Mathematical Physics

Inspired by physics with mathematical methods and rigour, this major will integrate knowledge principally from physics and mathematics to equip you with the necessary tools to think critically about the world and how it works.

You will gain a deep understanding of the physical world and develop skills in analysis, problem solving and critical thinking that will enable you to adapt to a wide range of tasks in research, teaching and management.

This major is offered jointly by the School of Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Physics.

Hear from a past student about Mathematical Physics:

Subject choices

Note: The information below is for students studying full-time and commencing in the start-of-year intake. Subject sequences may differ for students studying part-time or commencing mid-year. This page only lists the mathematics and statistics and physics subjects required for the Mathematical Physics major but students must also take additional science and breadth subjects to satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Students are encouraged to seek individual course advice if needed.

Level-1 subjects (first year)

Students take one of the standard first-year mathematics pathways.

Students also complete first-year physics:
One of

  • PHYC10001 Physics 1: Advanced (semester 1)
  • PHYC10003 Physics 1 (semester 1)
  • PHYC10009 Foundations of Physics (semester 1) (a grade of at least 75 is required in PHYC10009)

and one of

  • PHYC10002 Physics 2: Advanced (semester 2)
  • PHYC10004 Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology (semester 2)
  • PHYC10006 Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment (semester 2)

See here for advice about which physics subjects to choose.

Level-2 subjects (second year)

Students take the following level-2 subjects in their second year:

Semester 1 MAST20009 Vector Calculus
or
MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced 		MAST20026 Real Analysis
or
MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced
Note: Students who completed MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 do not take MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced.		 PHYC20012 Quantum and Thermal Physics
Semester 2 MAST20022 Group Theory and Linear Algebra
or
MAST20030 Differential Equations 		PHYC20015 Special Relativity and Electromagnetism  

Level-3 subjects (third year)

Students must complete the following subjects to satisfy the requirements for the Mathematical Physics major.
Both of

  • MAST30021 Complex Analysis (semester 1 or 2)
  • PHYC30018 Quantum Physics (semester 1)

plus one of

  • MAST30026 Metric and Hilbert Spaces (semester 2)

    Note: Students wishing to take MAST30026 Metric and Hilbert Spaces must choose MAST20022 Group Theory and Linear Algebra in their second-year.

  • MAST30031 Methods of Mathematical Physics (semester 2)

    Note: Students wishing to take MAST30031 Methods of Mathematical Physics must choose MAST20030 Differential Equations in their second-year.

plus one of

  • PHYC30016 Electrodynamics (semester 1)
  • PHYC30017 Statistical Physics (semester 2)