Bachelor of Science (Optics & Photonics) B.Sc(OptP)

2009

Program Outline

Optics and Photonics involve the study of the physical properties of light and the development of ways to use of laser light, respectively. Optics and Photonics are fundamental to a diverse range of fields, ranging from fundamental investigations in physics to enabling tools in chemistry, biology and medicine, such as ultra fast spectroscopy and laser medical treatments. This program aims to produce graduates who have a considerable depth of knowledge in the application of optics and photonics, and in the breadth of the discipline of physics. This program consists of core training in the discipline of physics, with emphasis on electromagnetic radiation, optics, quantum mechanics and lasers. A strength of the program is the inclusion of cross-disciplinary tutorials from academic staff of the faculty, as well as tutoring sessions by guest presenters from photonics companies and defence. This direct exposure provides the opportunity for mentoring relationships to be formed with senior academics, and provides an insight into several varied options for future career paths. In the final years of the program, there will be ample opportunity to participate in research projects alongside established scientists in laboratories from the discipline of physics and from industry.

Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic and international students.

Domestic

Selection criteria:	Year 12 applicants 2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 97.95 You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent (48 units) university study. You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER). Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. Higher Education applicants You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You are ranked on the basis of your best GPA. Special Entry applicants You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Additional entry requirements:	Note: applicants who have studied Physics 1 and/or Mathematics 1 at the University of Adelaide (or equivalent) must have achieved at least a credit grade average for these courses.
Prerequisites:	SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 4) and Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)
How to apply:	SATAC Code: 324091 Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees:	Commonwealth-supported place: $4,162
General enquiries:	Student Centre

International

Selection criteria:	IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing 6 5.5 5.5 6 6 International TER 80
Prerequisites:	Mathematics and Physics
How to apply:	Application information for international students Important application deadlines for international students
Mid-year entry?	No
Annual tuition fees:	International student place: $22,000
General enquiries:	Student Centre

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Please note that this program is under review and the courses listed at levels II and III are indicative only. Level I
Semester 1 MATHS 1011: Mathematics IA PHYSICS 1100: Physics IA Semester 2 MATHS 1012: Mathematics IB PHYSICS 1200: Physics IB together with 12 units of additional level I courses selected in consultation with the program coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.2, 5.6.1 and 5.6.2 for the degree of Bachelor of Science. A selection from the following courses is recommended: Semester 1 APP MTH 1000: Scientific Computing I CHEM 1100: Chemistry IA COMP SCI 1008: Computer Science IA COMP SCI 1009: Computer Science IB ELEC ENG 1009: Electrical & Electronic Engineering IA Semester 2 CHEM 1200: Chemistry IB COMP SCI 1008: Computer Science IA COMP SCI 1009: Computer Science IB
Level II
Semester 1 (core courses): MATHS 2102: Differential Equations MATHS 2101: Multivariable and Complex Calculus PHYSICS 2510: Physics IIA Semester 2 (core courses) : PHYSICS 2532: Classical Physics II PHYSICS 2534: Electromagnetism II PHYSICS 2525: Physics IIB (Optics & Photonics) Plus passes in additional Level II courses to the value of 6 units chosen from: CHEM 2510: Chemistry IIA ELEC ENG 2008: Electronics II CHEM 2520: Chemistry IIB ELEC ENG 2007: Signals & Systems II PHYSICS 2530: Astrophysics II or courses selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.2, 5.6.3 and 5.6.4 for the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Level III
Passes in: PHYSICS 3001: Electromagnetism & Optics III PHYSICS 3002: Experimental Physics III PHYSICS 3004: Quantum Mechanics IIIA PHYSICS 3230: Photonics IIIP PHYSICS 3022: Quantum Mechanics IIIB Passes in at least 6 units from the following: APP MTH 3013: Differential Equations APP MTH 3016: Telecommunications Systems Modelling III APP MTH 3017: Waves COMP SCI 3002: Programming Techniques ELEC ENG 3015: Communications, Signals and Systems ELEC ENG 3016: Control III ELEC ENG 3019: A/B Practical Electrical and Electronic Design III MECH ENG 3028: Dynamics and Control II PHYSICS 3000: Computational Physics III PHYSICS 3009: Statistical Mechanics III STATS 3005: Time Series III and additional Level III courses chosen from courses offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, chosen in consultation with the Program Coordinator.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from all aspects of optics and photonics are in high demand, thus graduates from this degree have the options of immediate rewarding employment in the communications industry and defence, or with research organisations.

Potential careers

Analytical Chemist, Research Scientist, Laboratory Technician

Useful Links

Faculty of Sciences

Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences