Assessment

The assessment is broken into two parts. 50% coursework and 50% on your research project.

Coursework - 50%

Your coursework is made up of four 36 lecture (or equivalent) courses completed in the first academic semester. This is the standard undergraduate load at ANU.

The honours courses are:

• Quantum Mechanics
• Classical Physics
• Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics
• Linear and Non-Linear Physics

From the undergraduate curriculum we also offer the following courses (if they, or an equivalent, have not already been completed):

• Topics in Mathematical Physics MATH3351
• Theoretical Physics PHYS3001
• Nuclear Physics PHYS3033

You can read more about our lecturers on the Physics Honours Lecturers page.

Research Project - 50%

Your research project will be assessed on an ongoing basis, as follows:

• Mid Year Seminar, 15+5 minutes
• Thesis, 100% of your project mark
• Final Seminar, 25+5 minutes

Honours students are required to complete a project in an appropriate topic. They will be expected to carry out independent research on this topic whilst working under a supervisor, usually in one of the research groups of the Department or of one of the research schools. The project work is presented in the form of a seminar and a thesis.

The final thesis, of around 50 pages of body text, should be written at the level of a research paper. You should look at a previous example of the assessment form (rtf, pdf) given to thesis examiners.

The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers help with thesis writing. See their web site for details.

Important Dates

• Coursework Starts: Monday 1 February
• Coursework Ends: Early June
• Mid Year Seminar: Monday 21 June
• Thesis Submission: 29 October, 3pm College of Physical Sciences / College of Medicine, Biology and Environment office
• Final Seminar: Monday 8 and Tuesday 9, November

Detailed Coursework Information

The year runs according to the following diagram. The year starts in February, with a one month Project Development stage, where you get to know your supervisor, and fellow students, read background material and really get a handle on what your project is all about. March, April and May are focussed on advanced coursework in Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Classical Mechanics (including general relativity), Linear and Nonlinear Physics.

Throughout the year you will also be coached on seminar presentation, with a numbers of opportunities to practice your skills.

Each course consists of a compulsory "Part A" component and two "Part B" components. In "Part B" of a course you can choose to specialise in a more theoretically or experimentally inclined unit. Each course is fully integrated with all lecturers in contact with each other, and a consistent notation and workload.

	Quantum Mechanics

	Classical Physics

	Statistical Mechanics

	Linear and Non Linear Physics

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