Primary Major in 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 study of physics underlies many pivotal discoveries of the 20th century, including the laser, television, radio, computer technology and nuclear weapons. Physics has played a vital role in the development of quantum theory, the theory of relativity, and the splitting of the atom.

Programme Structure & Curriculum Rationale

The undergraduate degree in Physics provides a solid foundation covering core topics such as atomic and nuclear physics; electromagnetism; nanophysics; quantum mechanics; relativity; condensed matter physics; thermodynamics; and relevant mathematical methods.

Students will gain theoretical and experimental skills to solve complex problems, by studying classical and quantum mechanics; electromagnetism; thermodynamics; atomic and nuclear physics; nanophysics; and relativity.

Students can also pursue the following specialisations: Astrophysics, which focuses on celestial physics and cosmology; Nanophysics, which focuses on the scientific principles behind nanoscale materials with advanced functionalities; and Quantum Technologies, which focuses on the foundations of quantum mechanics and its applications to sensing, communication, computation and cryptography.

Career Prospects

Physics graduates have skills that are in high demand in diverse sectors. These include numeracy and mathematical literacy, problem-solving, the communication of complex ideas, as well as a wider understanding of how the world works on a scientific and human level.

The range of skills can be applied in both scientific and non-technical domains, in sectors ranging from defence to education, engineering, healthcare, materials and technology, amongst others. Many physics graduates work in research roles across many industries, while others have fulfilling careers in the private and public sectors.

One compulsory Level 1000 course:

  • PC1101 Frontiers of Physics

Six compulsory Level 2000 courses:

  • PC2031 Electricity and Magnetism I
  • PC2032 Classical Mechanics I
  • PC2130 Quantum Mechanics I
  • PC2135 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • PC2174A Mathematical Methods in Physics I*^
  • PC2193 Experimental Physics and Data Analysis

Any 32 units from the following list:

  • PC31xx
  • PC32xx (excluding PC3289 and its variants)
  • PC42xx (excluding PC4288 and its variants)
  • PC3991 Exchange Enrichment Course or PC4991 Exchange Enrichment Course **

To graduate with a Major in Physics, student must have read and passed at least one of the following:

  • PC3288 Advanced UROPS in Physics I (or one of its variants) ***
  • PC4288 Honours Project in Physics (or one of its variants) (8 Units)
  • PC UPIP course
  • NOC Internship Course

^ Students can only double count MA2104 towards PC2174A if they have also read MA2001.
* Students pursuing a DDP with CDE can read [MA1511+MA1513] or [MA1511+MA1512] or MA1505 in place of PC2174A.
** Only one of PC3991 and PC4991 can be used to fulfil the major requirements.
*** A maximum of 4 units of UROPS course may be used to fulfil the Physics major requirements.

One compulsory Level 1000 course:

  • PC1101 Frontiers of Physics

Six compulsory Level 2000 courses:

  • PC2031 Electricity and Magnetism I
  • PC2032 Classical Mechanics I
  • PC2130 Quantum Mechanics I
  • PC2135 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • PC2174A Mathematical Methods in Physics I*
  • PC2193 Experimental Physics and Data Analysis

Two compulsory Level 3000 courses:

  • PC3193 Experimental Physics II
  • PC3274A Mathematical Methods in Physics II

Any 24 units from the following list:

  • PC3130 Quantum Mechanics II
  • PC32xx (excluding PC3289 and its variants and PC3274A)
  • PC42xx (excluding PC4288 and its variants)
  • PC3991 Exchange Enrichment Course or PC4991 Exchange Enrichment Course **

To graduate with a Major in Physics, student must have read and passed at least one of the following:

  • PC3288 Advanced UROPS in Physics I (or one of its variants) ***
  • PC4288 Honours Project in Physics (or one of its variants) (8 Units)
  • PC UPIP course
  • NOC Internship Course

* Students with a second major or minor in mathematics may double count MA2002 towards PC2174A if they have completed MA2001. In this case, it is recommended to take MA2104 or MA2311.
** Only one of PC3991 and PC4991 can be used to fulfil the major requirements.
*** A maximum of 4 units of UROPS course may be used to fulfil the Physics major requirements.

One compulsory Level 1000 course:

  • PC1101 Frontiers of Physics

Six compulsory Level 2000 courses:

  • Either PC2031 Electricity and Magnetism I OR PC2031S Electricity and Magnetism I (S)
  • Either PC2032 Classical Mechanics I OR PC2032S Classical Mechanics I (S)
  • Either PC2130 Quantum Mechanics I OR PC2103S Quantum Mechanics I (S)
  • Either PC2135 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics OR PC2135S Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (S)
  • Either PC2174A Mathematical Methods in Physics I* OR PC2174S Mathematical Methods in Physics I (S)
  • PC2193 Experimental Physics and Data Analysis

Three compulsory Level 3000 courses:

  • PC3193 Experimental Physics II
  • PC3270 Machine Learning for Physicists
  • PC3274A Mathematical Methods in Physics II

Any 20 units from the following list:

  • PC3130 Quantum Mechanics II
  • PC32xx (excluding PC3289 and its variants, PC3270 and PC3274A)
  • PC42xx (excluding PC4288 and its variants)
  • PC3991 Exchange Enrichment Course or PC4991 Exchange Enrichment Course **

To graduate with a Major in Physics, student must have read and passed at least one of the following:

  • PC3288 Advanced UROPS in Physics I (or one of its variants) ***
  • PC4288 Honours Project in Physics (or one of its variants) (8 Units)
  • PC UPIP course
  • NOC Internship Course

* Students with a second major or minor in mathematics may double count MA2002 towards PC2174A if they have completed MA2001. In this case, it is recommended to take MA2104 or MA2311.
** Only one of PC3991 and PC4991 can be used to fulfil the major requirements.
*** A maximum of 4 units of UROPS course may be used to fulfil the Physics major requirements.