The Master of Science (Physics) is designed for students with a physics-rich background who are looking for pathways to higher degree study or just looking to extend their knowledge with modern applications. The course builds on a student’s existing physics, research and professional skills. It provides graduates with not only the practical and theoretical aspects of physics, but also an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and an awareness of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of physics in a global community. Projects and coursework have been designed to address topical concerns in industry and society preparing graduates for employment in a physics-related field or further enrolment in a higher degree by research. A masters research thesis is normally taken in the final two semesters of study and develops research, communication and technical skills. An in-depth investigation of a particular area is completed under the guidance of a supervisor and students can opt to research advanced areas within the discipline. What you will study The Master of Science (Physics) consists of 72 units. Students entering with a bachelor degree in the same discipline will be eligible to apply to follow a 54-unit pathway. The topics involve both coursework and research components with core topics focusing on professional studies. These include nuclear and statistical physics, cosmology and optoelectronics, quantum physics, nanotechnology and standards, ethics and compliance. In addition to the core topics, students can choose electives including numerical analysis, methods of applied mathematics, complex analysis and partial differential equations. Students will receive training in advanced research skills and undertake a large independent research project. Your career Career options exist in areas such as optics, telecommunications, instrumentation development, acoustics, and geophysics, teaching as well as research and development laboratories. Potential occupations include: graduate research officer laboratory technical officer scientific officer research and development scientist patent examiner defence scientist research scientist teacher data analyst system analyst IP assessor.