In second year, topics such as astronomy, quantum physics, electromagnetism, energy and the environment, optics, and instrumentation are covered. There is also an experimental physics course for all students. Some courses have a computer based laboratory component where realistic problems are investigated using computer based techniques. Third year In third year there is more in-depth coverage of quantum mechanics, relativity, thermal physics, photonics, astrophysics, plasma physics, modern optics, nuclear physics, and acoustics. There is also a large experimental physics component.
Students can undertake a special project with a research group in the school of physics.
The project can be either experimental or theoretical. There are also computer lab-based topics available. Honours Students are attached to one of the research groups in the School of Physics for their Honours year where they work on a significant research problem. Computing and Physics Computers are widely used in the School of Physics for illustrating lectures, problem solving, and in the laboratory classes for controlling experiments and analysing data. Apart from a dedication to excellence in teaching, the School of Physics has an active research program in areas such as astronomy, astrophysics, applied physics, high energy physics, theoretical physics, physical optics, plasma physics, and physics education.