Bachelor of Science with a Major in Applied Physics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Applied Physics at Macquarie University is designed for students who are curious about how the physical world works and want to apply that knowledge to real technologies and real industries. This program is ideal if you enjoy mathematics and problem-solving, and want to study areas like electronics, photonics, materials and modern physics while building strong analytical and technical skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you build strong foundations in both physics and mathematics. You’ll study core units such as PHYS1210 Physics 1A and PHYS1220 Physics 1B, where you explore mechanics, electromagnetism, waves and modern physics concepts, alongside MATH1007 Linear Algebra or MATH1010 Calculus and Modelling. This year focuses on developing problem-solving skills, experimental techniques and a solid mathematical base that supports advanced physics study.

Year 2
In second year, you move into more specialised and applied areas of physics. Units such as PHYS2010 Electromagnetism, PHYS2020 Quantum Physics, and PHYS2030 Thermal Physics deepen your understanding of core physical principles and how they underpin technology and materials. Laboratory work becomes more advanced, strengthening your experimental design, data analysis and technical communication skills.

Year 3
Your final year is where applied physics truly comes to life. You’ll engage with higher-level units such as PHYS3010 Advanced Quantum Physics, PHYS3020 Solid State Physics, and PHYS3990 Experimental Physics, focusing on areas like materials science, semiconductor physics and modern experimental methods. Many students also complete a significant project component, giving you hands-on research or industry-relevant experience that prepares you for employment or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Learning Outcomes

Advanced problem-solving and analytical thinking | Strong mathematical modelling skills | Competence in experimental design and laboratory techniques | Data analysis and scientific communication | Application of physics principles to real-world technologies

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The physics major is aligned with the standards expected for professional physicists and provides a pathway toward membership of the Australian Institute of Physics, supporting progression into research, industry or further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Macquarie University, studying Applied Physics isn’t just about lectures — it’s about doing real science with real tools. You’ll gain practical skills through hands-on laboratory work, engage with industry and research partners through the PACE professional engagement program, and have opportunities to work on supervised research projects that contribute to scientific discovery. The university’s science facilities are designed to give you access to cutting-edge equipment, experimental methods and collaborative environments that mirror what you’d find in professional physics and technology settings:

Here’s how your experiential learning will take shape:

Advanced Laboratories: Access to well-equipped physics and science labs where you’ll carry out experiments, learn experimental design and use real instrumentation to explore mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and more.
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Summer Research Internships: Take part in a structured summer research internship, working under academic supervision on active research topics — building confidence in scientific inquiry and discovery.
PACE (Professional and Community Engagement): Curriculum-integrated placement opportunities where you collaborate with industry or research partners, gaining workplace experience and professional connections relevant to physics and applied science fields.
Macquarie Astronomical Observatory and Photonics Facilities: Use specialised research infrastructure such as telescopes and photonics labs to engage with observational and experimental physics projects.
Collaborative Maker and Innovation Spaces: Make ideas real in spaces like the MAPS Maker Space, which support hands-on prototyping with tools such as 3D printers and electronics equipment — perfect for experimental projects and teamwork.
Interdisciplinary Research Centres: Opportunities to connect with research groups like MQ Photonics and others working in laser science, optics and advanced materials, providing pathways to real research engagement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program go on to careers where analytical thinking, technical expertise and a deep understanding of physical systems are in demand. You could find yourself in roles like physics researcher, data analyst, instrumentation specialist, or technology consultant, using the solid scientific foundation you’ve built to contribute in industry, government or research sectors. Building on this, here’s how Macquarie supports your transition into the future:

University career services: Through Macquarie’s Employability Connect and career support resources, you’ll access job portals, workshops, networking events, resume and interview support during your degree and for up to 12 months after graduation. You can also tap into the Macquarie Student Employment (MQSE) service, which connects students with paid jobs, internships and campus opportunities.
Work-Integrated Learning & industry involvement: The PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) program is built into your course, enabling you to gain real-world work experience through internships, industry projects or fieldwork with over 3,000 partner organisations — a major advantage when entering competitive job markets.
Employment outcomes & salary potential: Official graduate outcomes surveys show strong employment performance, with a high proportion of undergraduates securing work within months of graduation — backed by national surveys showing employer satisfaction and good early-career results. Graduates could expect between AUD 65,000 and 80,000 per year.
Graduate job roles: Typical careers for physics and applied science graduates include roles in scientific research, technology development, engineering support, quantitative analysis, and specialised technical roles across sectors where problem-solving skills are critical.
Professional currency: A physics major also lays the groundwork for long-term professional recognition and supports progression toward further academic or research credentials, which can enhance your career prospects and earning potential.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing your Bachelor of Science with a Major in Applied Physics, you could continue with postgraduate study to deepen your expertise and open additional career paths. Popular options include Honours in Physics or Applied Physics, Master’s degrees in specialised areas such as quantum technology, photonics, materials science, or data science, or even research-focused degrees like a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These pathways position you for advanced research roles, academic careers or highly specialised technical positions in industry.