able to embark on career paths in R & D in the physical sciences, engineering industries and microelectronics industries, as well as education and training, government scientific services sectors and IT. The unique problem solving skills our graduates acquire have enabled them to work and succeed in commerce, banking and finance.
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.
B.Sc (Hons) students majoring in Physics have the option to qualify for a specialization in (1) Astrophysics, or (2) Physics-in-Technology.
To be awarded a specialisation in Astrophysics, candidates must read and pass the following modules, as part of the major requirements for B.Sc. (Hons.) with a primary major in Physics.
Module Level |
Major Requirements | Cumulative Major MCs |
|
Level-3000 |
Pass |
- PC3246 Nuclear Astrophysics |
4 |
Level-4000 |
Pass | - PC4232 Cosmology |
24 |
To be awarded a specialisation in Physics in Technology, candidates must read and pass the following modules as part of the major requirements for B.Sc. (Hons.) with a primary major in Physics.
Module Level |
Major Requirements | Cumulative Major MCs |
|
Level-3000 |
Pass |
Any 24 MCs from the following |
24 |
The total MCs required at each level for graduation for a major in Physics.
Summary of Requirements |
B.Sc. |
B.Sc. (Hons.) |
University Requirements |
20 MC |
20 MCs |
Faculty Requirements |
8 MCs † |
8 MCs † |
Major Requirements |
63 – 64 MCs |
93 – 96 MCs |
Unrestricted Elective Modules |
28 – 29 MCs |
36 - 39 MCs |
Total |
120 MCs |
160 MCs |
† Faculty requirements of 4 MCs and 8 MCs [required for the B.Sc. and B.Sc. (Hons.) programmes respectively] are fulfilled through the reading of MA1505 and MA1506 within the major.
Students undertaking the B.Sc. and B.Sc. (Hons.) programmes are required to fulfil the remaining 8 MCs of Faculty requirements from any two of the following subject groups: Computing Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Life Sciences and Multidisciplinary & Interdisciplinary Sciences; but not from the following subject groups: Physical Sciences and Mathematical & Statistical Sciences.
