26. Physics coursework degrees
This chapter sets out the requirements for postgraduate degrees offered in the Faculty of Science in the area of Physics. Degrees offered in the area of Physics are listed in the following order:
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear Science
- Photonics and Optical Science
Medical Physics degrees
Master of Medical Physics (MMedPhys)
Degree Code: LC046
Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics (GradDipMedPhys)
Degree Code: LF034
This section sets out the requirements for coursework postgraduate degrees offered in the Faculty of Science in the area of Medical Physics. A comprehensive guide to the requirements and units of study of the coursework degrees is listed.
The information in this section is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree Resolutions, collected variously at the end of this chapter, following the unit of study descriptions, or in the University of Sydney Calendar. The Calendar is available for sale at the Student Centre, for viewing at the faculty office or the Library, or online at
www.usyd.edu.au/publications/calendar.
Course overview
The Master of Medical Physics (MMedPhys) and the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics (GradDipMedPhys) are the entry level qualifications for trainee medical physicists. Physical scientists apply their knowledge and training in many different areas of medicine including the treatment of cancer, medical imaging, physiological monitoring and medical electronics.
Course outcomes
The MMedPhys and GradDipMedPhys provide the entry level qualification for trainee medical physicists working in a hospital medical physics department. Both courses are accredited by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM). Graduates of these courses will qualify to apply for trainee medical physicist positions in hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Medical physicists employed in hospitals often undertake research studies part-time for the higher Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research degree.
Medical Physics postgraduate coursework degree table
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
All Degrees: Core Units |
|||
| PHYS5002 Anatomy and Physiology |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5029 Nuclear Medicine Physics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5011 Nuclear Physics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5012 Radiation Physics and Dosimetry |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5005 Radiotherapy Physics |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PHYS5006 Medical Imaging Physics |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PHYS5018 Health Physics and Radiation Protection |
6 | N PHYS5008 |
Semester 2 |
| PHYS5020 Computation and Image Processing |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Masters: Additional Core Unit |
|||
| PHYS5019 Research Methodology and Project |
24 | P Successful completion of the eight coursework units of the postgraduate coursework Masters degree for which the student is enrolled, equivalent to completion of the requirements for award of the Graduate Diploma. N Both PHYS(5009 and 5010) Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Medical Physics unit of study descriptions 2010
PHYS5002 Anatomy and Physiology
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
In this unit normally undertaken as part of the Masters of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics, the concepts of the structure of the human cell and tissues are introduced. The organisation and function of each of the major organ systems that constitute the human body are covered. Examples of pathology of diseases commonly encountered in the practice of medical physics will be included. Basic concepts in physiological modeling are introduced.
PHYS5029 Nuclear Medicine Physics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: one 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week Assessment: assignments, written exam
This unit of study will introduce the student to the physics associated with diagnostic and therapeutic applications in Nuclear Medicine. This will cover the use of radionuclides for imaging in single photon (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET), radiation and the patient, tomographic image reconstruction and kinetic analysis of imaging data. Internal radionuclide dosimtery will be addressed using standard (MIRD) models as well as by voxel-based estimators.
PHYS5005 Radiotherapy Physics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
In this unit normally undertaken as part of the Masters of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics, both theoretical and practical aspects of the major topics in radiotherapy physics are covered. These topics include radiation beam production and modification, calibration and characterisation, principles of treatment planning, dose calculation and reporting, and the physics of brachytherapy.
PHYS5006 Medical Imaging Physics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
In this unit normally undertaken as part of the Masters of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics, the physical principles underlying the science of imaging in diagnostic radiology, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and functional imaging modalities are covered.
PHYS5011 Nuclear Physics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 3 hour lecturel per week Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science or the Master of Medical Physics or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics. Nuclear properties, nuclear models, nuclear decays (gamma, beta, alpha and heavy ion decay), natural radioactivity and radioactive decay series, artificial radioactivity, nuclear reactions (including high energy nuclear particle induced spallation reactions), nuclear fission (spontaneous and induced fission) and nuclear fusion are covered.
PHYS5012 Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics or the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. Sources of radiation, interaction of radiation with matter, physical, chemical and biological effects of radiation in human tissue, physical principles of dosimetry, internal and external dosimetry, radiation units and measurement are covered.
PHYS5018 Health Physics and Radiation Protection
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Prohibitions: PHYS5008 Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Medical Physics degree or in the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics or the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. Physical and biological aspects of the safe use of ionising radiation, physical principles and underlying shielding design instrumentation, international and legislative requirements for radiation protection are covered. Factors affecting dose response of tissue are considered along with models describing characteristic behaviour.
PHYS5019 Research Methodology and Project
Credit points: 24 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Successful completion of the eight coursework units of the postgraduate coursework Masters degree for which the student is enrolled, equivalent to completion of the requirements for award of the Graduate Diploma. Prohibitions: Both PHYS(5009 and 5010) Assessment: Report, research seminar
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
In this unit a research project is undertaken. The topic of the project will be determined in consultation with the course coordinator. In addition, the processes involved in conducting various forms of research, basic data analysis and interpretation, research writing and presentation skills are covered.
PHYS5020 Computation and Image Processing
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week Assessment: Assignments, written exam
In this unit normally undertaken as part of the Masters of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics, Monte Carol modelling of radiation transport is covered, along with the theory of image formation, concepts of computing, numerical methods and image processing, including techniques such as enhancement, registration, fusion and 3D reconstruction.
Resolutions
Resolutions
Master of Medical Physics
Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics
1.1
The Faculty may, on the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, admit to candidature for:
1.1.2
an applicant who is the holder of a bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering from the University of Sydney provided the applicant has achieved a major in physics, or equivalent;
1.1.3
a graduate of another university or appropriate institution who has equivalent qualifications to those specified in subsection 1.1.2.
2.1
The units of study for the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics and the Master of Medical Physics are listed in the table of units of study associated with these resolutions.
3.1
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics are required to complete 48 credit points consisting of the core units of study in the table of units of study for Medical Physics Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook, excluding the project PHYS5019.
3.2
Candidates for the Master of Medical Physics are required to complete 72 credit points consisting of the 48 credit points of core units of study in the table of units of study for Medical Physics Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook, including the 24 credit point project PHYS5019.
3.3
A candidate must complete successfully 48 credit points of units of study before enrolling in PHYS5019.
4.1
The units of study for the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics, and the Master of Medical Physics are listed in the tables included earlier in this chapter. The first half of the table relates to students who first enrolled in the program prior to 2008. The second half of the table relates to students who enrol in the program from 2008 onwards.
4.2
A unit of study shall consist of such lectures, seminars, tutorial instruction, essays, exercises, practical work, or project work as may be prescribed. In these resolutions, 'to complete a unit of study' or any derivative expression means:
4.3
The Master of Medical Physics shall be awarded in two grades, namely Pass and, in the case of an outstanding candidate, Pass with Merit.
6.1
Cross-institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics and the Master of Medical Physics courses, except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.
7.2.1
availability of resources including space, library, equipment, laboratory and computing facilities; and
7.3
In considering an application for admission to candidature the Head of Department and the Faculty shall take account of the quota and will select in preference applicants who are most meritorious in terms of section 1 above.
8.1
A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course. Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for admission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.
10.1
A student who plans to reenrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.
11.1
Candidates for the Master of Medical Physics and the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics shall be governed by the rules as follows:
11.1.1
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Medical Physics will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics;
11.1.2
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 18cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Medical Physics and/or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
11.1.3
A student who has failed a unit at the second attempt in the Master of Medical Physics and/or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics will be deemed to have failed to complete course requirements and will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol. If good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
12.1.1
A full-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Graduate Diploma not earlier than the end of the second semester of candidature, and not later than the fourth semester of candidature.
12.1.2
A part-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Graduate Diploma not earlier than the end of the fourth semester of candidature, and not later than the sixth semester of candidature.
12.2.1
A full-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Masters degree not earlier than the end of the third semester of candidature, and not later than the fourth semester of candidature.
12.2.2
A part-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Masters degree not earlier than the end of the fourth semester of candidature, and not later than the sixth semester of candidature.
13.1
On completion of the requirements for the course, the Faculty shall determine the results of the candidature, on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Physics.
Nuclear Science degrees
Master of Applied Nuclear Science
Degree Code: LC051
Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science
Degree Code: LF039
This section sets out the requirements for coursework postgraduate degrees offered in the Faculty of Science in the area of Applied Nuclear Science. A comprehensive guide to the requirements and units of study of the coursework degrees is listed.
The information in this section is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree Resolutions, collected variously in at the end of this chapter, following the unit of study descriptions, or in the University of Sydney Calendar. The Calendar is available for sale at the Student Centre, for viewing at the faculty office or the Library, or on the Web at:
www.usyd.edu.au/publications/calendar.
Course overview
The Master of Applied Nuclear Science (MApplNucSci) and the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science (GradDipApplNucSci) are designed to meet the growing needs both within Australia and globally for individuals with a postgraduate education and training in nuclear science and technology. Both award courses build upon a Physics major and provide a level and type of specialisation that is not available at the undergraduate level.
Candidates will normally commence their study in Semester 1, except with the permission of the Dean.
Course outcomes
Graduates of the MApplNucSci and GradDipApplNucSci degrees will have gained a comprehensive understanding of nuclear science and its applications. Graduates of the Master's program will have gained, in addition, research experience. Both courses will enable students to gain entry into the specialist field of nuclear science or into occupations where knowledge of this field is desirable. It will also provide an opportunity for those already working in the field of nuclear science to gain further experience in this field of science and technology.
Graduates of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science are eligible to apply for admission to a research degree (PhD).
Nuclear Science postgraduate coursework degree table
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
All Degrees: Core Units |
|||
| PHYS5011 Nuclear Physics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5012 Radiation Physics and Dosimetry |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5013 Nuclear Instrumentation |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5014 Applications of Nuclear Physics |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| PHYS5015 Reactor Physics and Systems |
6 | N PHYS5011, PHYS5013 |
Semester 2 |
| PHYS5016 Nuclear Chemistry and Nuclear Fuel Cycle |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PHYS5017 Energy Options and Environment |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| PHYS5018 Health Physics and Radiation Protection |
6 | N PHYS5008 |
Semester 2 |
Masters: Additional Core Unit |
|||
| PHYS5019 Research Methodology and Project |
24 | P Successful completion of the eight coursework units of the postgraduate coursework Masters degree for which the student is enrolled, equivalent to completion of the requirements for award of the Graduate Diploma. N Both PHYS(5009 and 5010) Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Nuclear Science unit of study descriptions 2010
PHYS5011 Nuclear Physics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 3 hour lecturel per week Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science or the Master of Medical Physics or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics. Nuclear properties, nuclear models, nuclear decays (gamma, beta, alpha and heavy ion decay), natural radioactivity and radioactive decay series, artificial radioactivity, nuclear reactions (including high energy nuclear particle induced spallation reactions), nuclear fission (spontaneous and induced fission) and nuclear fusion are covered.
PHYS5012 Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Medical Physics degree or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics or the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. Sources of radiation, interaction of radiation with matter, physical, chemical and biological effects of radiation in human tissue, physical principles of dosimetry, internal and external dosimetry, radiation units and measurement are covered.
PHYS5013 Nuclear Instrumentation
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. It covers principles and operation of nuclear particle detectors, gas-filled detectors (ionisation chambers, Geiger counter, proportional counter), scintillation detectors (organic and inorganic scintillators), solid state detectors (Surface barrier detectors, GeLi detectors, Pin diodes), nuclear track detectors, neutron detectors (BF3, He-3, He-4 detectors, fission counters), nuclear data acquisition methods and data analysis (counting statistics and error prediction).
PHYS5014 Applications of Nuclear Physics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. It presents the diverse range of applications of nuclear physics, such as nuclear medicine (including hadron therapy), environmental science, geochronology and radiocarbon dating, biogeochemistry, Hydrology, and applications of radioisotopes in agriculture and industry. Neutron activation analysis and applications of neutron scattering in material space, accelerator technology in research (e.g., accelerator mass spectrometry, ion beam analysis) and issues related to nuclear safeguards are also covered.
PHYS5015 Reactor Physics and Systems
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Prohibitions: PHYS5011, PHYS5013 Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. It covers the following: physical properties of neutrons, interaction of neutrons with matter, neutron cross-sections, nuclear fission, diffusion of neutrons, neutron moderation, neutron chain reacting systems, thermal and fast reactors, nuclear reactor dynamics, production and transmutation of radionuclides.
PHYS5016 Nuclear Chemistry and Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. It covers nuclear fuel materials, reactor fuel production, properties of fuel element materials, processing of spent fuel, nuclear waste disposal and transmutation methods, liquid waste, gaseous waste and solid waste.
PHYS5017 Energy Options and Environment
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. It covers the following: fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas); renewable energies (solar, wind, wave, biomass, geothermal); nuclear energy (fission, fusion); relative advantages; environmental impact and economical viability.
PHYS5018 Health Physics and Radiation Protection
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour practical per week. Prohibitions: PHYS5008 Assessment: Assignments, written exam
This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Medical Physics degree or in the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics or the Master of Applied Nuclear Science or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science. Physical and biological aspects of the safe use of ionising radiation, physical principles and underlying shielding design instrumentation, international and legislative requirements for radiation protection are covered. Factors affecting dose response of tissue are considered along with models describing characteristic behaviour.
PHYS5019 Research Methodology and Project
Credit points: 24 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Successful completion of the eight coursework units of the postgraduate coursework Masters degree for which the student is enrolled, equivalent to completion of the requirements for award of the Graduate Diploma. Prohibitions: Both PHYS(5009 and 5010) Assessment: Report, research seminar
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
In this unit a research project is undertaken. The topic of the project will be determined in consultation with the course coordinator. In addition, the processes involved in conducting various forms of research, basic data analysis and interpretation, research writing and presentation skills are covered.
Resolutions
Applied Nuclear Science
Master of Applied Nuclear Science
Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science
1.1
The Faculty may, on the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, admit to candidature for:
1.1.2
an applicant who is the holder of a bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering from the University of Sydney provided the applicant has achieved a major in physics, or equivalent;
1.1.3
a graduate of another university or appropriate institution who has equivalent qualifications to those specified in subsection 1.1.2.
2.1
The units of study for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science and the Master of Applied Nuclear Science are listed in the Table of units of study associated with these resolutions.
3.
Requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science and Master of Applied Nuclear Science
3.1
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science are required to complete 48 credit points consisting of the core units of study in the table of units of study for Applied Nuclear Science Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook, excluding the project PHYS5019.
3.2
Candidates for the Master of Applied Nuclear Science are required to complete 72 credit points consisting of the 48 credit points of core units of study in the Table of units of study for Applied Nuclear Science Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook, including the 24 credit point project PHYS5019.
3.3
A candidate must complete successfully 48 credit points of units of study before enrolling in PHYS5019.
4.1
The units of study for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science, and the Master of Applied Nuclear Science are listed in the table of units of study in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook. The units of study may be varied by the Faculty from time to time:
4.2
A candidate for the course shall proceed by completing units of study as prescribed by the Faculty.
4.3
A unit of study shall consist of such lectures, seminars, tutorial instruction, essays, exercises, practical work, or project work as may be prescribed.
4.6
The Master of Applied Nuclear Science shall be awarded in two grades, namely Pass and, in the case of an outstanding candidate, Pass with Merit.
6.1
Cross-institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science and the Master of Applied Nuclear Science courses, except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.
7.1
Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science and Master of Applied Nuclear Science may be limited by a quota.
7.2.1
availability of resources including space, library, equipment, laboratory and computing facilities; and
7.3
In considering an application for admission to candidature the Dean shall take account of the quota and will select, in preference, applicants who are most meritorious in terms of subsection 1 above.
8.1
A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course.
8.2
Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for admission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.
10.1
A student who plans to re-enrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.
11.1
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science and the Master of Applied Nuclear Science shall be governed by the rules as follows:
11.1.1
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Nuclear Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science;
11.1.2
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 18cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Applied Nuclear Science and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
11.1.3
A student who has failed a unit at the second attempt in the Master of Applied Nuclear Science and/or the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science will be deemed to have failed to complete course requirements and will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol. If good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
12.1
A candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum of two semesters and a maximum of 6 semesters, and (in the event of suspension) except with permission of the Dean within five calendar years of admission to candidature.
12.2
A candidate for the Master in Applied Nuclear Science shall complete the requirements for the award in a minimum of 3 semesters and a maximum of 6 semesters, and (in the event of suspension) except with permission of the Dean within five calendar years of admission to candidature.
13.1
A candidate may be tested by written and oral examinations, assignments, exercises and practical work or any combination of these.
13.2
On completion of the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Applied Nuclear Science or the Master in Applied Nuclear Science, the results of the examination of the coursework shall be reported by the School of Physics to the Faculty, which shall determine the result of the candidature.
Photonics and Optical Science degrees
Master of Photonics and Optical Science
Degree Code: LC053
Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science
Degree Code: LF041
The Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science and the Master of Photonics and Optical Science are articulated coursework programs that allow a degree of flexibility in the depth at which studies are undertaken and the choice of subjects studied.
This section sets out the requirements for coursework postgraduate degrees offered in the Faculty of Science in the area of Photonics and Optical Science. A comprehensive guide to the requirements and units of study of the coursework degrees is listed.
The information in this section is in summary form and is subordinate to the provisions of the relevant degree Resolutions, collected variously in at the end of this chapter, following the unit of study descriptions, or in the University of Sydney Calendar. The Calendar is available for sale at the Student Centre, for viewing at the faculty office or the Library, or on the Web at:
www.usyd.edu.au/publications/calendar.
Course overview
The Master of Photonics and Optical Science is taken over three semesters of full-time study with two of those semesters comprised of coursework and one semester of study towards a research project carried out under the supervision of academic staff in the School of Physics. Each semester of coursework comprises four 6 unit courses in the following subject areas:
- Optical Instrumentation and Imaging
- Guided wave optics and communications applications
- Lasers and optical devices
- Optical materials and methods
- Physical and nonlinear optics
- Quantum optics and nanophotonics
- Biophotonics and microscopy
- Optics in industry
Course outcomes
This course provides a professional level of education in optics and photonics with training applicable to employment in in communications, optical and scientific instruments and optical techniques in biology and medical applications. The course is suitable both for those training for senior positions in optical industries or as preparation for a PhD.
Photonics and Optical Science postgraduate coursework degree table
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Diploma and Masters: Core Units |
|||
| PHYS5021 Optical Instrumentation and Imaging |
6 | A Pass science degree majoring in Physics, or pass Engineering degree |
Semester 2 |
| PHYS5022 Optical Materials and Methods |
6 | A Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent, or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent |
Semester 1 |
| PHYS5024 Optical Sources and Detectors |
6 | P Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent, or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent |
Semester 1 |
| PHYS5025 Biophotonics and Microscopy |
6 | A Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent |
Semester 2 |
| PHYS5026 Physical and Nonlinear Optics |
6 | A basic electromagnetism, optical waveguide theory |
Semester 1 |
| PHYS5027 Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics |
6 | A Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent, or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent |
Semester 2 |
| PHYS5028 Optics in Industry |
6 | A Equivalent to a pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering |
Semester 2 |
| ELEC5511 Optical Communication Systems |
6 | A (ELEC3503 Introduction to Digital Communications or ELEC3505 Communications) and (ELEC3402 Communications Electronics or ELEC3405 Communications Electronics and Photonics). |
Semester 1 |
Masters: Additional Core Unit |
|||
| PHYS5019 Research Methodology and Project |
24 | P Successful completion of the eight coursework units of the postgraduate coursework Masters degree for which the student is enrolled, equivalent to completion of the requirements for award of the Graduate Diploma. N Both PHYS(5009 and 5010) Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 1 Semester 2 |
Photonics and Optical Science unit of study descriptions 2010
ELEC5511 Optical Communication Systems
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours laboratory/tutorial per week. Assumed knowledge: (ELEC3503 Introduction to Digital Communications or ELEC3505 Communications) and (ELEC3402 Communications Electronics or ELEC3405 Communications Electronics and Photonics). Assessment: Assignments and labs, final semester exam.
Introduction to optical fibre communications. Optical fibre transmission characteristics; fibre modes, multi-mode fibres, single-mode fibres, dispersion, loss. Semiconductor and fibre laser signal sources; dynamic laser models, switching, chirp, noise, optical transmitters. Optical modulation techniques. Optical amplifiers and repeaters, noise characteristics. Fibre devices, gratings, multiplexers. Optical detectors, shot noise and avalanche noise. Optical receiver and regenerator structures; sensitivity and error rate performance. Photonic switching and processing. Optical local area networks. Multi-channel multiplexing techniques. Design of optical fibre communication systems.
PHYS5019 Research Methodology and Project
Credit points: 24 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Prerequisites: Successful completion of the eight coursework units of the postgraduate coursework Masters degree for which the student is enrolled, equivalent to completion of the requirements for award of the Graduate Diploma. Prohibitions: Both PHYS(5009 and 5010) Assessment: Report, research seminar
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
In this unit a research project is undertaken. The topic of the project will be determined in consultation with the course coordinator. In addition, the processes involved in conducting various forms of research, basic data analysis and interpretation, research writing and presentation skills are covered.
PHYS5021 Optical Instrumentation and Imaging
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Gordon Robertson Session: Semester 2 Classes: Total of 20 lectures, 10 two hour practicals Assumed knowledge: Pass science degree majoring in Physics, or pass Engineering degree Assessment: One 2-hour exam 70%, tutorial papers 15%, prac reports 15%.
Optical instrumentation covers the basics of geometrical optics before moving on to a detailed overview of the principles and practice of optical design principles of image formation, lenses and mirrors, aberrations and tolerancing. The course will cover different design examples - collimators, cameras, objective lenses. Students will gain experience in working with optical design software.
The Imaging component of the course provides training in the mathematical techniques used to analyse an image recorded by an electronic camera to recover information of interest. Students will be given an overview of image processing principles, and learn about processing in the spatial and frequency domains. The course covers noise removal, tomography and image restoration techniques. This section of the course will be complemented by laboratory sessions in which students manipulate images using one of the data processing packages (IDL, Matlab).
The Imaging component of the course provides training in the mathematical techniques used to analyse an image recorded by an electronic camera to recover information of interest. Students will be given an overview of image processing principles, and learn about processing in the spatial and frequency domains. The course covers noise removal, tomography and image restoration techniques. This section of the course will be complemented by laboratory sessions in which students manipulate images using one of the data processing packages (IDL, Matlab).
Textbooks
To be announced
PHYS5022 Optical Materials and Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Maryanne Large Session: Semester 1 Classes: Two lectures and 1 practical per week Assumed knowledge: Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent, or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent Assessment: One 2 hour examination 75%, practical reports 15%, assignments 10%
This unit of study introduces students to the properties and use of modern optical materials such as glasses, semiconductors, polymers and liquid crystals. We analyse the effect of electronic and crystallographic properties on the generation and propagation of light in these materials. We study fundamental methods for producing modern optical materials, which includes techniques to fabricate optically active glasses, to grow bulk semiconductor crystals and compound semiconductor heterostructures, and to deposit organic semiconducting polymers.
We will discuss advanced concepts such as generating abrupt interfaces, p-i-n junctions and doping profiles that are important concepts in the context of band gap engineering and low-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures, such as Quantum Wells or Quantum Dots. Students are then introduced to methods of micro-fabricating optical devices from these materials, including patterning by conventional optical lithography and novel Nanoimprint lithography, structuring by wet and dry etching and deposition of electrical contacts. The properties and fabrication techniques for optical thin films will also be covered.
Students will receive training in the use of modern microfabrication tools (e.g. electron beam lithography, reactive ion etching, thin film deposition).
We will discuss advanced concepts such as generating abrupt interfaces, p-i-n junctions and doping profiles that are important concepts in the context of band gap engineering and low-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures, such as Quantum Wells or Quantum Dots. Students are then introduced to methods of micro-fabricating optical devices from these materials, including patterning by conventional optical lithography and novel Nanoimprint lithography, structuring by wet and dry etching and deposition of electrical contacts. The properties and fabrication techniques for optical thin films will also be covered.
Students will receive training in the use of modern microfabrication tools (e.g. electron beam lithography, reactive ion etching, thin film deposition).
Textbooks
To be announced
PHYS5024 Optical Sources and Detectors
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr David Moss Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 lectures, 1 tutorial/ practical per week averaged over the semester Prerequisites: Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent, or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent Assessment: One 2 hour examination 75%, two assignments 25%
This unit of study provides a detailed overview of sources and detectors of optical radiation as well as optical amplifiers. Lasers, light emitting diodes, optical amplifiers and other sources of radiation are covered. Students will study the principles of operation and application of a range of different lasers including diode lasers, fibre lasers and solid state diode-pumped lasers; modelocking and short pulse lasers and high power gas lasers. The properties of semiconductor lasers, amplifiers and detectors will be explained in terms of the materials properties of semiconductors.
Textbooks
Various (no single text will be used)
PHYS5025 Biophotonics and Microscopy
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Boris Kuhlmey Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 1 hour lecture per week and an average of 0.5 hour tutorials and 1.5 practical hours per week over the semester Assumed knowledge: Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent Assessment: One 2 hour examination 30%, three written assignments 30%, practical assessment 40%
Biophotonics is the use of optical techniques to probe living tissue either via imaging or spectral analysis. In this course we cover the basics of imaging in tissue and cover the principles of the main microscopy techniques: fluorescence imaging, confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, optical coherence tomography and endoscopic imaging. Using EMU facilities, students will be provided with practical training in these techniques. Approaches to biochemical detection, Raman spectroscopy, surface plasmon sensors will be covered. The course will also include lectures on laser tweezers and microfluidics, both of which are used for analyzing small biological samples.
Textbooks
To be announced
PHYS5026 Physical and Nonlinear Optics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Martijn de Sterke Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial alternated with 3-5 hours laboratory work per week Assumed knowledge: basic electromagnetism, optical waveguide theory Assessment: One 3 hour examination 65%, written assignments 20%, lab 15%
This unit of study provides a rigorous introduction to physical optics and to nonlinear optics. Physical optics includes polarization, coherence, diffraction, Fourier properties of lenses and optical systems, spatial filtering and holography. Nonlinear optics starts with nonlinear polarization and covers Chi-2 effects (electro optic effect, second harmonic generation) and Chi-3 effects (self and cross phase modulation). Nonlinear wave propagation is examined by solving the nonlinear Schrodinger equation, which elucidates a range of physical phenomena including four wave mixing and soliton generation and their impact on communications systems.
Textbooks
"Light and Matter" by Yehuda Band (Wiley, 2006)
PHYS5027 Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Stephen Bartlett Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 lecture, 1 tutorial, 1 seminar per week Assumed knowledge: Pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or equivalent, or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent Assessment: One 2 hour examination 70%, written assignments 30%
Quantum optics will introduce the quantization of light and photon statistics, and cover a range of topics of current interest including intensity interferometry, quantum cryptography, optical quantum computing and atom optics including Bose Einstein condensates and atom lasers. Emphasis will be on qualitative understanding rather than rigorous mathematical descriptions.
Nanophotonics covers light propagation through materials with sub-wavelength structuring so light is guided not only by refraction but also diffraction. This leads to the study of photonic crystals including photonic crystal fibres, plasmonics, photonic 'nanowires' and metamaterials. The course also provides opportunities for students to use powerful finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation packages to design devices like high Q nano-resonators using these materials, and discusses how such devices are actually made.
Nanophotonics covers light propagation through materials with sub-wavelength structuring so light is guided not only by refraction but also diffraction. This leads to the study of photonic crystals including photonic crystal fibres, plasmonics, photonic 'nanowires' and metamaterials. The course also provides opportunities for students to use powerful finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation packages to design devices like high Q nano-resonators using these materials, and discusses how such devices are actually made.
Textbooks
To be announced
PHYS5028 Optics in Industry
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chris Walsh Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 1-hour lecture per week, two hours of tutorials per week Assumed knowledge: Equivalent to a pass degree in Science majoring in Physics or a pass degree in Electrical Engineering Assessment: One 2000-word essay 40%, prac assessments 60%
This unit of study will first provide students with a detailed optical analysis of a consumer or industry product whose operation embodies many of the principles discussed in this course. Examples include a phone camera or a DVD player.
Next, students will study the factors that become increasingly important when working as a professional in an industry/commercial environment. These include Intellectual property, Business plans and Project Management. This component of the unit will comprise lectures from University staff with industry experience and guest speakers from industry.
There will be a project-based activity in which students will be required to develop a business case for a specific product and draw up a project plan.
Next, students will study the factors that become increasingly important when working as a professional in an industry/commercial environment. These include Intellectual property, Business plans and Project Management. This component of the unit will comprise lectures from University staff with industry experience and guest speakers from industry.
There will be a project-based activity in which students will be required to develop a business case for a specific product and draw up a project plan.
Resolutions
Resolutions
Master of Photonics and Optical Science
Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science
1.1
The Faculty may, on the recommendation of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, admit to candidature for:
1.1.1.1
an applicant who is the holder of a bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering from the University of Sydney provided the applicant has achieved a major in physics, or equivalent;
1.1.1.2
a graduate of another university or appropriate institution who has equivalent qualifications to those specified in subsection 1.1.1.1.
2.1
The units of study for the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science and the the Master of Photonics and Optical Science are listed in the table of units of study associated with these resolutions.
3.
Requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science and Master of Photonics and Optical Science
3.1
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science are required to complete 48 credit points consisting of the core units of study in the table of units of study for Photonics and Optical Science Postgraduate coursework degrees this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook.
3.2
Candidates for the Master of Photonics and Optical Science are required to complete 72 credit points consisting of the 48 credit points of core units of study in the table of units of study for Photonics and Optical Science Postgraduate coursework degrees in this chapter of the Faculty of Science Handbook and the 24 credit point PHYS5019 Research Methodology and Project.
Details of units of study
6.1
Cross-institutional study shall not be available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science and the Master of Photonics and Optical Science courses, except where the University of Sydney has a formal Cooperation Agreement with another University.
7.2.1
Availability of resources including space, library, equipment, laboratory and computing facilities; and
7.2.3
In considering an application for admission to candidature the Head of Department and the Faculty shall take account of the quota and will select in preference applicants who are most meritorious in terms of section 1 above.
8.1
A student who does not enrol in any semester without first obtaining written permission from the Dean to suspend candidature will be deemed to have discontinued enrolment in the course. Students who have discontinued from the course will be required to apply for readmission to the course and be subject to admission requirements pertaining at that time.
10.1
A student who plans to re-enrol after a period of suspension must advise the Faculty of Science Office in writing of their intention by no later than the end of October for First Semester of the following year or the end of May for Second Semester of the same year.
11.1
Candidates for the Master of Photonics and Optical Science and the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science shall be governed by the rules as follows:
11.1.1
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 12cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Photonics and Optical Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student's enrolment will be transferred to the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science;
11.1.2
A student who has failed a cumulative total of 18cp at any stage of enrolment in the Master of Photonics and Optical Science and/or the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol and, if good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
11.1.3
A student who has failed a unit at the second attempt in the Photonics and Optical Science and/or the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science will be deemed to have failed to complete course requirements and will be required to show good cause why he or she should be allowed to re-enrol. If good cause has not been established, the student will not be permitted to re-enrol.
12.1.1
A full-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Graduate Diploma not earlier than the end of the second semester of candidature, and not later than the fourth semester of candidature.
12.1.2
A part-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Graduate Diploma not earlier than the end of the fourth semester of candidature, and not later than the sixth semester of candidature.
12.2.1
A full-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Masters degree not earlier than the end of the third semester of candidature, and not later than the fourth semester of candidature.
12.2.2
A part-time candidate shall complete the requirements for the Masters degree not earlier than the end of the fourth semester of candidature, and not later than the sixth semester of candidature.
13.1
On completion of the requirements for the course, the Faculty shall determine the results of the candidature, on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Physics.
14.1
Credit is not available in the Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science and Master of Photonics and Optical Science for postgraduate study which has not been undertaken in these award courses within the previous three years.