Physics

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.
  • this course requirement may be waived for students with a demonstrated proficiency in Python programming.

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

• MATH 202 and/or MATH 203

300-level

Required 

• PHYS 310: Thermal, Statistical and Particle Physics
• PHYS 311: Quantum Mechanics
• PHYS 313: Advanced Electromagnetism and Materials
• PHYS 381: Advanced Experimental Physics and Astronomy

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 available on request by emailing the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences office.

For all prescribed courses for a basic Bachelor of Science in Physics see degree regulations.  These include recommended courses for intending postgraduate study paths.