Currently in Australia there is an undersupply of science
graduates. Graduates of physics degrees have a higher full
employment rate than the national average, use their technical
skills and knowledge, enjoy their jobs, and have average
salaries in the top ten to twenty percent of the workforce
for their age group.
With higher salaries and increased job satisfaction, it
follows that physics degrees are an attractive start to a
worthwhile and interesting career. Physics graduates often
don’t follow a particular defined career pathway, although
there is a gradual shift with time and experience from technical
and science professional jobs towards managerial positions.
Look at the CEOs of most major companies, often these people
have a PhD in Physics!
Why study Physics? The answer for most graduates in the
workforces has been that work is seen as interesting and
providing considerable levels of personal satisfaction if
not a high degree of job security. For the future, we expect
that graduates in science and technology will be taking a
leading place in building Australia’s Knowledge Economy,
with the rewards and recognition that go with that vital
role.
Source: Aust Council of Deans of
Science “Why do a
Science Degree?” 2001
This degree was designed to address the growing needs of
the optoelectronics and photonics industry in Australia.
Students develop a high level of technical skills and acquire
meaningful industrial experience. It is nationally recognised
as a leading degree in Optoelectronics and, as such, has
been emulated by 3 Australasian universities. It is accredited
by the Australian Institute of Physics as a physics degree.
The Bachelor of Technology degree in Optoelectronics covers
the design and function of optoelectronic technologies
(devices and systems that use both light and electrical
signals in their operation), and photonic devices and systems
(that use only light), as well as the physics, electronics
and mathematics of their operating mechanisms. Examples
of optoelectronic/ photonic technologies include laser
systems, fibre-optic communication systems, remote sensing
systems, medical diagnostic systems and optical information
systems.
The elements of the program that have been identified by
employers and graduates alike as particularly enhancing
employability of the graduates are:
(i) competency in using high-tech equipment (gained from
extensive hands on experience in the international-standard
optoelectronics teaching laboratories);
(ii) the industrial project which gives students experience
in a real workplace;
and (iii) the inclusion of technology management in the curriculum.
Additionally, emphasis is placed on developing the generic
skills of report writing, communication skills, working under
pressure and working cooperatively with others.
Head of Department, Director of BTech(Opto) Program
Associate Professor Ewa Goldys
Tel: (02) 9850 8902
Fax: (02) 9850 8115
Email: goldys@physics.mq.edu.au
General information
Administrator
Jackie Walsh
Email: admin.physics@physics.mq.edu.au
Tel: (02) 9850 9147
Fax: (02) 9850 9128
Astronomy and astrophysics courses have been designed to
offer an interesting and diverse range of topics which start
with fundamental concepts and background material and finish
with a detailed description of astrophysical phenomena and
the underlying physics.
In first year you’ll study:
- Some basic mechanics and optics;
- Historical development of astronomical instruments
and techniques across the whole electromagnetic spectrum
- Celestial coordinate systems & navigation;
- Stars, galaxies, nebulae, quasars, pulsars, black
holes;
- Evolutionary models and alternatives;
- Basic cosmology.
Experimental lab work may be chosen from such topics
as geometrical and physical optics, spectra, photography,
use of an optical telescope and a simple radio telescope
An occasional evening will be spent at the Division's
observatory.
Second Year subjects include:
- Celestial mechanics;
- Coordinates systems (equatorial, ecliptic, galactic,
altitude-Azimuth)
- Precession/nutation;
- The Fourier transform in astronomy (cool!)
- Detection theory and detectors (photography, CCD’s,
photomutlipliers…..)
-
Observational selection and atmospheric effects (e.g. `seeing’)
- Multi-wavelength astronomy including: UV, Optical,
IR, sub-mm, X-ray, neutrino, cosmic-ray and gravitational-wave
astronomy (big component)
- Astronomical data/image processing (or how to
retrieve that signal!)
- A variety of astronomy based laboratory practical
projects including use of the observatories telescopes
(some fun assured here)
-
How to write a successful observing proposal! (prize given
for best entry – staff astronomers permitted to steal
any such `good ideas’ for their own research)!
Third year deals with the physics of the major emission,
absorption and scattering mechanisms of astronomy, the passage
of waves through ionised and neutral media, stellar models
and stellar spectra, together with a detailed treatment of
several interesting astronomical objects. Students will carry
out an observational project and may visit a number of observatories!
Then there is a review of special relativity, gravity and
the equivalence principle, tensor methods, metrics of spacetime
and spacetime curvature, the Schwarzschild metric and black
holes, experimental tests of general relativity, gravitational
radiation, the Robertson-Walker metric, Friedmann, Einstein
and de Sitter models, inflation.
Electronics and communication systems are related areas of
study concerned with technology that influences nearly every
aspect of modern society. Electronics deals with the science
and engineering of everyday items ranging from home appliances,
entertainment systems, and telecommunications to city utilities,
control systems for traffic, and transport. Communication
systems deals with the technology of conveying information
between people using computers and/or electronic equipment
such as telephones. Both these areas of study play an important
role in business and manufacturing, and are about building
and using systems for productive and leisure activities.
Students interested in a career in electronics and communication
systems should consider the Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications),
Bachelor of Technology (Telecommunications), and the Bachelor
of Technology (Optoelectronics) degree programs. Students
may specialise in electronics in the Bachelor of Science degree
program. Electronics and communication systems can also be
included in broader studies in the Bachelor of Science or
Bachelor of Arts degree programs.
The Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications Engineering,
BE(Telecomm) is a specialist four year degree in electrical
engineering focusing on the underlying technologies used in
telecommunication systems and on the design and implementation
of telecommunication networks.
Director of Astronomy Program
Dr Alan Vaughan
Tel: (02) 9850 8904
Fax: (02) 9850 8115
Email: alanv@physics.mq.edu.au
General information
Administrator
Jackie Walsh
Email: admin.physics@physics.mq.edu.au
Tel: (02) 9850 9147
Fax: (02) 9850 9128
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