The University of Adelaide
Degree Finder

Back to search

Bachelor of Science (Optics & Photonics)

Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 3 years full-time or part-time equiv.

SATAC Code 324091

2010
ATAR 81.95

Open All
  • Program Outline

    Optics and photonics involve the study of the physical properties of light and the development of applications of laser light. Optics and photonics are fundamental to diverse fields, ranging from fundamental investigations in physics, such as the quantum mechanics of photon interference and the detection of gravitational waves, to enabling tools in chemistry, biology and medicine, such as ultra fast spectroscopy, optical tweezers, ultra-microscopy 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 breadth in the discipline of physics.

    Graduates can expect to find employment in communications, defence organisations, the laser industry, remote and advanced optical sensing or the environment, research organisations (CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, Antarctic Division) and universities. Further study (honours, masters and PhD programs) are essential for advanced work in optical communications and many other applications of photonics.

  • Program Structure

    The program consists of core theory and laboratory training in physics, with emphasis on electromagnetic radiation, optics, quantum mechanics and lasers. Students are able to supplement this core with a range of courses including mathematics, computing and electrical engineering. A key feature of the program is the inclusion of cross-disciplinary tutorials from academic staff as well as tutoring sessions by guest presenters from photonics and defence industries. This direct exposure provides the opportunity for mentoring relationships to be formed, which enhances student participation in research projects alongside established scientists in industry and physics discipline laboratories.

  • Admission and Fee Information

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 324091
    2010 CSP ATAR 81.95
    2010 CSP IB 30
    Annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $4,355
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Year 12 applicants
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent (48 units) university study. You compete for a place with your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). 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 3) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3).

    For midyear entry, applicants should contact the Student Centre before applying to ensure that an appropriate study pathway is available.

    Alternative entry pathways
    • 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 be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. 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. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
    • Without formal qualifications?
      You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
    • Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 324091

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    International ATAR 80
    IB 27
    IELTS Overall 6 [more info]
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $24,250
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    CRICOS 042763J
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Equivalent Scores
    International ATAR 80
    IB 27
    IELTS
    Overall
    Reading
    Listening
    Speaking
    Writing
    6
    5.5
    5.5
    6
    6
    A-Level 9
    UEC [Malaysia] 15
    SAT [US] 1770
    ISC & CBSE [India] 75%
    ISBE [India] [1] 85%
    OSSD OAC [Canadian Pre-U] 75
    Eynesbury Foundation Program 380
    Bradford Foundation Program 77
    [1] Acceptable Indian State Board Examinations: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
    How to Apply

    International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

    Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

    International ATAR 80
    Annual tuition fees International student place: $24,250
    Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Prerequisites
    SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics.

    IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3) and Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3).

  • Study Plans

    The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2011 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

    Level I

    Semester 1

    Semester 2

    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, 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 for the degree of Bachelor of Science. A selection from the following courses is recommended:

    Semester 1

    Semester 2

    Level II

    Semester 1 (core courses):

    Semester 2 (core courses) :

    Plus passes in additional Level II courses to the value of 6 units chosen from:

    or courses selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.2, 5.5.3 and 5.5.4 for the degree of Bachelor of Science.
    Level III

    Semester 1 (core courses):

    Semester 2 (core courses):

    Plus passes in additional Level III courses to the value of 9 units chosen from:

    Semester 1:

    Semester 2:

    or courses selected in consultation with the program coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.5.5 and 5.5.6 for the degree of Bachelor of Science.
  • Career Opportunities

    Employment opportunities exist for graduates in :

    • Local optics, photonics and defence industries
    • Education or in research organisations with any industry or program requiring a physics qualification

    Other employment opportunities include :

    • Communications
    • Defence organisations
    • Laser industry
    • Remote and advanced optical sensing of the environment
    • Research organisations (CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, Antarctic Division)
    • Universities

    Potential careers

    Aerospace Scientist, Laser and Photonics Scientist / Engineer, Lecturer, Defense Industry Scientist, Remote Sensing and GIS, Research Assistant, Research Associates, Satellite Project Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Teacher, Tutor, Research Scientist

  • Program Rules
  • Further Information
    Information sessions will be held at the University of Adelaide Open Day, 17 August 2008. An information session will also be held Ground Floor, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus from 4-6 pm on 10 December 2008. For further details: Telephone (08) 8303 5673, email faculty.sciences@adelaide.edu.au or visit www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au.
  • Useful Links

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Back to Search 

Featured Degree 

Program Talks

Chemistry & Physics: From Nanoscience to Space Science

Listen to the Open Day Talk

Make sure you have JavaScript enabled and get the Flash Player to see this media content.

What is Nanoscience? Where will a degree in Space Science lead? What is High Performance Computational Physics? What jobs can a degree in Optics & Photonics lead to? If you enjoy Chemistry or Physics, come along and find out about the exciting programs and career opportunities that are open to you.

 

Ask Adelaide

Call us +61 8 8313 7335
(Toll free) 1800 061 459
Contact us
Study Info
Life Impact | The University of Adelaide Top

Home

Information For

Information About

People & Places

The University of Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia
5005 Australia

CRICOS Provider Number 00123M


Telephone: +61 8 8313 4455

Coordinates: -34.920843, 138.604513

Authorised by:Director, Marketing & Strategic Communications
Maintained by:Marketing & Strategic Communications