Physics
School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) at the University of Canterbury is one of the best places to study Physics in New Zealand (在新西兰学习物理), including recently introduced SPCS online-to-campus pathway (新西兰本科留学, 新西兰大学学习).
Physical scientists investigate how the world works. Physics aims to understand the behaviour of matter and energy. Modern life is built on physics knowledge — from watches to computers and cars.
Physics is a dynamic field and researchers have paved the way for much of the modern, high-technology society we enjoy. It is a broad discipline encompassing everything from building huge laser equipment to creating tiny nanoelectric devices.
Modern Physics provides a framework for understanding and contributing to major advances in technology and graduates find employment in a huge variety of industries.
UC offers those interested in Physics:
- Diverse teaching and research areas and many international links, offering research students, in particular, an extensive network and career opportunities
- A chance to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability, which makes Physics graduates sought after by employers.
- Courses designed to cater for students with a range of backgrounds and interests. We offer courses if you plan to be an engineer or if you have biological or environmental interests, as well as courses if you plan to be a physicist, physical scientist or educator.
- The chance to study a double major in Environmental Science and Physics
- A cultural course which gives non-physicists some appreciation of the impact developments in Physics have made.
Note: A large number of students who take Physics at UC do so because the subject is an essential background for their future job as an engineer or as a physical scientist.
Studying Physics at undergraduate level will open the door to a broad range of careers. Our researchers are engaged in internationally recognised work and postgraduate students have opportunities to take part in meaningful projects.
At 100 level there are four core courses, PHYS 101, PHYS 102, MATH 102 and MATH 103 which are required for all students intending to major in Physics or Astronomy. They should also take COSC 131. In addition to these, students intending to major in Astronomy are required to take ASTR 112 in Semester One.
Students with fewer than 14 credits at NCEA level 3 Physics should take PHYS 111 before advancing to PHYS 101 and 102.
- The Science Headstart programme offers a bridging course.
- A Certificate in Science is a good option for those who don't want to commit to a full-time degree.
- Check the entry requirements on the Physics subject page.
- International students should refer to UC's International web page.
For Physical Science or Engineering, the choice of first-year courses will depend on your previous experience (in particular your results from NCEA physics and mathematics with calculus) and future plans. The core physics paper for Engineering Intermediate Year is PHYS 101 and is offered twice a year — in Semesters One and Two. Students with 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Physics and Mathematics and Calculus, or acceptable similar qualifications, will be permitted to take this course. Other students are required to take PHYS 111 offered in the first semester. Either entry route would enable completion of the basic Engineering Intermediate Year in one year or the completion of a BSc in three years. Students who qualify for PHYS 101 but have fewer than 14 credits in Level 3 NCEA Physics) may find PHYS 101 quite challenging. These students are encouraged to consider taking PHYS 111 first.
For those planning to advance in Physical Science or to proceed to Electrical and Electronic Engineering, PHYS 102 is offered in the second semester, with PHYS 101 as the usual prerequisite. Students with 18 level 3 NCEA credits in Physics and Mathematics and Calculus will also be admitted. PHYS 102 is also offered during the summer. This enables those students who take the PHYS 111 and PHYS 101 path in their first year to pick up PHYS 102 over the summer and so complete the courses required for advancement in either Physics or Electrical Engineering.
100-level
Required
- PHYS 101: Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
- PHYS 102: Engineering Physics B: Electromagnetism, Modern Physics and 'How Things Work'
- MATH 102: Mathematics 1A
- MATH 103: Mathematics 1B
- COSC 131: Introduction to Programming for Engineers.
PHYS 101 is offered in Semesters 1 and 2 and PHYS 102 is offered in Semester 2 and as a Summer Course. MATH102/103 may be replaced by EMTH118/119.
200-level
Required
- PHYS 285: Technical and Professional Skills for Physicists
- 45 points from PHYS 201-209
- MATH 201: Multivariable Calculus
Strongly recommended
300-level
Required
Notes
1. A student may be permitted by the HOD to obtain a double major in Physics and Mathematics with PHYS 381 replaced by PHYS 326 as a required course.
Required for postgraduate
Students intending to proceed to BSc (Hons) or MSc in Physics, Medical Physics or Astronomy should take:
(1) an additional two courses from 300-level PHYS or ASTR;
and (2) two additional courses from 300-level MATH or STAT.
Students intending to take Mathematical Physics in postgraduate studies should take a double major in Physics and Mathematics and replace PHYS381 by PHYS326 Classical Mechanics and Symmetry Principles as a majoring requirement.
Each October the PHYS 300 level guide is updated and availble by request from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences office by emailing: - physical-chemical-sciences@canterbury.ac.nz
For all prescribed courses for a basic Bachelor of Science in Physics see degree regulations on the University calendar. These include recommended courses for intending postgraduate study paths.
Many students combine the study of a BSc with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or a Bachelor of Laws. If you are considering a double degree you should get advice from a student advisor.
The regulations for the Bachelor of Science allow for 105 points of courses from any other University degree.
Suggested complementary courses include:
Electrical and Electronic Engineering - direct entry to Second Professional Year of the BE (Hons)
Subject to the approval of the Dean of Engineering, a student applying with a Bachelor of Science is expected to have an appropriate major for the specialisation they wish to study, a B grade average, and at least 200-level Mathematics to be considered for entry to the Second Professional Year. An appropriate specialisation for Electrical and Electronic Engineering would be Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
Additional papers at the 200 or 300 level in Management or Accounting and Information Systems would enhance your application.
With this option, a student has the opportunity to gain a double degree (BSc and BE) in five years. Contact the department for more information.
- Expression of Interest Form 2020 (PDF, 234KB, 2 pages)
Physics study pathways
From 300 level onwards many students choose to specialise in a particular field of Physics such as Condensed Matter, Nanotechnology, Environmental Physics, Medical Physics, Laser Physics, Astrophysics or Theoretical Physics. Students interested in the following areas will usually take the courses below:
For more information,
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