Physics
Mātai Ahupūngao
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 300 in the world for Physics and Astronomy (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021)
Download Brochure
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 300 in the world for Physics and Astronomy (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021)
Download Brochure
Qualifications
Overview
What type of student might consider a Physics degree? As a child, famous UC alumnus Ernest Rutherford was intrigued by seeing a stick apparently bend when dipped into a farm bucket of water; Albert Einstein asked how his face would appear in a hand-held mirror if he ran at some significant fraction of the speed of light. A budding physicist may share this fascination with and curiosity about the natural world.
Physics aims to understand the behaviour of matter and energy from the scale of subatomic particles to that of the Universe itself. From computers to communication systems, architecture to agriculture; modern life is overwhelmingly built using the understanding of nature that physics provides.
We are currently in an incredibly exciting period in Physics. The technological advances of the last 20 years have had an enormous impact on all our lives and almost all of these rely on advances in Physics. Modern physics provides a framework for understanding – and contributing to – major advances in technology now and in the future.
UC physicists are currently involved in the following exciting projects:
- building huge laser equipment to study gravitational waves
- creating tiny nanoelectronic devices that can act as transistors or sensors
- measuring the behaviour of the upper atmosphere in order to understand global warming
- obtaining fundamental theoretical understandings of cosmology and subatomic physics.
Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences has many collaborations nationally and internationally that give access to some of the best facilities around the world. For example, UC is a member of CERN, the enormous particle accelerator centre in Geneva and also collaborates with the Van der Veer Institute and hospitals on medical imaging and radiation therapy.
The Ōtautahi Christchurch Aerospace Strategic Plan aims to make the city the centre of Aotearoa New Zealand's aerospace technology sector by 2025, which will extensively use UC's facilities and research programmes, and offer students internships and other entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry.
UC is ranked in the top 300 universities in the world for Physics and Astronomy (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
Certain courses require a strong background in Year 13 physics and calculus. If students don't have a strong background in physics and calculus, they may need to take both PHYS111 Introductory Physics for Physical Sciences and Engineering and MATH101 Methods of Mathematics.
Where you start in first year will depend on your secondary school results. See 'Courses' below for more details.
Physics major
For the major in the Bachelor of Science, complete the following courses:
100-level
- PHYS101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
- PHYS102 Engineering Physics B: Modern Physics and Electromagnetism (2)
- MATH102 Mathematics 1A
- MATH103 Mathematics 1B
- COSC131 Introduction to Programming for Engineers
If you have not taken physics or mathematics to Year 13 level, it is also recommended to take PHYS111 Introductory Physics for Physical Sciences and Engineering and MATH101 Methods of Mathematics.
200-level
- PHYS285 Technical and Professional Skills for Physicists
- MATH201 Multivariable Calculus
- Three 200-level PHYS courses
MATH202 Differential Equations and MATH203 Linear Algebra are also recommended.
300-level
- PHYS310 Thermal, Statistical and Particle Physics
- PHYS311 Quantum Mechanics
- PHYS313 Advanced Electromagnetism and Materials
- PHYS381 Advanced Experimental Physics and Astronomy
If you intend to go onto postgraduate study, it is recommended that you include PHYS326 Classical Mechanics and Symmetry Principles, or you can take PHYS456 in the first your of your postgraduate degree.
Physics minor
For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, complete the following courses:
- 75 points in 100 to 300-level PHYS courses, with at least 45 points above 100-level
Many of our graduates are employed as physicists and can be found at Crown Research Institutes, the National Radiation Laboratory, medical physics departments of hospitals or universities, and the Meteorological Service, among others.
Some Physics graduates are not employed as scientists – however, their analytical skills, numeracy, and all-round thinking ability are in demand in many industries. Some of these graduates are snapped up by the IT and electronics industries, but those same skills are equally valued by merchant banks, stock brokers, and other financial services companies, as well as by the armed services, police, and aerospace industries (including airlines such as Air New Zealand).
Teaching, journalism, and science communication also need people with Physics training.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Physics.
Contact us
Te Kura Matū | School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
Phone +64 3 369 3100
Email physical-chemical-sciences@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Levels 3 and 4, Beatrice Tinsley building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Browse related subjects to Physics
Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's extensive range of study options can let you study what you want to.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering involves the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. UC offers the only ...
Astronomy
Astronomy and astrophysics are concerned with the study of the nature and distribution of matter and radiation throughout all time and space in the Universe. ...