University: The University of Western Australia

Degree: Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours), Physics and Mathematics and Statistics

School Subjects: Physics, Mathematics Specialist, Mathematics Methods, Chemistry, Literature

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Studying Physics and/or Mathematics is fascinating but challenging. Work hard and stay curious, and you’ll find the degree extremely worthwhile. I graduated in 2023 and have been working at a medical device company using laser technologies to perform knee replacement surgeries since. The greatest benefit of my degree has been learning how to approach and solve complex problems while also providing a solid foundation for more specialised research.

Physics

First-year Physics reteaches Years 11 and 12 with more rigour and depth. You’ll find a great deal of structure in these units and learn from many different lecturers.

Second and third year are more flexible. You’ll learn the basics of Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Statistical Mechanics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Relativity in the core units. In electives, you can choose to study Optics, Astrophysics, Quantum Technology, and other special topics.

Units typically consist of lectures, problem sheets, and laboratory experiments. Labs are typically experiments that demonstrate important Physics discoveries. If you’re interested in learning practical experimental skills, you should definitely supplement labs with opportunities like electives from the Engineering school and vacation research projects.

Most Physics graduates take further study if they want to stay in Physics. Many will combine their Physics skills with studies in different fields to get jobs in Engineering, Data Science, Geophysics, Consulting, or Quantitative Trading.

If you can study the Combined Bachelors/Masters of Frontier Physics, you should consult a course advisor to make sure this is the best degree for your goals. In addition, you may wish to focus on other areas of study, perhaps in Computer Science or Maths, or do BPhil. Otherwise, Frontier Physics can be a great way to get advanced qualifications quickly and join a strong cohort.

Maths

I took Maths as a second major to better understand the mathematical underpinning of Physics. I strongly recommend Maths as a second major for any course of study in STEM and even beyond. Maths provides a strong competitive advantage for jobs in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, and Consulting.

The Maths degree teaches you how to think from fundamentals, be rigorous in your thinking, and ensure that your arguments are built on sound axioms. It is also very interesting and teaches practical skills like coding and statistics.

For those passionate about Mathematics, consider the Bachelor of Mathematics to gain great depth and breadth.

Other Points of Discussion

Many people pick Physics as a second major to complement degrees like Engineering or Data Science. Many regret the choice if they aren’t genuinely passionate about Physics. Physics is hard and specialised. Choose Physics because you like Physics, not because you think it’ll help you get another job in STEM. If you’re looking for a job in Consulting or Quantitative Trading, then it can be a good way to show you know how to think and solve complex problems. Maths, on the other hand, is an excellent all-round second major for STEM.

If, like I was, you are tossing up between majors like Engineering, Physics, Maths, and Data Science, then just pick two and do the mandatory first-year units before deciding finally. A lot of the units are used in other degrees anyway, and the skills are transferable.

Also, don’t be afraid to extend your three-year Bachelor’s degree into four years. Many of the units are hard, and giving yourself some room to breathe can be a great way to open up research opportunities and choose the units that you’ll really get the most out of.

For women considering these majors, please do not be discouraged by being in the minority: the majority of executives on both the Maths Union and Physics Society in the last seven years have been women (I hope indicative of an inclusive culture), and both clubs hold semesterly women’s networking events to help bridge the representation gap.