Bachelor of Science (Physics)

Physicists are involved in finding solutions to challenges facing our world, including developing instruments for environmental monitoring, computer models for climate change prediction, and developing solar and renewable energy systems.

Physicists are also attempting to address the world’s ever-increasing appetite for information and information processing by undertaking research into quantum computers, nanotechnology, lasers and photonics.

Physics deals with the natural laws and processes, and the states and properties of matter, energy, space and time.

Physics also underlies many of the recent advances in information technology, medicine and biotechnology.

Areas of specialisation include mechanics, electromagnetism, lasers and optics, medical physics, computational physics, nuclear and radiation physics, astronomy and astrophysics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and relativity.

Domestic Students

During your first year of study you’ll get to sample a range of core science disciplines, allowing you to decide on your major later.

Faculty core units

These five units give you an introduction to the principles of science. The inquiry based experimental science units will give you the opportunity to learn by enquiry and become familiar with the methods of scientific inquiry.

From your very first semester, you will collaborate with your peers and teaching staff in QUT’s exciting new learning environments. You will explore real-world problems from multiple scientific perspectives and learn the tools of the trade. Depending on your choices, you may find yourself out in the field, working in the laboratory or learning about the impact of scientific discovery on people, policy, industry and the planet.

Working with data you have collected, you’ll study how to apply fundamental methods of scientific practice, perform scientific analysis, and learn the tools to present your findings. You’ll have the opportunity to explore and discover the range of career and professional outcomes available to you, so you can gain the most from your unit selection and the flexibility the Bachelor of Science has to offer.

Primary major

Your major is your main area of study for what you aspire to become professionally. You will receive in-depth knowledge and expertise within your chosen scientific discipline, preparing you for entry into the workforce or further study. Your primary major comprises 11 units.

Complementary study areas

This is where you make the degree your own, tailoring your studies to further match your individual career goals with a wide range of complementary study options available. You’ll have the opportunity to develop sought-after professional skills, deepen your understanding of your major discipline, pursue an interest from across the university, or broaden your scientific understanding. You can even work with industry or study overseas to gain credit towards your degree.

You can choose: a second major (eight units); or a minor (four units).

Second major (eight units)

Choose a second area of study to complement your major, and develop a significant depth of knowledge and skills in two discipline areas. Experience another field, learn another academic methodology and experience interdisciplinary networking.

Choose a second science discipline (biological sciences, chemistry, environmental science or physics), or explore different perspectives which might include:

• computational and simulation science
• innovation and entrepreneurship
• science communication, or
• policy and governance.

Minor (four units)

You might prefer to expand the breadth and depth of your studies by adding to your chosen science major with two minors. Minors include:

• Astrophysics
• Nanotechnology

 

International Students

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

• English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
• Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C)

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 87.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Advanced standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

Deferment

Adjustments to your selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your selection rank (or OP equivalent) will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2019

The scores listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent school leavers. If you are not a school leaver, take a look at the entry thresholds box at the top of this page to see the lowest adjusted scores required overall to receive an offer.

You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.

Other admission options

If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).

Careers and outcomes(DOM,INT)

Physicists are an asset to almost any industry. Employment areas of QUT physics graduates are very wide ranging. These include research and development departments of large manufacturing companies, mining and exploration companies, research institutions such as the CSIRO and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, government bodies such as the Bureau of Meteorology, environmental protection agencies and health departments, schools, universities and hospitals.

Broad training in data analysis and problem-solving skills also makes physicists well suited to management and consulting roles in a range of technology-based industries. 

Professional recognition(DOM,INT)

Graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Physics, dependent on choice of study options. 

 

Other study options

• Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Mathematics/Bachelor of Science

Possible careers

• Astrophysicist
• Geophysicist
• Inventor
• Laboratory Assistant
• Mapping Scientist
• Meteorologist