Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

at University of Wollongong - Wollongong Campus Australia

Medical and radiation physicists work in many different fields related to human health in order to improve quality of life. They are familiar with aspects of ionising and non-ionising radiation used for radiation medicine. They are familiar with various forms of therapeutic radiation oncology as well as different methods of diagnostic radiation imaging, and the mechanisms of how such radiation interacts with the human body. They are also familiar with exciting new radiation medicine technologies being developed for the continued improvement in the treatment of human diseases.

This degree
The Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics is very hands-on with large practical components in all subjects studied to complement the underlying theoretical physical principles.
To ensure the highest level of industry engagement, professional medical physicists from major hospitals and keynote speakers from industry will deliver key lectures and practical work, as well as co-supervise research projects.

In second year, you will gain hands-on experience in photon, neutron and charged particle physics in the undergraduate physics laboratories, as well as make field trips to accelerator facilities such as the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). In third year, you will also gain practical experience, particularly in electron and X-ray related medical physics at cancer treatment centres and through ANSTO.

You will graduate with a strong background in physics as well as specialist theoretical, practical and programming skills in radiation medicine that are necessary to find employment in hospitals, research laboratories or related industries. If you continue your studies to an Honours or Master degree, you will learn about Nuclear Medicine, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection in hospitals.

What you will study
You will learn where medical physics matters most: in hospitals, clinics and nuclear science research facilities. In this course you will gain knowledge in areas relating to nuclear medicine, radiotherapy physics, radiation transport physics modelling, detector and instrumentation physics, and data analysis.

As data sets continue to expand exponentially, connecting data with artificial intelligence technology can provide new insights that are critical to solving complex problems.

Big Data can solve problems in science, society and business including population growth, transport, security, medical technology, trade and commerce. However, data first needs to be processed and refined so we can gain intelligence and make better decisions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to develop computer software and hardware to enable machines to learn from experience, adapt to new, incoming information and tackle tasks that require human-like thinking.

The most common examples of AI today - from chess computers to driverless vehicles - are based on deep learning, computer vision and natural language processing and various other methods. With these technologies, computers can be trained for specific tasks by processing large amounts of data and recognising patterns in the data.

AI is being integrated into every major technological system in the world in healthcare, legal and financial services, manufacturing, education, transport, agriculture, mining and other industries where automation and robotics can enhance production and improve safety.

What you will study
You will study subjects in the foundation of AI and Big Data, augmented and virtual reality and complete subjects in foundations of AI, modern AI, Big Data management, Big data mining techniques and implementation.

Majoring in Legal Studies will provide you with a sound understanding of the Australian Legal System and its court structure. You will learn key aspects of private law in Australia, including principles of the law of contract and torts, and be able to critically examine the relationship between law and justice. This flexible major allows you to create a degree around your interests by combining Legal Studies with other study areas.

The Legal Studies major is not available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Laws degree.

What you will study
This major consists of four core subjects with a broad range of elective options, including family law, international business law and taxation law. In your final year you will undertake a Law Research Project where you will work with a supervisor on a research topic to produce a thesis addressing real-world issues, using knowledge and skills obtained in the Legal Studies major.

Mechatronic engineering is the combination of mechanical, electrical and computer technologies. Industrial robots are a famous example of mechatronic engineering: computer-controlled mechanical arms capable of performing manual labour with greater strength, speed and efficiency than a human.

The reality is computer control of systems is so commonplace in homes, business and industry that nearly everyone uses a mechatronic system every day, from washing machines to central air-conditioning, cameras and computer printers.

A Mechatronic engineer's skill for combining and refining elements to improve the whole makes them valuable in fields such as digital electronics, manufacturing, information technology and robotics.

This degree
You will study a common first year allowing you to learn more about engineering and its different fields before deciding which discipline to study. The common first year provides you with sound fundamentals in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, computing, engineering science and communication, mechanics, materials and fluids. You then focus on your chosen major study from second year.

Your degree includes a 12-week hands-on industry placement. You may gain credit for relevant work experience, either in Australia or overseas, by participating in our Professional Options Program.

Engineers work in a variety of industries, for example: construction, mining, resources, aeronautical, electronics, engineering management, telecommunications, power generation and distribution, renewable energy, aerospace, water resource management, robotics and manufacturing, railroad and shipbuilding.

What you will study
As an engineering student at UOW you will have access to fully-equipped laboratories and the latest computer-aided software that is used in modern industrial workplaces. Our engineering students are trained through practical learning experiences including:

• Laboratory experiments
• Problem based learning
• Computer simulations
• Teamwork assignments
• Industrial case studies
• Project management
• Site visits to industry

The Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics Advanced (Honours) degree is designed to produce graduates with the specialist skills necessary to find employment in hospital radiation oncology and nuclear medicine departments, in academic institutions or industry.

Advanced Medical and Radiation Physics degree graduates have a very strong background in physics as well as specialist theoretical, practical and programming skills in radiation medicine that are necessary to find employment in hospitals, research laboratories or related industries. There is also an additional focus on cutting-edge research and development opportunities throughout the degree.

Professional medical physicists from major hospitals in NSW will deliver key lectures and practical work as well as co-supervising thesis work. Students will find that they will move easily into employment and/or postgraduate work in this specialised area.

This degree
The Honours year is entirely devoted to Medical Physics topics. It has a substantial 24-credit point research component, which is carried out in collaboration with community, local, state or federal organisations. This research project is supported by three special subjects that deal with the major activities of a Medical Radiation Physicist: Medical Imaging; Nuclear Medicine; Radiobiology and Radiation Protection.

The course is underpinned by the success of the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics within the Faculty's School of Physics. You will benefit from the strong collaborative links in research and development that staff have with local and international companies and leading medical radiation physics institutions.

These include:

• USA: Brookhaven National Laboratory, MIT, Harvard School of Medicine Francis H .Burr Proton Therapy Beam Centre (MGH), Loma Linda University Medical Centre, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, Stanford University (SLAC), Montefiore Medical Centre Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECM).
• Japan: KEK, Tsukuba Proton Therapy Centre, NIRS, Hitachi
• Europe: SPA 'BIT', Institute for Scintillating Materials (Ukraine), SINTEF (Norway), CERN, (Swit-zerland), European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, (France), PTB, Heidelberg Heavy Ion Therapy and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany)
• Australia: ANSTO, CSIRO, Optical Fibre CRC, Insight Oceania Pty Ltd, Hitachi Australia, Siemens, Varian.

What you will study
You will study radiation interactions, dosimetry, detectors and instrument design related to medical physics, health physics, nuclear physics, radiation safety, and accelerator and reactor physics. Computer programming related to cancer treatment planning, particle transport and medical imaging.

If you continue your studies to an Honours or Master degree, you will learn about Nuclear Medicine, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection in hospitals.

Indigenous Studies explores the controversies, complexities and contradictions that shape what it means to be Indigenous in Australia and the world today. Contemporary Indigenous Australia is a fascinating crossroad of history, culture, power and politics. It includes the study of practical issues, political issues as well as understanding where these issues overlap.

Indigenous Studies at UOW is designed to equip you to think incisively about issues that impact on Indigenous individuals and communities on a local, national and global scale. This includes a focus on cultural, political, economic and social factors that have shaped, and continue to shape, the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is developed through the study of international Indigenous experiences and engagement with a range of Indigenous perspectives and organisations on a global scale.

What you will study
The Indigenous Studies major consists of four core subjects that will introduce you to indigenous Australia, the critical themes, global perspectives and research methodologies.

There is currently a high demand for graduates in Medicinal Chemistry. The Master of Medicinal Chemistry degree provides vocational training, together with specialized coursework and a small research project.

What you will study
Additional preparatory subjects focus on laboratory work and science communication skills. It provides an alternative career path to Ph.D. studies or upskilling for the industry.

This degree
This degree is designed through the lens of global perspectives in science where you will also be exposed to emerging technologies such as the use of drones, artificial intelligence AI, coding, and virtual reality (Google VR) in science data collection and analysis during your first-year core subjects.

The program also integrates your graduate work practice skills to allow you to translate your skills into career-ready attributes.

With the appropriate qualifications and laboratory skills, you can be awarded credit for these preparatory subjects.

The Master of Applied Finance with a double specialisation in Investing and Financial Services is for students who are interested in focusing on investment, portfolio management and financial services. The degree will allow you to integrate technical, theoretical and industry knowledge on the operation and organisation of – and participation in – local and international finance. The Investing specialisation focuses on investment and portfolio management, while the Financial Services specialisation focuses on financial institutions, as well as bank management and lending.

The Bachelor of Business Honours year provides a bridge between undergraduate study and advanced research. With an Honours degree you can move into academic and/or public sector positions requiring advanced research and analytical skills that will aid policy formulation and analysis.

This degree

The program provides:

• Training in research skills using a variety of information systems (archives, the Library, databases, electronic research networks).
• An opportunity to practice articulating complex ideas orally and in writing.
• Practice in working closely with a supervisor on a project and in preparing a major project within a deadline.
• Experience in devising, researching and writing up an individual topic of study in an extended argument/thesis.

Some examples of government institutions that employ students who complete an Honours degree are the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Australian Treasury, and the Australian Productivity Commission.

Honours students will also have the opportunity to pathway into a research degree.

Double degrees aim to broaden a student's knowledge and skill base and improve career options in competitive, increasingly interactive fields. The programs are designed to enhance a student's educational, academic and professional qualifications whilst minimising the costs of their studies.

This degree

The Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Mathematics double degree offers an opportunity to combine the power of mathematics with knowledge bases in other disciplines. Pure Maths, Mathematical Analysis, Applied Statistics, and Industrial Maths are some of the programs that can be combined with Computer Science.