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Subject Overview

Applied Physics is designed for students with a strong interest in the application of physical theories to solve problems and a desire to undertake research.

Photonics - Photonics is the science and technology of light. It is one of the key enabling technologies of the 21st century with applications across sensing, communications, manufacturing and health. A recent study by the Australia and New Zealand Optical Society estimated the total value of Photonics to the NZ economy to be 1.2 billion NZD. A combination of courses from Physics and Electrical Engineering will enable students to work in this exciting new area.

Photonics is the technology behind the generation and control of light. A comparatively new field of research, photonics is set to become a key technology for the 21st Century. Through the use of lasers, optics, and electro-optical devices it aims to allow new measurements and applications across many diverse fields of technology.

Applications of photonics can be found in computer and cellphone displays, advanced manufacturing, LED-based lighting systems, new photovoltaic clean-energy generators and laser micro-fabrication. There are also ever-increasing applications of laser technology in medicine. One of the largest and most important applications of photonics is in optical communications. The phenomenal development of the World Wide Web is only possible because of the enormous bandwidths now available for data transmission through optical fibres.

Photonics at Auckland is supported by a large photonics research initiative within the Department of Physics, and by the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies.
Space Systems - New Zealand is now a space-faring nation, with a burgeoning space economy valued by a recent report at 1.7 billion NZD. Space systems includes remote sensing, imaging, orbital dynamics, material science, mechanics, programming and fluid mechanics. This degree combines courses from Physics and Mechanical Engineering and will prepare students to work in a fast-evolving marketplace.

The program has a strong applied focus with a 45 point fourth year research project typically to be carried out in collaboration with a local industry or medical partner. The many strong relationships Physics department researchers have already established with NZ high-tech companies will allow students to choose from a wide range of potential industry projects.

The Applied Physics specialisation is taught at the City Campus.

Potential Careers

In New Zealand and around the world there is growing demand for staff with an understanding of optics as well as electronics. At the University of Auckland, Photonics courses have been designed with particular input from the local industries most likely to recruit graduates. Our graduates now work in the photonics industry in New Zealand for companies including Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Vodafone, Tait Electronics, Cubic Defence, Downer, Coherent Solutions, Southern Photonics. Many students have also found employment at major photonics companies worldwide.

Many avenues open up to graduates with training in Applied Physics.
Activities related to Physics jobs
- Working with electronic and computer applications
- Space science
- Materials development
- Patent consulting
- Production process and control
- Research in Crown Research Institutes
- Medical Physicist
- Photonics research and development

Schedule

Plan Schedules

Complete 330 points comprising:

  • 45 points for all Stage I Compulsory Courses, and
  • 75 points for all Stage II Mathematics and Physics Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points for all Stage II Electrical and Electronic Engineering Compulsory Course, and
  • 15 points from Stage II Elective Courses, and
  • 45 points for all Stage III Physics Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points for all Stage III Electrical and Electronic Engineering Compulsory Course, and
  • 30 points for all Level 700 Physics Compulsory Courses, and
  • 30 points for all Level 700 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Compulsory Courses, and
  • 15 points from Level 700 Elective Courses, and
  • Either:
  • 45 points for all Dissertation - 1 Semester, or
  • 45 points for all Dissertation - 2 Semesters

Stage I Compulsory Courses

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Stage II Mathematics and Physics Compulsory Courses

Complete 75 points for ALL of the following:

Stage II Electrical and Electronic Engineering Compulsory Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Stage II Elective Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

Stage III Physics Compulsory Courses

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Stage III Electrical and Electronic Engineering Compulsory Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Level 700 Physics Compulsory Courses

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Level 700 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Compulsory Courses

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Level 700 Elective Courses

Complete exactly 15 points from the following:

  • ELECTENG 7**
  • PHYSICS 7**

Up to 15 points may be substituted from any relevant 700 level course with Head of Department approval.

Dissertation - 1 Semester

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

Dissertation - 2 Semesters

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following:

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