奧塔哥大學

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree which enables each student to develop his or her own interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. Students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as subjects from other disciplines across the University.

Physics tries to answer the bottom-line questions: Whata and Whya when we see things in nature that are not understood. For instance, why is the sky blue whereas sunsets are reda What happens when a star explodesa What is radiationa What causes an auroraa Physics also involves the application of this knowledge to other fields. For instance, if you really understand about lasers then you will be better placed to develop new uses for them in applications such as communications, engineering and medical science. Often students take a degree in Physics because they have a particular career in mind, but for many their first priority is simply to understand Physics. They take Physics because it interests them.

Programme Requirements

100-level

• PHSI 131 Fundamentals of Physics I, or PHSI 191 Biological Physics
• PHSI 132 Fundamentals of Physics II
• MATH 160 Mathematics 1
• MATH 170 Mathematics 2

200-level

• PHSI 231 Quantum and Thermal Physics
• PHSI 232 Electromagnetism and Optics
• PHSI 282 Experimental Physics 1
• MATH 202 Linear Algebra
• MATH 203 Calculus of Several Variables
• ELEC 253 recommended

300-level

• PHSI 331 Quantum, Atomic and Particle Physics
• PHSI 332 Electromagnetism and Condensed Matter
• PHSI 381 Experimental Physics II

One other 300-level PHSI or ELEC paper

Plus

126 further points, must include 18 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.

Notes: (i) PHSI 191 assumes an understanding of NCEA Level 2 Physics; PHSI 131 and 132 assume an understanding of NCEA Level 3 Physics and Mathematics.

(ii) Qualified candidates may substitute ELEC 253 or PHSI 243 for PHSI 131 with approval from the Head of Department.

Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) is also available.

A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career.