Level 1 (1st Year)
Advice for Physics
Note: VCE = Victorian Certificate of Education
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The information provided on this page is to help guide you in selecting units at Level 1 in the Physics and Astrophysics areas of study. Note that Astrophysics includes astronomy - see the introduction to this section of the School's website for an answer to the question "What is the difference between "astronomy" and "astrophysics?"
It is most likely you will take these units in your first year of study at Monash. However, there may be a number of reasons for taking these units in other years, for example, towards the end of your degree you may need an additional science unit to fulfil the requirements of your degree course.
For detailed information about any unit (including information such as prerequisites) you should see the unit's entry in the Handbook (direct links are provided below).
Note: VCE = Victorian Certificate of Education
Your unit selection will look something like:
Semester 1 | PHS1011 - Classical physics and relativity OR | Another Science Unit | Elective Unit | |
Semester 2 | PHS1022 - OR | Another Science Unit | Elective Unit |
* If you have passed year 12 physics, and maths with calculus (VCE Units 3 & 4 including at least Maths Methods, or equivalent) then you should take PHS1011 and PHS1022. If not, then you should select PHS1001 and PHS1002. Note: you can also take PHS1011 and PHS1022 if you have not study physics but have studied "advanced maths" which includes some aspects of physics Specialist Maths at VCE, or equivalent) and done very well in that subject - see the Handbook entry for specific details.
Even if you have not completed year 12 physics (VCE Units 3 & 4, or equivalent) there are physics units you can select... and you can even go on to study for a minor, major or extended major in physics - see the advice in the previous question.
If you have NOT studied year 12 physics and are particularly interested in the biological sciences, see the advice in the relevant question below.
You should also consider the astronomy electives, which do not require year 12 physics:
You can select any units as electives, even if they also form part of a minor or major. We offer units for those who have NOT studied year 12 physics (VCE Units 3 & 4, or equivalent) as well as those who have.
We are interested in such things too!... with physicists in our School working in areas such as medical imaging. So in first semester we offer the unit:
You should also consider the Level 1 astronomy electives, the semester 2 unit related to "astrobiology" may be of particular interest:
A major in Astrophysics requires first year physics (though a minor can be achieved with slightly less physics, see the next question). The maths requirements for further studies in Astrophysics are also the same as physics. So, see the "Advice for Physics" on this page.The PHS and MTH units detailed there will enable you to continue with astrophysics at Level 2 (in your second year of study).
The Level 2 ASP units that will give you a minor in Astrophysics and allow you to continue on to achieve a major are:
In your first year, we would also encourage you to select:
These units are NOT required for studies in Astrophysics at Level 2 (as solid foundations in physics and maths are more important). These units are designed as generic electives that expose a wide range of students to the wonders of the universe. However, ASP1010 provides a solid foundation for studying ASP2011 in second year (even though it is not a prerequisite) and ASP1022 has some content that is not specifically covered in any other ASP unit.
You can get a minor in Astrophysics on the way to a major (see the previous question). However, you can also achieve a minor with only one unit of Level 1 physics and either of:
You then complete the minor with the usual two Level 2 units:
However, the Level 1 maths requirements are the same as for a major in Astrophysics.
When you realise you really want to continue your studies in Astrophysics (who wouldn't!) if you complete an Astrophysics minor with only six points of physics at Level 1 you would need to go back and complete another six points of physics to satisfy the conditions for a major in Astrophysics. Astrophysics really does require a solid foundation in physics.
Yes!
Many students, including non-science students, are quite understandably fascinated by astronomy. So at Level 1 we offer two ASP units which have no specific prerequisites... though they do require some basic maths, so if you are allergic to maths you may need to think carefully before selecting these units.
You are free to select either of these units on their own, or both of them.
We emphasise that ASP1022 does NOT require you to pass (or even select) ASP1010 in semester 1 - though we would always encourage you to select both units as we think they are both great!
If you do wish to continue with studies in Astrophysics, these units still offer a significant contribution to your studies. ASP1010 provides a solid foundation for studying ASP2011 in second year (even though it is not a prerequisite) and ASP1022 has some content that is not specifically covered in any other ASP unit. However, a minor or major in Astrophysics does require some physics and maths units - see the advice above.
Students have a great diversity of backgrounds and aspirations. Monash offers a large variety of study options. So, after reading the information on the Study at Monash web pages, in the Handbook, and the advice here, you may still have further questions.