Physics
Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2013 academic year unless otherwise specified.
On this page:
- Overview
- Undergraduate Information
- Postgraduate Information
- How To Find Out More
- Related Subjects and Careers
- List of Courses
This subject is taught by the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences.
Overview
Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences. It aims to understand how nature is put together and how it works. Physics examines matter and energy in all their forms: from the kinetic energy of a speeding car to the nuclear energy released by fusion in the core of a star. The concepts you learn in Physics can be applied to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, astronomical, chemical and biological situations. Its principles are essential in many applied disciplines such as Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Science and Information Technology.
Victoria's School of Chemical and Physical Sciences is proud to host the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, one of New Zealand's first Centres of Research Excellence. Research areas include condensed matter and materials science, astrophysics, geophysics, environmental and theoretical physics.
In addition to the Physics major in the Bachelor of Science [BSc], Physics courses can be taken as part of a major in Electronic and Computer Systems.
Undergraduate Information
BSc major requirements
Physics
- MATH 142, 151, PHYS 114, 115
- MATH 243, PHYS 221, 222, 223, one further course from ECEN 201-203, PHYS 201-299
- PHYS 304, 305, 307, 309
First-year courses
Your entry point to 100-level Physics depends on your background in Physics and Calculus.
If you have 14 achievement standard credits at NCEA level 3 in each of Physics and Calculus, then you may begin with PHYS 114 (Physics 1A) and/or PHYS 115 (Physics 1B).
If you have fewer than 14 achievement standard credits of Physics at NCEA level 3, then you should take PHYS 131 (Energy and Environmental Physics) or PHYS 122 (Introduction to Physics and Applied Physics) first.
If you have fewer than 14 achievement standard credits of Calculus at NCEA level 3, then you should take MATH 141 (Calculus 1A) first.
PHYS 131 and MATH 141 are both taught in the first trimester. Passing these will allow you to continue with PHYS 114 and/or PHYS 115 in the second trimester.
Students who have achieved exceptional grades at NCEA Level 3 may be exempted from PHYS 114 and offered direct entry to one or more 200-level courses. If this could be you, please contact the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences as soon as your results are available.
Students who have not completed NCEA level 3, but who have very good grades at Level 2, should also contact the School to discuss an appropriate entry point to the Physics and Mathematics courses.
Postgraduate Information
Information about postgraduate study in Physics can be found on the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences website.
How To Find Out More
You can order more information on this subject by registering on our Request for Study Material database.
Victoria's Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office offers advice on courses and help with planning your degree.
Contact the Science Faculty Office for information on Admission, qualifications and courses, course advice and selection criteria, exemptions and prerequisites and your Application to Study.
Physics courses are taught within the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Laby Building.
Dr Gillian Turner
Phone: 04 463 6478
Email: gillian.turner@vuw.ac.nz
Administrator
Phone: 04 463 5335
Email: scps@vuw.ac.nz
Related Subjects and Careers
| Related Subjects | Careers |
|---|---|
|
Architecture |
Aviation |
List of Courses
| On this page: |
| 100 Level Courses |
|---|
PHYS 114 – Physics 1A |
PHYS 115 – Physics 1B |
PHYS 122 – Introduction to Physics for Scientists and Engineers |
PHYS 131 – Energy and Environmental Physics |
PHYS 132 – Introductory Astronomy |
| 200 Level Courses |
|---|
PHYS 209 – Physics of the Earth and Planets |
PHYS 217 – Computerised Data Acquisition and Analysis |
PHYS 221 – Relativity and Quantum Physics |
PHYS 222 – Electrons and Photons |
PHYS 223 – Classical Physics |
| 300 Level Courses |
|---|
PHYS 304 – Electromagnetism |
PHYS 305 – Thermal Physics |
PHYS 307 – Quantum Physics |
PHYS 309 – Solid State and Nuclear Physics |
PHYS 339 – Experimental Techniques |
PHYS 342 – Special Topic: Advanced Digital Electronics. Electronics |
PHYS 343 – Topics in Applied Physics |