Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in High Performance Computational Physics

Love calculations, formulas and data-enabled science?

Want to solve cutting-edge problems at the forefront of physics?Computational physics is a rapidly growing and highly interdisciplinary research area.

High performance computations are an essential part of modern research in particle physics, condensed-matter physics, astrophysics, fluid mechanics, quantum field theory, quantum chromodynamics, and plasma physics.

Level 1 consists of core courses in physics, mathematics and computing science, with an option for students to broaden their studies in areas such as electrical engineering or chemistry. At level 2, students further develop in the core areas of study, with a focus on physics and applied mathematics. Level 3 involves advanced courses in physics and computational physics. Students undertake the final year honours program in theoretical or computational physics, which includes a research project and the option of specialised courses in computer science and mathematics. This enables students to apply their high-performance computing skills to modern physics problems.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in High Performance Computational Physics

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan Year1 S1 ENG 1002 Programming (Matlab and C)ORCOMP SCI 1101 Introduction to Programming MATHS 1011 Mathematics IA PHYSICS 1100ND Physics IA Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units S2 COMP SCI 1102 Object Orientated Programming MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB PHYSICS 1200ND Physics IB Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units Year2 S1 MATHS 2101: Multivariable and Complex Calculus MATHS 2102: Differential Equations PHYSICS 2510: Physics IIA Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units  S2 MATHS 2104: Numerical Methods PHYSICS 2532: Classical Physics II PHYSICS 2534: Electromagnetism II Approved Level I Elective 1 x 3 units Year 3 S1 PHYSICS 3542: Physics III (6 units) PHYSICS 3534: Computational Physics III Approved Level III Elective 1 x 3 units S2 PHYSICS 3006: Advanced Dynamics & Relativity III PHYSICS 3544: Quantum Mechanics III Approved Level III Elective 1 x 3 units Approved Level III Elective 1 x 3 units Year4 S1 PHYSICS 4010 Advanced Physics (HPCP) Part 1[or Semester 2] (6 units) PHYSICS 4020 A Honours Physics (HPCP) Project[or Semester 2] (6 units) S2 PHYSICS 4015 Advanced Physics (HPCP) Part 2[or Semester 1] (6 units) PHYSICS 4020 B Honours Physics (HPCP) Project[or Semester 1] (6 units)

Assessment

Varies with individual courses and includes a combination of assignments, reports, tests, practical work, tutorial preparation and exams.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

This degree sets you up for a successful career in:

• banking
• climate and ecosystem modelling
• defence organisations
• econophysics
• government organisations
• industry and financial organisations
• physics
• scientific computing
• scientific data analysis
• universities.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Atmospheric Chemist, Bioinformatician, Future Trader, Physicist, Aerospace Scientist, Air-Traffic Controller, Animator, Banker, Climate and Ecosystem Modeller, Commodities or Futures Trader, Computational Scientist, Computer Programmer, Research Associates, Research Scientist, Satellite Project Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Financial Systems / Computer Analyst, Scientific Officer, Space Scientist, Space and Astrophysical Research ...