Why Bachelor of Science?
Do you have an analytical mind? A knack for maths? A passion for pushing the boundaries of what is known? Are you a persistent troubleshooter who loves complex problems? This degree could be your perfect match.
Drive technological progress. Make a big impact. Unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Computational physics stands at the frontier of knowledge, blending physics, mathematics, and computer science to meet some of humanity's greatest challenges. Through modelling and simulations, it tackles global issues like climate change, space exploration, renewable energy and disease prevention.
Prepare to push yourself, think big, and unlock careers in astrophysics, defence, sustainability, and beyond. Your calculations could help shape the future of technology and innovation.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Computational Physics is for big thinkers and math whizzes. It is highly physics-focused, laying a strong foundation for you to advance in computational fields. Study core physics principles like electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and thermal physics. Use numerical methods and advanced mathematics to understand and solve complex problems. Build practical skills for programming and data analysis using languages like Python and MATLAB.
In more advanced courses, you’ll dive into sophisticated high-performance computing techniques. Create simulations to model physical systems – like weather patterns, how galaxies form, or how atoms interact. Get familiar with advanced software and algorithms. Communicate complex results through visual tools like graphs, images, and animations.
Learn to solve cutting-edge problems in theoretical, computational and mathematical physics. Our degree opens doors to dynamic careers in areas like engineering, manufacturing and meteorology.
Key features
Fast-track your future in science and research
Choose the 4-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) to build advanced research skills, or fast-track into a Master of Research with just 1–1.25 years of extra study.
Gain a firm grasp of fundamental physics.- Tackle complex theoretical, computational and mathematical problems.
- Master programming languages such as Python, MATLAB and C.
- Build practical experience in our high-performance computing laboratory.
- Learn from world-class researchers.
- Combine a Science major with a complementary field of study.
What you'll learn
The best path to success in this field is building a truly solid foundation. This degree has a strong physics underpinning and is taught with the mathematical rigour necessary to succeed in computational physics.
You’ll explore fundamental physics, from mechanics and electromagnetism to thermal and statistical physics. Learn how particles and celestial bodies interact, and how to predict their movements with precision. In quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, you’ll unravel the behaviours and properties of atoms and electrons, laying the groundwork for innovations in technology and materials science.
You’ll study essential mathematics, such as differential equations and multivariable calculus. In introductory computer programming, you'll get immediate feedback so you can improve quickly. Through numerical analysis, you'll explore computational techniques to solve mathematical models.
In your third year, you’ll advance to sophisticated high performance computing techniques. Study advanced programming tactics and problem-solving methodologies. Practise software engineering solo and in teams. Create algorithms to simulate natural phenomena. Together with linear algebra, you'll study numerical methods and their implementation.
Your courses will cover:
- Quantum mechanics
- Multivariable calculus
- Electromagnetism
- Thermodynamics
- Solid state and photonics
- Dynamics and relativity
- Computer programming
- Object orientated programming.
Our wide range of electives give you the freedom to explore a little bit of everything. You could study another area of science or venture into non-science areas such as arts, languages, business, mathematics – or something else entirely.
In your final year, you’ll develop your professional practice skills through a work-integrated learning experience, including flexible options such as research projects or an industry placement in your chosen area of interest.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computational Physics
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental and Geospatial Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Experimental Physics
- Food Science and Technology
- Genetics
- Geology
- Geology and Earth Resources
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Geophysics
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Physics and Geophysics
- Plant Biology
- Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Space Science and Astrophysics
- Theoretical Physics.
Degree Structure: Bachelor of Science majoring in Computational Physics
Program code: BSCIE
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core Courses, and
- Either:
- 78 to 102 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 54 units for Discipline courses, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core Courses, and
- Either:
- 78 to 102 units for one Major from Majors, or
- 54 units for Discipline courses, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program Core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
Common core description
Common core courses are interdisciplinary courses that build key graduate capabilities.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Transforming Learning through First Nations Knowledges
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Building Belonging: Navigating Cultural Complexities
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Essential Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Program Core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
Complete exactly 60 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Numerical Methods
|
Course code
MATHX204
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Multivariable Calculus
|
Course code
MATHX203
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Quantum Mechanics and Experimental Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Electromagnetism 2
|
Course code
PHYS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Electromagnetism, Quantum and Statistical Mechanics
|
Course code
PHYS3002
|
Units
12
|
Notes
- The courses PHYS1001 Physics 1A, PHYS1002 Physics 1B, MATH1004 Calculus 1, MATH1005 Calculus 2 and MATHX104 Linear Algebra all require students to have passed certain SACE Stage 2 subjects, or equivalent subjects, to be eligible to enrol.
- Please see the course information webpages for prerequisite and/or assumed knowledge details.
- Foundational pathways are available to students without this background, which may increase the duration of the program beyond 3 years. Please contact the Science Program Director to discuss specific enrolment advice based on your previous study.
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 0 to 48 units for either of the following:
- 0 to 48 units from Free Electives, or
- 0 to 48 units from Electives - unspecified plan
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Production
|
Course code
AGRI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Sustainability and Soil Carbon 2
|
Course code
AGRI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Crop and Pasture Production
|
Course code
AGRI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology
|
Course code
AGRI2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Management and Conservation 3
|
Course code
AGRI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contaminants in the Agro-ecosystem
|
Course code
AGRI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Plant Nutrition
|
Course code
AGRI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3
|
Course code
AGRI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1C: Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science
|
Course code
BIOL1031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Biotechnology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbial Ecology
|
Course code
BIOLX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Sequencing Technologies
|
Course code
BIOLX401
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Overview
|
Course code
BIOLX402
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEMX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 2
|
Course code
EART2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sedimentary Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geochemistry 2
|
Course code
EART2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 2
|
Course code
EART2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Palaeontology and Palaeoenvironments 3
|
Course code
EART3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 3
|
Course code
EART3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Space Missions
|
Course code
EART4005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth Observation for the Environmental Sciences
|
Course code
ECOL3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Surveying and Spatial Sciences
|
Course code
ENGI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Remote Sensing
|
Course code
ENGI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Spatial Data Acquisition and Analysis
|
Course code
ENGI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Processing and Safety
|
Course code
ENGPX415
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Impact Assessment 3
|
Course code
ENVI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
|
Course code
ENVI3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Technologies 3
|
Course code
ENVI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Food and Science Technology
|
Course code
FOOD1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Future Foods
|
Course code
FOOD3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOOD3015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sensory Evaluations of Food
|
Course code
FOODX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Production in a Future Climate
|
Course code
FOODX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOODX500
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Quality and Regulation
|
Course code
FOODX501
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geometry
|
Course code
MATH1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematics in Action
|
Course code
MATH1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Complex Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX100
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Modelling
|
Course code
MATHX103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Taming and Prediction
|
Course code
MATHX105
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Evaluation in Data Science
|
Course code
MATHX106
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX201
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Real Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX206
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Astronomy 1
|
Course code
PHYS1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Behaviour and Conservation 3
|
Course code
SCIE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Web Cartography
|
Course code
SCIE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science International Study Tour
|
Course code
SCIE3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science
|
Course code
SCIEX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Probability and Statistics
|
Course code
STATX100
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Electives - unspecified plan - The electives listed above are for students in the unspecified plan of the Bachelor of Science. Students in a defined plan should refer to the electives listed within their major.
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Solid State Physics and Photonics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Classical Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2004
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Dynamics and Relativity
|
Course code
PHYS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Solid State Physics 3
|
Course code
PHYS3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
|
Course code
PHYS3007
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Computational Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX300
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 24 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Solid State Physics and Photonics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Classical Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Space Science and Astrophysics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Optics and Photonics 3
|
Course code
PHYS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Dynamics and Relativity
|
Course code
PHYS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
|
Course code
PHYS3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Atmospheric and Astrophysics 3
|
Course code
PHYS3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Experimental Physics
|
Course code
PHYSX301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Physics 3
|
Course code
PHYSX302
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Careers in physics are competitive, but the computational skills you gain through this degree will make you incredibly versatile. You might work with astrophysicists in the Australian Space Agency, simulating galaxy formations or cosmological evolution. You could predict the impacts of climate change with CSIRO, NASA, or the United Nations. Perhaps you’ll work at Google, developing complex algorithms for maps or materials.
You could use your expertise to advance in:
- Game design
- Finance
- Galactic physics
- Renewables
- Conservation
- Satellite tech
- Robotics
- Virtual reality
- Engineering
- Defence
- Genomics
- Material sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Nuclear power
- Disease control
- Meteorology
- Manufacturing
- Medicine
- Space industries.
You could also become a:
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- Quantum algorithm developer
- Climate modeler
- High performance computing specialist.
Industry trends
Computational physics is rapidly evolving, embracing machine learning and data-driven models for more precise simulations. More and more, we will use high-performance and quantum computing to solve complex problems. New tools are being developed every day to improve innovation and collaboration in the field, including better open-source tools and more specialised, industry-specific software. As computing continues to advance, careers in computational physics will only increase in popularity. If you’re up to the challenge and prepared to evolve with the industry, you’ll find a world of opportunities awaits.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics.
Graduates are eligible for membership of the AIP.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Dr Lorena Del Castillo
Program Director
College of Science
School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
