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Physics

29 October 2023

΢ҕl's School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) is one of the best places to study Physics in New Zealand. You might event want to specialise in Condensed Matter, Nanotechnology, Environmental Physics, Medical Physics, Laser Physics, Astrophysics, or Theoretical Physics. Find out how to study Physics at ΢ҕl.

HOW TO APPLY

Physical scientists investigate how the world works. Physics aims to understand the behaviour of matter and energy. Modern life is built on physics knowledge— from watches to computers and cars.

Physics is a dynamic field and researchers have paved the way for much of the modern, high-technology society we enjoy. It is a broad discipline encompassing everything from building huge laser equipment to creating tiny nanoelectric devices.

Modern Physics provides a framework for understanding and contributing to major advances in technology and graduates find employment in a huge variety of industries.

΢ҕl offers those interested in Physics:

  • Diverse teaching andresearchareas and many international links, offering research students, in particular, an extensive network and career opportunities
  • A chance to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability, which makes Physics graduates sought after by employers.
  • Courses designed to cater for students with a range of backgrounds and interests. We offer courses if you plan to be an engineer or if you have biological or environmental interests, as well as courses if you plan to be a physicist, physical scientist or educator.
  • The chance to study a double major inEnvironmental Scienceand Physics
  • A cultural course which gives non-physicists some appreciation of the impact developments in Physics have made.

Note: A large number of students who take Physics at ΢ҕl do so because the subject is an essential background for their future job as an engineer or as a physical scientist.

΢ҕling Physics at undergraduate level will open the door to a broad range ofcareers. Ourresearchersare engaged in internationally recognised work andpostgraduate studentshave opportunities to take part in meaningful projects.

΢ҕl Physics at ΢ҕl

At 100 level there are four core courses,,,Իwhich are required for all students intending to major in Physics or Astronomy. They should also take. In addition to these, students intending to major in Astronomy are required to takein Semester One.

Students with fewer than 14 credits at NCEA level 3 Physics should takePHYS 111before advancing toPHYS 101Ի102.

  • TheScience Headstartprogramme offers a bridging course.
  • Certificate in Scienceis a good option for those who don't want to commit to a full-time degree.
  • Check the entry requirements on thePhysics subject page.
  • International students should refer to΢ҕl's International web page.

For Physical Science or Engineering, the choice of first-year courses will depend on your previous experience (in particular your results from NCEA physics and mathematics with calculus) and future plans.

The core physics paper for Engineering Intermediate Year isand is offered twice a year— in Semesters One and Two.

Students with 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Physics and Mathematics and Calculus, or acceptable similar qualifications, will be permitted to take this course. Other students are required to takeoffered in the first semester.

Either entry route would enable completion of the basic Engineering Intermediate Year in one year or the completion of a BSc in three years. Students who qualify forbut have fewer than 14 credits in Level 3 NCEA Physics) may findquite challenging. These students are encouraged to consider takingھ.

For those planning to advance in Physical Science or to proceed to Electrical and Electronic Engineering,is offered in the second semester, withas the usual prerequisite.

Students with 18 level 3 NCEA credits in Physics and Mathematics and Calculus will also be admitted.is also offered during the summer. This enables those students who take theԻpath in their first year to pick upover the summer and so complete the courses required for advancement in either Physics or Electrical Engineering.

100-level

Required

  • : Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
  • : Engineering Physics B: Electromagnetism, Modern Physics and 'How Things Work'
  • : Mathematics 1A
  • : Mathematics 1B
  • : Introduction to Programming for Engineers.
    • this course requirement may be waived for students with a demonstrated proficiency in Python programming.

is offered in Semesters 1 and 2 andis offered in Semester 2 and as a Summer Course. MATH102/103 may be replaced by EMTH118/119.

200-level

Required

  • :Technical and Professional Skills for Physicists
  • 45 points from PHYS 201-209
  • :Multivariable Calculus

Strongly recommended

  • and/or

300-level

Required

  • : Thermal, Statistical and Particle Physics
  • :Quantum Mechanics
  • :Advanced Electromagnetism and Materials
  • :Advanced Experimental Physics and Astronomy

Notes

1. A student may be permitted by the HOD to obtain a double major in Physics and Mathematics with PHYS 381 replaced by PHYS 326 as a required course.

Required for postgraduate

Students intending to proceed to BSc (Hons) or MSc in Physics, Medical Physics or Astronomy should take:
(1) an additional two courses from 300-level PHYS or ASTR;
and (2) two additional courses from 300-level MATH or STAT.

Students intending to takeMathematical Physicsin postgraduate studies should take a double major in Physics and Mathematics and replace PHYS381 by PHYS326 Classical Mechanics and Symmetry Principles as a majoring requirement.

Each October the PHYS 300 level guide is updated and available on request by emailing the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences office.

For all prescribed courses for a basic Bachelor of Science in Physics seedegree regulations. These include recommended courses for intending postgraduate study paths.

Physics in other degrees

For Physical Science or Engineering, the choice of first-year courses will depend on your previous experience (in particular your results from NCEA physics and mathematics with calculus) and future plans. The core physics paper for Engineering Intermediate Year isand is offered twice a year— in Semesters One and Two. Students with 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Physics and Mathematics and Calculus, or acceptable similar qualifications, will be permitted to take this course. Other students are required to takeoffered in the first semester. Either entry route would enable completion of the basic Engineering Intermediate Year in one year or the completion of a BSc in three years. Students who qualify forbut have fewer than 14 credits in Level 3 NCEA Physics) may findquite challenging. These students are encouraged to consider takingھ.

For those planning to advance in Physical Science or to proceed to Electrical and Electronic Engineering,is offered in the second semester, withas the usual prerequisite. Students with 18 level 3 NCEA credits in Physics and Mathematics and Calculus will also be admitted.is also offered during the summer. This enables those students who take theԻpath in their first year to pick upover the summer and so complete the courses required for advancement in either Physics or Electrical Engineering.

100-level

Required

  • : Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
  • : Engineering Physics B: Electromagnetism, Modern Physics and 'How Things Work'
  • : Mathematics 1A
  • : Mathematics 1B
  • : Introduction to Programming for Engineers.
    • this course requirement may be waived for students with a demonstrated proficiency in Python programming.

is offered in Semesters 1 and 2 andis offered in Semester 2 and as a Summer Course. MATH102/103 may be replaced by EMTH118/119.

200-level

Required

  • :Technical and Professional Skills for Physicists
  • 45 points from PHYS 201-209
  • :Multivariable Calculus

Strongly recommended

  • and/or

300-level

Required

  • : Thermal, Statistical and Particle Physics
  • :Quantum Mechanics
  • :Advanced Electromagnetism and Materials
  • :Advanced Experimental Physics and Astronomy

Notes

1. A student may be permitted by the HOD to obtain a double major in Physics and Mathematics with PHYS 381 replaced by PHYS 326 as a required course.

Required for postgraduate

Students intending to proceed to BSc (Hons) or MSc in Physics, Medical Physics or Astronomy should take:
(1) an additional two courses from 300-level PHYS or ASTR;
and (2) two additional courses from 300-level MATH or STAT.

Students intending to takeMathematical Physicsin postgraduate studies should take a double major in Physics and Mathematics and replace PHYS381 by PHYS326 Classical Mechanics and Symmetry Principles as a majoring requirement.

Each October the PHYS 300 level guide is updated and availble by request from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences office by emailing: -physical-chemical-sciences@canterbury.ac.nz

For all prescribed courses for a basic Bachelor of Science in Physics seedegree regulations. These include recommended courses for intending postgraduate study paths.

Broadening your degree

Many students combine the study of a BSc with another degree, such as aBachelor of Arts,Bachelor of Commerceor aBachelor of Laws. If you are considering a double degree you should get advice from a student advisor.

TheRegulations for the Bachelor of Scienceallow for 105 points of courses from any other University degree.

Suggested complementary courses include:

Electrical and Electronic Engineering - direct entry to Second Professional Year of the BE (Hons)

Subject to the approval of the Dean of Engineering, a student applying with a Bachelor of Science is expected to have an appropriate major for the specialisation they wish to study, a B grade average, and at least 200-level Mathematics to be considered for entry to the Second Professional Year. An appropriate specialisation for Electrical and Electronic Engineering would be Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.

Additional papers at the 200 or 300 level in Management or Accounting and Information Systems would enhance your application.

With this option, a student has the opportunity to gain a double degree (BSc and BE) in five years. Contact the department for more information.

  • Expression of Interest Form 2020(PDF, 234KB, 2 pages)
Physics study pathways

From 300 level onwards many students choose to specialise in a particular field of Physics such as Condensed Matter, Nanotechnology, Environmental Physics, Medical Physics, Laser Physics, Astrophysics or TheoreticalPhysics. Students interested in the following areas will usually take the courses below:

Meet our Physics students

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