From the kinetic energy of a speeding car to nuclear fusion energy, from nearby stars to distant galaxies, physicists examine matter and energy in all their forms.
Curtin’s School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (EECMS) work closely with the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA), which is involved in the Square Kilometre Array and the Murchison Widefield Array, as well as the investigation of active galactic nuclei and radio galaxies, transient radio phenomena and pulsars, and the birth of the first stars and galaxies in the Universe.
In this major, you will study a range of real-world problems through observation, measurement and theoretical analysis. You will develop an understanding of the core concepts of physics and gain hands-on skills with complex technical equipment and computers.
You can specialise in the following streams:
Astrophysics
This stream includes units suitable for those interested in radio astronomy, particularly the Square Kilometre Array. You’ll have the chance to grapple with some of the biggest scientific questions, ranging from the origins of the Universe to the nature of ‘dark matter’ and ‘dark energy’.
Curtin’s involvement in the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) and the Square Kilometre Array project has the potential to provide you with hands-on experience analysing data from cutting-edge radio telescopes, using state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities.
Applied Physics
In this stream you will learn how to study and measure matter and energy in the Earth’s natural and managed environments: the atmosphere, hydrosphere (oceans, rivers), land and soils, and living organisms. You will study a diverse range of topics, including the development of sensors and energy-saving ‘green’ materials, the interaction of sunlight with particulates in the atmosphere and oceans, disposal and storage of radioactive wastes, and the dynamics of the ocean and atmosphere.
This stream includes a strong emphasis on physics principles in an environmental context, applied computer programming, instrument deployment during field excursions, and field and satellite data processing and analysis.