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Bachelor of Science (Optics & Photonics) B.Sc(OptP)
2009

Program Outline | Program Structure | Admission Information | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Program Rules | Further Information | Useful Links

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 3 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

Optics and Photonics involve the study of the physical properties of light and the development of ways to use 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.

Program Structure

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. The 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.

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Admission Information

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.

I am a:

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant? ?

2008 CSP IB 30
SATAC Code 324091
2008 CSP TER 97.95
HESS group ? General
Annual tuition fees ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $4,162
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student 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 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.
Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics

IB: Mathematics (HL grade 4) and Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)

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 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.
  • Without formal qualifications?
    You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

How to Apply ?

SATAC Code: 324091

International applicants

Not an international applicant? ?

International TER 80
IELTS Total 6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $22,000
Mid-year entry? No
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
Mathematics and Physics
Equivalent Scores
International TER 80
IELTS
Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6

How to Apply ?

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results? ?

International TER 80
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $22,000
Mid-year entry? No
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Physics, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics

IB: Mathematics (HL grade 4) and Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)

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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

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, 5.6.1 and 5.6.2 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, 5.6.3 and 5.6.4 for the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Level III

Passes in:

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Career Opportunities

Graduates from all aspects of optics and photonics are in high demand and may find rewarding employment in:

  • Communications industry
  • Defence
  • Research organisations
  • Universities.

Potential careers

Analytical Chemist, Research Scientist, Laboratory Technician

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Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences

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Further Information

Please direct enquiries to the Student Centre
Phone: +61 8 8303 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

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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, 8 Jul 2009
Program Talks

Chemistry & Physics: From Nanoscience to Space Science

Listen to the Open Day Talk

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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.

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