About Physics and Nanotechnology (BSc)
As a Murdoch Physics and Nanotechnology graduate, your employment outlook is bright, especially if you combine your degree with units from other disciplines.
The notion of creating new materials and building nanoscale devices by manipulating atoms one at a time is a revolutionary one. Imagine having lights that can last forever and consume virtually no electricity; or self cleaning windows; scum-resistant tiles and stain-resistant fabrics. Billions are spent every year on Nanotechnology because it promises new materials with amazing properties and complex nano-machines undertaking everything from environmental clean-up to autonomous surgery.
The Physics and Nanotechnology Degree combines a rigorous basis of Classical and Modern Physics with the cutting-edge science of Nanotechnology. Depending on which skill set or specialisations you have, your degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some of those areas. Additional majors or minors you may undertake could also improve your chances of finding employment opportunities.
What can I do with my Physics and Nanotechnology degree?
There are a range of "physics" professions, such as Physicist, Biophysicist, Medical Physicist, Computational Scientist and Nanoscientist.
Today’s Physicists are also employed in all sorts of other interesting occupations, from designing new medical scanning equipment, to inventing new technologies that capture energy from the ocean’s waves or power for hybrid cars.
The area of Nanotechnology is in its infancy, but growing rapidly as more and more industries realise its potential. Mineral extraction, crystal growth, drug testing and cures for cancer are all areas that are developing Nanoscience research labs, which are all possible career options.
With your Physics and Nanotechnology degree you could be the one designing new materials, exploring the outer reaches of space, or designing a better surf board to test your model of Perth’s hottest surf spots. The possibilities are various and diverse, so realistically your opportunities are only limited by your imagination.
How to apply
Our entry requirements tool will help you find the most appropriate and quickest pathways to admission. The tool will take you through a couple of steps to help identify the best pathways for you based on your situation. Once you have chosen the most suitable pathway you will also be provided you with information on how to apply based on the criteria you are using for admission.
Domestic student applications:
All undergrad applications for Semester 1 2009 need to be submitted through TISC. If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
- Get your TISC help kit containing your course info, handy hints and advice to help make the application process even easier.
- Get advice on how to structure your TISC preferences to give yourself the best chance of getting into the course of your dreams.
- If you have any questions, please call Prospective Students' and Admissions Centre on 1300 687 3624 or email us at admissions@murdoch.edu.au.
International student applications:
If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
Course Details
|
|
| Length |
3 years full time internal study or part equivalent |
| International fee information |
$19,500 indicative annual fee |
| Location |
South Street |
| Murdoch course code |
B1029 |
| TISC Code |
MUMNC |
| TER cut off for 2008 |
N/A |
| STAT score required |
>145 |
| Information on course units |
Link to handbook entry |
Recommended subjects
The following recommended subjects will provide you with a useful background if you are interested in studying in the area of Maths, Chemistry or Physics: TEE Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics: Specialist units 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D or the equivalent Applicable Mathematics and Calculus.
You will also need to demonstrate competence in English, normally through passing either English or English Literature or by getting a sufficiently high score in ESL. We don’t have prerequisite subjects for any of our courses as we are a strong promoter of a well rounded education so bridging units are available in the first year of the course for students without this background.
Course Structure
Year 1
Foundation Unit
All first year students are required to take a Foundation Unit. These units are designed to provide you with the necessary skills for successful study at a university level.
Core Units
You must take these units for a particular major to gain a specialisation in this area.
Students who have not completed Physics at TEE level will be required to undertake General Physics prior to completing this unit.
- Calculus and Matrix Algebra
Students who have not completed Calculus at TEE level will need to undertake Applied Mathematics prior to completing this unit.
- Introduction to Chemistry
Students who have completed TEE Chemistry and achieved a score of more than 60% may be exempt from this unit.
General Electives
General Electives give you the flexibility to learn from a variety of different areas.
Select four units offered by the University, subject to individual unit prerequisites. The following units are recommended for students wishing to have a biological focus on their Physics & Nanotechnology studies:
Download our flyer for further details on the course structure
Suggested Double Majors
To take a double major, students simply take the core units from another major in place of their general elective units. Further details on double majors are available in the Prospectus.
Some recommended double majors are:
- Mathematics and Statistics;
- Sustainable Energy Management.
What are my Career Options?
As a Murdoch Physics and Nanotechnology graduate, your employment outlook is bright, especially if you combine your degree with units from other disciplines.
The notion of creating new materials and building nanoscale devices by manipulating atoms one at a time is a revolutionary one. Imagine having lights that can last forever and consume virtually no electricity; or self cleaning windows; scum-resistant tiles and stain-resistant fabrics. Billions are spent every year on Nanotechnology because it promises new materials with amazing properties and complex nano-machines undertaking everything from environmental clean-up to autonomous surgery.
The Physics and Nanotechnology Degree combines a rigorous basis of Classical and Modern Physics with the cutting-edge science of Nanotechnology. Depending on which skill set or specialisations you have, your degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some of those areas. Additional majors or minors you may undertake could also improve your chances of finding employment opportunities.
| Profession |
What they do |
Suggested double majors |
| Physicist |
Basic and applied research. Physicists involved in applied research build upon the discoveries made through basic research and work to develop new devices, products, and processes. Physicists also design research equipment, which often has additional unanticipated uses. For example, lasers are used in surgery, microwave devices function in ovens, and measuring instruments can analyse blood or the chemical content of foods. |
Computer Science
Mathematics and Statistics |
| Biophysicist |
Biophysicists apply the laws of physics to biology. A biophysicist may develop and apply models and experimental techniques derived from physics (e.g. electromagnetism and quantum mechanics) to systems such as tissues or organs to benefit neuroscience or cardiology or muscle function. |
Biological Sciences
Biotechnology
Mathematics and Statistics
Molecular Biology |
| Medical Physicist |
Medical Physicists are trained to understand the dangers of radioactivity and uphold safety standards. They can work in environmental health, testing levels of radioactivity in air and water, medical health, ensuring that radiology and radiation therapy is carried out according to health guidelines, or in the power reactor industry, where they are responsibility for overall safety and worker health. Medical Physicists help protect people and the environment from hazardous radiation exposure by monitoring the manufacture, handling, and disposal of radioactive material. |
Environmental Science |
| Nanoscientist |
Basic and Applied Research comprises the bulk of the work for Nanoscientists because immediate applications of nanotechnology are still relatively few. The Australian Research Council Nanotechnology Network (ARCNN) facilitates the development of new technologies resulting from this research.
Australia has distinct nanotechnology interests in areas of nanoparticles, nano materials and devices, semiconductor electronics and optoelectronics, functional nanomaterials, and polymers/composites. |
Physics
Chemistry
Biotechnology
Mathematics and Statistics
Biomedical Science Information Systems Development |
Patent Agent / Attorney
Intellectual Property Advisor |
Patent Agents / Attorneys assist clients to create, maintain, exploit and enforce ‘intellectual property’ such as patents, trademarks and registered designs. Their work combines legal and technical expertise. They also act as an Intellectual Property (IP) Advisor for patent awareness, freedom to operate analysis, patent opposition and publication clearance for the business |
Double major with Law |
| Nanotechnology Software Engineer |
Nanotechnology Software Engineers are involved in the creation and development of hardware and software that provides advanced capabilities in imaging, nano-manipulation, nano-fabrication, nano-spectro-photometry, near field optical probes below the aperture (50nm) limit, and diamond and other nanotools tips and parts. In short, they are focused on the design and delivery of superior quality software tools for nanotechnology design and applications. |
Information Systems Development
Industrial Computer Systems Engineering |
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