contact details Mathematical Physics is taught by the school of Physics and department of Mathematics and statistics in the Faculty of science. telephone: +61 3 8344 6404 Facsimile: +61 3 8344 5803 enquiries: www.science.unimelb.edu.au/faq Website: www.science.unimelb.edu.au
MatheMatical Physics/
sciences at Melbourne/
“The study of mathematics and its applications in Physics are of a very large scale. My study of mathematics has given me the tools, analytical skills and ability to interpret much more complex physical situations, such as those presented in Quantum Mechanics.”
Benjamin Lee Currently studying Mathematics and Physics
From black holes, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, to acoustics and aerodynamics, mathematical physics has helped us answer many of the big questions about our world. Inspired by physics with mathematical methods and rigour, this major will integrate knowledge principally from physics and mathematics to provide you with the necessary tools to think critically about the world around you and how it works. You will gain a deep understanding of the physical world and develop skill in analysis, problem solving and critical thinking that will enable you to adapt to a wide range of tasks in research, teaching and management. So if energy, matter, time, space and intergalactic missions interest you, embark on a journey into the world of Mathematical Physics!
www.science.unimelb.edu.au
course inFo/
WHICH COuRSES OFFER MAtHEMAtICAL pHySICS?
Bachelor of Science Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE): Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in each of English (any), Mathematical Methods (either), and in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
International Baccalaureate (IB): English, Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics – a result of grade 5 or higher in Standard Level or a result of grade 4 or higher in Higher Level. Applicants who have undertaken other equivalent qualifications must ensure they have completed subjects equivalent to the pre-requisite VCE subjects. See: http://coursesearch.unimelb.edu.au
WHAt kINd OF CAREERS CAN I puRSuE?
A Mathematical Physics major will provide you with a strong foundation for careers or research in the areas including General sciences, Agriculture and environmental sciences, Banking, Finance and Commerce, Engineering, Government, Education, and Industry. Job titles may include logistics/ project manager, market research consultant, or medical analyst. Employment in Mathematical Physics-related careers such as Mathematician, is projected to grow with very good job prospects and low unemployment leading into 2010-2011.*
*Based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, accessed June 2007. See www.jobsearch.gov.au
WHAt pOStgRAduAtE COuRSES dOES MAtHEMAtICAL pHySICS LEAd tO?
Bachelor of Science graduates are well-placed to apply for: ‡ Graduate degrees preparing for a wide range of professions including Engineering, Law, Medicine and other Health Sciences, and Teaching; ‡ Professionally-focussed graduate degrees in the sciences and technology, including Biotechnology, Environmental Systems, Informatics, Management Sciences, and Nanotechnology; and ‡ Masters and Honours pathways to research higher-degrees in the sciences and technology within the Faculties of Engineering, Land and Food Resources, Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and Science.
Other undergraduate courses Although the major is not available in other courses, you can study Mathematical Physics as breadth within most courses.
saMPle course Plan/
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MAJOR: MAtHEMAtICAL pHySICS
This is an example of a course plan for a student who has decided to major in Mathematical Physics and is also interested in art, social and ethical issues in science and other science areas of study. Keep in mind that your interests may make your course plan look different from this one and you won’t need to choose your major until the end of second year.
FIRSt yEAR
Calculus 2 Physics 1 Engineering Systems History and Philosophy of Science Modern Art
Linear Algebra
Physics 2: Physical Science and Technology
Engineering Systems
SECONd yEAR
subjects leading to the Marine biology major in third year other science areas of study to complement your major breadth subjects – subjects outside science, or integrating science with humanities and social sciences a major in the bachelor of science is four subjects you will study in third year in a specific area of science, technology or engineering systems
Thermal and Classical Physics
Real Analysis with Applications
Quantum Physics and Special Relativity Electromagnetism and Optics
What is Life?
Applied Mathematical Modelling
Vector Calculus
Medieval Art
tHIRd yEAR
Quantum Physics Complex Analysis Physics elective Biomedical Ethics
Statistical Physics
Metric Spaces & Hilbert Spaces
Engineering elective
Baroque Art
www.science.unimelb.edu.au
disclaiMer the university has used its best endeavours to ensure that material contained in this publication was correct at the time of printing. the university gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information and the university reserves the right to make changes without notice at any time in its absolute discretion.