The ANU Physics Honours program emphasises original research. The research project may be undertaken in any relevant area of the University. Projects are individually supervised by an academic staff member, usually within a research group. Available topics include: laser physics, atom optics and dilute gas Bose-Einstein condensation, optical physics, gravitational wave detection, general relativity theory, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, plasma physics, observational and theoretical astrophysics, cosmology, thermal physics, electronic materials physics, surface physics, condensed matter physics, computational physics, and geophysics. For an up to date list see the Honours website www.anu.edu.au/Physics/Honours

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Plan, consult and engage in an independent and sustained critical investigation of a chosen research topic.
2. The student will learn to systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
3. The student will be able to make a systematic and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources.
4. In the case of numerical or experimental research, be able to appropriately apply statistical or other evaluation processes to original data,  In the case of theoretical work, the student will be able to apply advanced mathematical techniques.
5. The student will master advanced skills and concepts in Physics appropriate to the awarding of an Honours degree.
6. The student will be able to effeectively and compellingly  communicate scientific material through oral and written means.

Assessment will be based on:

• Course work - topics in Advanced Physics, 6 courses across a broad range of advanced foundational topics.  Exam, assignment and oral assessment as approprate.  (45%; LO 5, 6)
• Project work presented in the form of a thesis (50%; LO 1-6)
• Final seminar (5%; LO 6)
• Mid year seminar  - this item is not formally graded, but is an important and required milestone in the year (LO 1, 6)
• Mid-year interview, involving a round table discussion with the student, supervisor, convener and thesis reviewer. Required but not formally assessed. (LO 1, 6)

To qualify for admission to Physics honours candidature, an ANU student must have successfully completed at least 48 units of Group B or Group C courses relevant to the proposed honours study, of which at least 24 units must be Group C courses. At least a credit average must have been achieved in these 48 units. It is recommended that students should include in their program PHYS3001, PHYS3031, PHYS3032 and PHYS3033. Students from other universities are welcome to apply for enrolment in the Honours program. Admission will be based on the undergraduate record and its equivalence to the above requirements.