Your guide to majoring in Physics with the Bachelor of Science at RMIT.
AU$38,400 (2024 annual)
When you choose a Physics major in RMIT’s Bachelor of Science you will enjoy flexibility with a degree that allows you to pursue a specialisation in physics while gaining practical real-world experience.
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about our planet and the forces that govern its motion? Perhaps you've tried to imagine the vast distances that light travels to reach us from the stars. Or maybe you're curious about atoms, the tiny building blocks of all matter.
The observable universe is comprised of two parts: radiation and matter. Physics is the study of these parts and how they interact. It aims to understand the physical world through experimentation and mathematical modelling.
Physics has led to technological advances such as phones, computers, GPS, radiotherapy and human spaceflight. Current research in physics has applications in IT, electronics, renewables, health and engineering.
At RMIT we have strong links to science in the workplace. Our academics work with government organisations and hospitals as well as companies nationally and internationally in the areas of quantum technology, photonics, advanced materials, biophysics and medical physics.
During your degree you will study topics in physics that include electromagnetism, optics, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and materials. You will also study topics in mathematics that include differential equations, vector calculus and linear algebra.
In your final year of study you will get the opportunity to conduct research projects in collaboration with physics academics and researchers.
The stand-out feature I have experienced of RMIT so far has definitely been the professors and their dedication to the students. The physics major at RMIT has been excellent – the new course design has allowed us to cover a multitude of physics and mathematical topics, while keeping them all interconnected and easy to follow.
- Lilian Wade, Bachelor of Science (Physics)
With the Bachelor of Science at RMIT you will enjoy a cross-disciplinary, flexible and personalised degree that allows you to pursue a range of diverse interest areas across science. You will gain practical real-world experience throughout your degree.
Major in Physics with a minor in Mathematics or double major in Physics and Mathematics.
The size of our classes gives you more of each lecturer’s time, allowing them to better support your learning.
In your final year of study you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our researchers.
RMIT’s Bachelor of Science will equip you with the expertise, experience and professional skills to have a successful career as a scientist.
With the practical, research and other essential skills developed and gained through your study in this degree, you can go on to work or undertake further study in a range of areas.
A physics degree is a pathway to a career in several different areas. During your study you will gain transferable skills that are highly valued in professional work. You will develop capabilities in problem solving, technical writing, mathematical modelling, computer programming and communication.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Physics) at RMIT may do further study and/or work in roles such as:
Our graduates have gone on to work for universities, high tech companies, hospitals and government organisations.
If you are passionate about science, go for it as once you finish it, there are many careers pathways that you can go into. I had a hard time picking between chemistry or physics as majors – I enjoy both of these areas and hope to teach them one day after becoming a teacher.
- Addis Phan, Bachelor of Science (Physics)
This combination of knowledge and skills will prepare you for the complexities of the modern science landscape and equip you to make a meaningful impact in your chosen career.
As a student in the RMIT Bachelor of Science, you will have the opportunity to focus your studies on a single major complemented by a related generalist and advanced minors, or to select a second major and graduate with a double major. Whether you chose a single or double major, your degree will consist of 24 subjects total.
The below guide will help you understand your options.
You will undertake eight subjects focusing on:
The physics single major consists of eight subjects focused on your physics major, complemented with an advanced minor linked to your major, in addition to a generalist minor or science options subjects of your choice.
RMIT Bachelor of Science - single major course structureFour subjects per semester |
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| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Foundations of Science: Physical sciences, Life sciences, Maths, Data and Science communication |
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| Semester 2 | PHYSICS MAJOR |
Generalist minor in mathematics* |
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| Year 2 | Semester 3 | |||
| Semester 4 |
AND
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AND
AND
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| Year 3 | Semester 5 | |||
| Semester 6 | ||||
| Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives. | ||||
Advanced minors are extended studies that follow on from your chosen major. There are two available options for the Physics major:
A Generalist minor is four subjects completed in an alternative area of science to your major. It provides some understanding and specialisation (minor) in another discipline.
Students majoring in Physics MUST complete their generalist minor in mathematics.
RMIT’s Bachelor of Science gives students the option to extend their study of physics beyond a major by completing a minor that covers advanced topics in physics.
- Dr Jackson Smith (Lecturer, Physics)
*You can only complete one generalist minor
**Your advanced minor must be linked to your chosen major
By electing to choose a second major instead of a combination of minors with your major in Physics, you will focus on your studies equally on your two areas of specialisation. The Physics major is only available as a double major with Mathematics.
The Physics/Mathematics double major option consists of eight subjects in each major.
RMIT Bachelor of Science - double major course structureFour subjects per semester |
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|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Foundations of Science (4 subjects): |
| Semester 2 | Physics major (2 subjects) Mathematics major (2 subjects) |
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| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Physics major (2 subjects) Mathematics major (2 subjects) |
| Semester 4 | Physics major (1 subjects) Mathematics major (2 subjects) Elective (1 subject) |
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| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Physics major (2 subjects) Mathematics major (1 subject) Capstone project (1 subject) |
| Semester 6 | Physics major (1 subject) Mathematics (1 subject) Elective (1 subject) Capstone project (1 subject) |
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| Please note: Some majors have constraints on combinations of majors/minors and electives. | ||
The Physics major is only available as a double major with the Mathematics major.
This is just one of the 8 majors that you can choose from. Visit the Bachelor of Science course page to find full course information, explore your study options, and get details on entry requirements, pathways, fees, plan structure and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
