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

2010

Program Outline

Optics and Photonics involve the study of the physical properties of light and the application of laser light. Optics and Photonics underlie diverse fields, ranging from fundamental research in physics to engineering, environmental studies, chemistry, biology and medicine. Graduates can expect to find employment in the local optics, photonics and defence industries, in education or in research organisations with any industry or program requiring a physics qualification. Students undertaking this program will have direct exposure to internationally recognised academic and industry based experts who perform fundamental research in optics and 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 Information

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant?

2009 CSP IB	30
SATAC Code	324091
2009 CSP TER	85.25
HESS group	General
Annual tuition fees	Commonwealth-supported place: $4,249
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
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 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, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years 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.

How to Apply

SATAC Code: 324091

Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission

International applicants

Not an international applicant?

International TER	80
IB	26
IELTS Total	6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	No
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Prerequisites

Mathematics and Physics

Equivalent Scores

International TER	80
IB	26
IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing	6 5.5 5.5 6 6

How to Apply

Application information for international students

Important application deadlines for international students

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: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	No
Enquiries	Student 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 a complete description, see the program rules.

Career Opportunities

 Graduates of the program can expect to find employment in:

•  Communications

•  Defence organisations

•  Laser industry

•  Remote and advanced optical sensing of the environment

•  Research organisations (CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, Antarctic Division)

•  Universities

Potential careers

Research Scientist, 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

Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences

Further Information

Useful Links

Faculty of Sciences