Master of Science specialisation in Physics - Research 240

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Physics is arguably the most fundamental of all sciences. If you understand the principles of physics and the laws of nature you’ll have a sharp insight into the world around you. All of modern science and technology is underpinned by physics. A degree in Physics will give you an understanding of the nature of matter as well as training in experimental methods and the mathematical analysis of physical processes.
If you’d like to better understand the nature of matter, train in experimental methods and learn more about the mathematical analysis of physical processes, then Physics might be the subject for you.
The University of Auckland is ranked first in New Zealand for physics and astronomy, and we’re also ranked 123rd in the world for the natural sciences, which includes physics.*
*science.auckland.ac.nz/excellence

Whether your interest lies in pure physics or a multidisciplinary field, postgraduate study in Physics offers you a wide-range of research options.
From inventing new kinds of lasers, creating innovative technologies to diagnose illness in living tissue, understanding the earth’s changing climate, searching for planets around distant stars, to understanding the connections between particle physics and the Big Bang - our graduates are well-equipped to work in industry and academia.
You will gain an understanding of the nature of the physical world, alongside training in experimental methods, and the mathematical analysis of physical processes.

A Physics degree opens the door to a range of opportunities, and our vibrant research programme illustrates a variety of topics tackled by physicists.
All of modern science and technology is underpinned by physics and postgraduate study is a good foundation for a career in research, business, finance, IT and the engineering sector.
Jobs related to Physics include:
- Geophysicist/field seismologist
- Investment analyst
- Metallurgist
- Meteorologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Nuclear engineer
- Radiation protection practitioner
- Researcher
- Scientific instrument manufacture
- Software engineer

Prerequisite subject: Physics or an equivalent subject approved by the Academic Head or nominee

Complete 240 points comprising:

75 points from Physics Elective Courses, and
45 points from Additional Elective Courses, and
120 points for all Thesis

Physics Elective Courses

Complete exactly 75 points from the following:

PHYSICS 703 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics (15 points)

PHYSICS 715 - Directed Study (15 points)

PHYSICS 741 - Advanced Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics (15 points)

PHYSICS 742 - Advanced Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter (15 points)

PHYSICS 743 - Waves and Potentials (15 points)

PHYSICS 746 - Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory (15 points)

PHYSICS 748 - General Relativity (15 points)

PHYSICS 751 - Special Topic (15 points)

PHYSICS 752 - Photonics (15 points)

PHYSICS 753 - The Dynamic Universe (15 points)

PHYSICS 754 - Condensed Matter Physics (15 points)

PHYSICS 757 - Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (15 points)

PHYSICS 780 - Advanced Imaging Technologies (15 points)

PHYSICS 786 - BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Physics - Level 9 (45 points)

PHYSICS 786A - BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Physics - Level 9 (15 points)

PHYSICS 786B - BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Physics - Level 9 (30 points)

PHYSICS 787 - Dissertation - Level 9 (45 points)

PHYSICS 787A - Dissertation - Level 9 (15 points)

PHYSICS 787B - Dissertation - Level 9 (30 points)

PHYSICS 788 - Project in Physics (15 points)

Additional Elective Courses

Complete exactly 45 points from the following:

ENVPHYS 701 - Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (15 points)

ENVPHYS 702 - Subsurface Characterisation with Geophysical Methods (15 points)

ENVPHYS 703 - Special Topic (15 points)

MATHS 761 - Dynamical Systems (15 points)

MATHS 763 - Advanced Partial Differential Equations (15 points)

MATHS 767 - Inverse Problems and Stochastic Differential Equations (15 points)

MATHS 787 - Special Topic (15 points)

PHYSICS 703 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics (15 points)

PHYSICS 715 - Directed Study (15 points)

PHYSICS 741 - Advanced Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics (15 points)

PHYSICS 742 - Advanced Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter (15 points)

PHYSICS 743 - Waves and Potentials (15 points)

PHYSICS 746 - Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory (15 points)

PHYSICS 748 - General Relativity (15 points)

PHYSICS 751 - Special Topic (15 points)

PHYSICS 752 - Photonics (15 points)

PHYSICS 753 - The Dynamic Universe (15 points)

PHYSICS 754 - Condensed Matter Physics (15 points)

PHYSICS 757 - Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (15 points)

PHYSICS 780 - Advanced Imaging Technologies (15 points)

PHYSICS 786 - BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Physics - Level 9 (45 points)

PHYSICS 786A - BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Physics - Level 9 (15 points)

PHYSICS 786B - BAdvSci(Hons) Dissertation in Physics - Level 9 (30 points)

PHYSICS 787 - Dissertation - Level 9 (45 points)

PHYSICS 787A - Dissertation - Level 9 (15 points)

PHYSICS 787B - Dissertation - Level 9 (30 points)

PHYSICS 788 - Project in Physics (15 points)

Up to 30 points may be substituted from approved 700 level courses in related subjects as approved by the Head of Department.

Thesis

Complete 120 points for ALL of the following:

PHYSICS 796A - MSc Thesis in Physics - Level 9 (60 points)

PHYSICS 796B - MSc Thesis in Physics - Level 9 (60 points)