How to get into Physics in uni?

Taaaa76

I am a year 11 student and I am considering going to Monash university to study physics, and I just wanted to make 100% sure of the subject prerequisites.
It says on the website that: Units 3 & 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Mathematical Methods (Any), Specialist Mathematics, Physics or Psychology

It doesn't really make sense that a subject like biology or psychology could even get me into a a physics major. So I thought that this may just apply to a bachelor of science in general? So I just want to make sure, are there are specific subjects out of these that I have to do in order to major in physics through bachelor of science at Monash?

Another thing, I do the following subjects: Physics 1/2, chemistry 1/2, English 1/2, Biology 3/4, Mathematical Methods 1/2, General Maths 3/4.
Is not doing specialist maths going to affect me getting in or affect me during university?

Billzene

Monash chem major here, but I know people in physics. You're correct in saying that the prereqs listed are for the sci degree in general.

Physics has a mildly bad reputation around here due to poor lab course organisation. I'd suggest that you do spesh in VCE if you wish to pursue physics in uni because you'll have to take supporting maths units in physics anyways (1st year calculus, 2nd year multivariable calculus and 2nd year differential equations). If you didn't do spesh, you'll have to take a catch-up unit called MTH1020 (I did it last sem and it was a great unit, although I think it's a good idea for prospective physics majors to get as much maths training as possible in high school). Not doing spesh won't affect you getting into BSc though since your other units have already satisfied the prereqs

Taaaa76

Billzene
Thanks for the advice.
I am going to have reconsider going down that route since maths isn't my forte and I don't think I would be able to take specialist maths next year.

Are there any other universities that you know of that are better for studying physics?

Billzene

Taaaa76 I'm not sure about the physics major from other unis. Ashmi on this forum does a physics major at unimelb and they seem to be having a good time

Ashmi

Taaaa76

I'm a bit late to the party here, but there are definitely better unis for physics but it depends on what you want to do after your physics degree:

Continue into research/academia
Go into industry

If you want to go into physics research, there are a lot of research areas to consider. Next to each one I've but a uni name that has a good reputation for that research area:

Experimental Particle Physics: Unimelb as it is home base of the dark matter particle physics centre
Theoretical Particle Physics: Unimelb (same reasoning as above and strong academic lead), USyd (Great for theoretical)
Astrophysics: ANU (Overall winner), Swinburne (has a strong astro department and in victoria) or USyd (Great for theory).
Optics: Unimelb, ANU are the big ones.
Quantum Computing: Unimelb (It is the hub of QC)
Biophysics: Not many places do this, but I know Unimelb does (don't know if it's good though). I have not heard much from other unis.
Condensed Matter: UNSW heard is good. Most unis will have a solid CM group.
Anything nuclear related: ANU
More engineering based physics: Monash

If you are looking for an overall physics degree, I would recommend ANU if you are willing to move to Canberra.
I also should mention if you can do spesh please do. I didn't and it was a chore having to learn it in uni when I could have done the advanced subjects. Learn it in high school while you have a year to study it, not 12 weeks at uni.

Taaaa76

ATAR Notes
Okay, thanks for your help!

Taaaa76

Ashmi
Thanks for the suggestions!
I will look into these universities and see which is the best option for me.

Taaaa76

Hello, I am once again asking about physics in university.
I want to know more about the trajectory of a bachelor of physics. Like if I decide to become a researcher, what are the steps? how competitive is it? and does it pay well?
Or if I go into industry, where can I work with my physics degree? and how competitive is that?

I have a general idea, but any new information would be greatly appreciated 🙂