The University of Adelaide
Degree Finder

Back to search

Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in High Performance Computational Physics

Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Honours Bachelor

Duration 4 years full-time or part-time equiv.

SATAC Code 324171

2010
ATAR 95.05

Open All
  • Program Outline

    This program introduces students to the sophisticated high performance computing techniques required for the solution of cutting-edge problems in theoretical, computational and mathematical physics.  Students will be able to develop skills to program parallel supercomputers using state of the art computer language and gain the mathematical and computational skills necessary to solve challenging problems at the forefront of physics. 

    Graduates are likely to be found working in a wide range of areas that require this expertise, including: bioinformatics, biophysics, chemistry, defence organisations, econophysics, engineering, geology and geophysics, government organisations, private industry, financial organisations, oil and gas exploration, water resources, plant science, research institutes and universities.

  • Program Structure

    The program consists of core studies in physics, mathematics and computing science with an electrical engineering option in first year. Second year develops these areas of study further, with a focus on physics and applied mathematics, while third year involves advanced courses in physics. Students undertake the final year Honours program in theoretical physics which includes a research project plus specialised courses in computer science and mathematics, allowing students to underpin skills in high-performance computing.

  • 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 324171
    2010 CSP ATAR 95.05
    2010 CSP IB 32
    Annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $4,355
    Mid-year entry? Yes
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Students who have completed the required undergraduate program to a satisfactory level may be eligible to apply for the Honours program.
    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: Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3), 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.
    • Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 324171

    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 047800B
    Enquiries University Contact Centre
    Selection Criteria
    Students who have completed the required undergraduate program to a satisfactory level may be eligible to apply for the Honours program.
    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
    Students who have completed the required undergraduate program to a satisfactory level may be eligible to apply for the Honours program.
    Prerequisites
    SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3), Physics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3)
  • Study Plans

    The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree.

    Level I

    Passes in Level I courses which shall include:

    Semester 1

    Semester 2

    together with additional level I courses to the value of 6 units, selected in consultation with the program coordinator and in accordance with the 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:

    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 5.5.3 and 5.5.4 for the degree of Bachelor of Science in the disciplines of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Pure Mathematics.
    Level III

    Passes (not conceded passes) in Level III courses:

    Semester 1 (core courses)

    Semester 2 (core courses)

    Additional Level III courses to the value of at least 9 units selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator from:

    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 in the disciplines of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Pure Maths. 

     Level IV

    An acceptable standard, in accordance with the Academic Program Rule 5.6 for the Bachelor of Science for Honours degrees, in

    or

    (including some lecture content from COMP SCI 4999 A/B Honours Computer Science)

  • Career Opportunities

    Employment opportunities exist for graduates in :

    • Banking
    • Climate and ecosystem modelling
    • Defence organisations
    • Econophysics
    • Government organisations
    • Industry and financial organisations
    • Physics
    • Scientific computing
    • Scientific data analysis
    • Universities

    Potential careers

    Aerospace Scientist, Air-Traffic Controller, Lecturer, Animator, Banker, Climate and Ecosystem Modeller, Commodities or Futures Trader, Computational Scientist, Computer Programmer, Research Assistant, Research Associates, Research Scientist, Satellite Project Scientist, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Financial Systems / Computer Analyst, Scientific Officer, Teacher, Tutor

  • 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.

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 

Student Profile

Looking for new sources of clean, sustainable energy for Australia

christine sealing

Christine Sealing completed a Bachelor of Science (majoring in geology) with Honours at the University of Adelaide.

"The experience I gained during my Honours year has allowed me to enter my career with confidence in my own abilities as a young scientist."

She now works as a project geologist for a geothermal exploration company, looking for new sources of clean, sustainable energy for Australia.


 

Ask Adelaide

Call us +61 8 8313 7335
(Toll free) 1800 061 459
Contact us
Study Info
Seek Light | 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