The honours course in Physics is a one year course comprising coursework and research based study. The course has three main aims:
to enhance the students' knowledge of physics on a broad front;
to introduce students to the current research literature in specialised areas;
and to engage the students in their own research by participation in the activities of a research group in the School.
The Physics Honours program is administered by the Honours Co-ordinator, A/Prof. Chris Chantler on behalf of the Head of the Department, but much of the specific guidance will be provided by your supervisor. The minimum entry requirement for Honours is 65 as an average of equivalent 3rd year Sceince points (best 87.5 points selected). You will be affiliated with the research group of your supervisor and afforded most of the privileges of the staff and the postgraduate students of the School. This includes keys for after hours access, office and laboratory space, and the facilities for your research . These facilities will be provided through your supervisor's research group.
Postgraduate Diploma in Science - Physics
The School of Physics also offers two forms of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science. One version of the course is very similar to the Honours program. The pass mark for Honours is 65; that for Postgraduate Diploma is 50. The second form of the Postgraduate Diploma program is more flexible where the course plan is developed to reflect the background and needs of the student. For more information regarding the opportunities to undertake this course within the School of Physics contact A/Prof. Chris Chantler.
The Honours Program
The year consists of two components which carry equal weight for assessment.
Formal lecture units are offered during the first semester and the first half of the second semester. The rest of the year is reserved for the student to concentrate on their research project.
The lecture course for all Physics Students consists of six units. The six units of study comprise of two compulsory subjects, Quantum Mechanics A and Quantum Mechanics B. The remaining 4 units are electives and are chosen from the following list of fields:
Quantum Field Theory
Statistical Physics
Relativity
Particle Physics 1
Particle Physics 2
Astrophysics
Condensed Matter
Scattering and Imaging
Quantum Optics
All units are examined by a combination of written examinations ( at least 60%) and project works ( no more than 40%). All units carry equal weights in the assessment of the course work component of your honours program.
Research
The research project subject comprises an original, supervised research project in one of the school's current fields: pure and applied nuclear physics including photonuclear reactions, proton microprobe and microanalysis, optics with light, synchrotrons, X-rays, neutrons, atoms, theoretical and experimental particle physics, astrophysics, atomic or solid state physics (including high-resolution electron microscopy and physics of materials).
The assessment of the research component of the honours course is based on a written report on the research done during the year (main text of the order of 20 pages). Students will also prepare and deliver a 15-minute talk to the school of their work shortly after the report has been submitted.
List of Honours research projects being offered in 2008
Both the School of Physics application coversheet and the Faculty of Science
application form for admission to honours or to postgraduate diploma should
be returned to the School as follows:
Delivered to Cilla Gloger, Room 106, School of Physics or,
Faxed to the School of Physics on 9347 4783 or,
Posted to Honours Coordinator, School of Physics, The University of Melbourne,
Victoria 3010
Both application forms can be collected from the School of Physics Front Office
or downloaded here (click on links to open):
* All applicants are expected to list three different groups and three different supervisors
(with signatures). This ensures that their detailed comments and priorities can find
the best match for honours.
Deadline for submission of applications - Friday 16 November 2007
Applications are invited from outstanding interstate students for two prestigious
Honours (4th year) scholarships. The value of each scholarship is $5,000.
A high achieving student can apply for a number of the University of Melbourne's
prestigious Melbourne scholarships:
Melbourne Honours Scholarships:
These scholarships enable high achieving undergraduate students currently enrolled
at any higher education institution to complete their final honours year of study
at the University of Melbourne, before going onto a research higher degree. The
scholarships help students meet the costs associated with relocation, airfares,
accommodation and payment of HECS and other charges.
Melbourne Faculty Scholarships:
These are part of a major new initiative being developed in partnership with industry.
These scholarships are available for study within a specific discipline.
Opportunities for International Students:
Scholarships are available to international students for undergraduate study and
will assist commencing undergraduate students with the annual tuition fee for
the duration of the course. Selection for these scholarships is based on academic
merit.
For information telephone the Melbourne Scholarships office (toll-free) 1800
674 169, email: Scholarships
or visit world wide web: Undergraduate
Scholarships
More questions?
Enquiries regarding applications for Physics Honours in 2008 should be directed
to the Honours Year Coordinator, A/Prof.
Christopher Chantler. His phone number is 8344 5437 and he is located
in room 505 in the Physics building.
