B.Sc and B.Sc (Hons) 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 traditional B.Sc. degree in Physics is centred 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 specialise in one of the following areas: (i) Astrophysics, and (ii) Physics in Technology. These programmes will prepare graduates with in-depth knowledge in each area of specialisation.

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 primary major in Physics, candidates must satisfy the following:

^ At most 4 MCs of UROPS module may be used to fufil the Physics major requirements.

# These elective modules are only offered to students reading a double degree in Materials Science and Engineering and in Physics.

Note:
Level-4000 PC prefixed modules may be taken to replace up to 8 MCs of the Level-3000 PC elective modules above. In such an event, these Level-4000 modules cannot be counted towards the Level 4000 major requirements.

B.Sc (Hons) students majoring in Physics have the option to qualify for a specialisation in
(1) Astrophysics, or
(2) Nanophysics.

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.

**Honours Project has to be in the area of specialisation.

Level 5000 modules

• To read a level 5000 module, undergraduate students must seek the approval of the Deputy Head (Education).
• Level 5000 modules can be used to fulfil the Unrestricted Electives (UE) requirement, but not to fulfil Physics major requirements.
• If a level 5000 module is used to fulfil undergraduate requirement, it cannot be used to fulfil MSc or PhD requirements in NUS.

The total MCs required at each level for graduation for a major in Physics.

* Faculty requirements of 12 MCs and 16 MCs [required for the B.Sc. and B.Sc. (Hons.) programmes respectively] are partially fulfilled through the reading of MA1101R and MA1102R 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.