Bachelor of Applied Science (Professional Honours in Environmental Geospatial Science)

Students in the Physics program at the University of Tasmania have access to research opportunities including the use of the University's Greenhill Observatory north of Hobart, which houses 50cm and 1.3m optical telescopes. Honours students can conduct independent thesis research on unique astronomical objects, such as close contact binary star systems that are only observable from the southern hemisphere.

Yes, students can specialise in Astrophysics within the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physics. For example, students can study every available astrophysics unit in their second and third years and then focus their Honours thesis on a specific area such as optical astronomy.

Yes, the University of Tasmania has a unique advantage for certain astronomical research due to its location in the southern hemisphere. Some stellar objects, such as the close contact binary star system OY Carinae located near the south celestial pole, are easily observable from Tasmania but impossible to observe from most of the northern hemisphere, giving Tasmanian observatories a distinct scientific edge.

Students in the Physics department at the University of Tasmania report receiving incredible support from mentors and teachers. The department is noted for the sheer enthusiasm of its physics teachers, and there is a strong culture of active research, with new work constantly being published and staff regularly sharing exciting developments.

Yes, completing an Honours thesis in Physics can serve as a pathway to further postgraduate study such as a PhD. For instance, Honours students who conduct research on specific astronomical objects may choose to continue that research as the subject of a PhD at the University of Tasmania.