Mathematics and Statistics with Physics and the Physical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics are a core part of any major studies in the physical sciences. Indeed a Physics or Meteorology major requires first and second year mathematics subjects. Students who are particularly interested in Mathematics and Statistics and the physical sciences may choose to
- do mathematics and statistics subjects that complement their physical sciences major or
- choose to major in an area of the physical sciences in the Bachelor Science and also major in Mathematics and Statistics by enrolling in a Diploma of Mathematical Sciences. or
- major in Mathematical Physics.
Here we give course plans for a major in Mathematical Physics. In addition, we give some advice for a major in the Physical Sciences.
Major in Physics or Other Physical Sciences
Students majoring in Physics who are particularly interested in Mathematics and Statistics would usually choose two of the subjects listed in third year under the major in Mathematical Physics (see below). Students should check the prerequisites for their proposed subjects.
Major in Mathematical Physics
While the requirement for this major is that students do two Mathematics and Statistics subjects and two Physics subjects in third year, many students choose to do three of each. Students should check the prerequisites for their proposed subjects. There are three streams depending on VCE subjects.
Calculus 1 Stream For students with no (or ≤ 26 in ) VCE Specialist Mathematics or equivalent |
Calculus 2 Stream For students with 27 to 38 in VCE Specialist Mathematics or equivalent |
Accelerated Mathematics Stream For students with ≥39 in VCE Specialist Mathematics or equivalent |
Calculus 1 Stream (For students with no (or ≤ 26 in ) VCE Specialist Mathematics)
Note that students in this stream usually do five science subjects at third year level instead of six.
Semester |
Mathematics |
Physics |
|
1 |
620-154 Calculus 1 |
Physics 1 |
|
2 |
620-155 Calculus 2 |
Physics 2 |
|
Summer |
620-156 Linear Algebra |
|
|
3 |
Real Analysis with Applications |
Quantum Physics & Special Relativity |
|
4 |
Vector Calculus |
Group Theory with Linear Algebra |
Electromagnetism & Optics |
5 |
Complex Analysis |
Quantum Physics |
|
6 |
Metric & Hilbert Spaces |
Statistical Physics |
|
Calculus 2 Stream (For students with 27 to 37 in VCE Specialist Mathematics)
Note that students in this stream usually do five science subjects at third year level instead of six.
Semester |
Mathematics |
Physics |
|
1 |
620-155 Calculus 2 |
Physics 1 |
|
2 |
620-156 Linear Algebra |
Physics 2 |
|
3 |
Real Analysis with Applications |
Quantum Physics & Special Relativity |
|
4 |
Vector Calculus |
Group Theory with Linear Algebra |
Electromagnetism & Optics |
5 |
Complex Analysis |
Optional Subject:
Algebra |
Quantum Physics |
6 |
Metric & Hilbert Spaces |
Statistical Physics |
|
Accelerated Mathematics Stream (For students with ≥ 38in VCE Specialist Mathematics)
Note that students in this stream usually do five science subjects at third year level instead of six.
Semester |
Mathematics |
Physics |
|
1 |
Accelerated Mathematics 1 (or 620-157 Mathematics 1 in 2008) |
Physics 1 |
|
2 |
Accelerated Mathematics 2 (or 620-158 Mathematics 2 in 2008) |
Physics 2 |
|
3 |
Multivariable and Vector Calculus |
Quantum Physics & Special Relativity |
|
4 |
Group Theory with Linear Algebra |
Electromagnetism & Optics |
|
5 |
Complex Analysis |
Optional Subject:
Algebra |
Quantum Physics |
6 |
Metric & Hilbert Spaces |
Statistical Physics |
|