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QUT (Queensland University of Technology)

  • 17% international / 83% domestic

Bachelor of Science (Physics)

  • Bachelor

Spend significant time doing lab experimental work and undertake research in your final year. Study options include lasers and optics, medical physics, astrophysics and more.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Course Code
418011, 077696D
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
ATAR
70

About this course

Highlights
  • Make a difference and help find solutions to current and future challenges facing our world.
  • Explore the broader principles of physics, mathematical methods and research.
  • Apply your theoretical knowledge in our laboratories.
  • Learn in our new multimillion dollar research and teaching facilities.
  • Apply for the Vacation Research Experience Scheme and work on a current research project.
  • Prepare yourself for a career in research and development in companies across the industries.
  • Graduates are eligible for membership in the Australian Institute of Physics.
  • Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.
Highlights
  • Make a difference and help find solutions to current and future challenges facing our world.
  • Explore the broader principles of physics, mathematical methods and research.
  • Apply your theoretical knowledge in our laboratories.
  • Learn in our new multimillion dollar research and teaching facilities.
  • Apply for the Vacation Research Experience Scheme and work on a current research project.
  • Prepare yourself for a career in research and development in companies across the industries.
  • Graduates are eligible for membership in the Australian Institute of Physics.
  • Study our new Climate Science minor to develop an in-depth understanding of climate change, alternative energy technologies, Earth's natural global change, marine environments, cloud formation, and much more.

Entry requirements

Year 12 early offer scheme

If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12 before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.

Find out more about the QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme

Helping you to get into your course

If you don't think your ATAR or selection rank is high enough to get into this course you can guarantee your entry with guaranteed advanced standing by upgrading through one the following programs which you can select as one of your QTAC preferences:

Dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award

If you enrol in a QTAC offer in the following dual TAFE-Qld Brisbane/QUT award you will automatically receive a QUT conditional offer in June after your enrolment at TAFE-Qld Brisbane is confirmed.

Upon completion of the TAFE-Qld diploma you will be able to enrol at QUT. You will also automatically receive half a year (48 credit points) credit transfer and be able to complete the degree in 2.5 years as a full-time student (or equivalent part-time). More details will be provided in your QUT conditional offer letter.

Study locations

Gardens Point

What you will learn

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.

Career pathways

Careers and outcomes

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

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

Other study options
Possible careers
  • Astrophysicist
  • Banking and finance professional
  • Consultant
  • Entrepreneur
  • Geophysicist
  • Innovator
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Medical physicist
  • Medicine (after further study)
  • Meteorologist
  • Research assistant
  • Teacher

Course structure

Faculty core units

These seven 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 two minors (four units each).

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 earth science or environmental science) or explore different perspectives which might include:

  • computational and simulation science
  • human biomolecular sciences
  • innovation and entrepreneurship or
  • sustainable environments for health.

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. For instance discipline-specific minors include:

  • Astrophysics
  • Nanotechnology