Primary Major in Physics (For Cohorts AY2024/25 onwards)

Physics is one of the most fundamental of all sciences, and is the basis of our scientific knowledge of the physical world. It seeks to explain the behaviour of matter, time and space in the universe and covers phenomena ranging from subnuclear interactions to cosmological events like the Big Bang. 

The study of physics underlies many pivotal discoveries of the 20th century, including the laser, television, radio, computer technology and nuclear weapons. Physics has played a vital role in the development of quantum theory, the theory of relativity, and the splitting of the atom.

The undergraduate degree in Physics provides a solid foundation covering core topics such as atomic and nuclear physics; electromagnetism; nanophysics; quantum mechanics; relativity; condensed matter physics; thermodynamics; and relevant mathematical methods.

Students will gain theoretical and experimental skills to solve complex problems, by studying classical and quantum mechanics; electromagnetism; thermodynamics; atomic and nuclear physics; nanophysics; and relativity.

Students can also pursue the following specialisations: Astrophysics, which focuses on celestial physics and cosmology; Nanophysics, which focuses on the scientific principles behind nanoscale materials with advanced functionalities; and Quantum Technologies, which focuses on the foundations of quantum mechanics and its applications to sensing, communication, computation and cryptography.

Physics graduates have skills that are in high demand in diverse sectors. These include numeracy and mathematical literacy, problem-solving, the communication of complex ideas, as well as a wider understanding of how the world works on a scientific and human level.

The range of skills can be applied in both scientific and non-technical domains, in sectors ranging from defence to education, engineering, healthcare, materials and technology, amongst others. Many physics graduates work in research roles across many industries, while others have fulfilling careers in the private and public sectors.

Under the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), students from Cohort AY2021/22 onwards would have to complete a 13-course CHS common curriculum (52 Units), major requirements (60 Units) and Unrestricted Electives (UE) (48 Units). The curriculum structures for the primary major programmes offered by CHS have been reduced to 60 Units.

The following are the major requirements (60 Units) which need to be fulfilled for graduation:

One compulsory Level 1000 course:

  • PC1101 Frontiers of Physics

Six compulsory Level 2000 courses:

  • PC2031 Electricity and Magnetism I
  • PC2032 Classical Mechanics I
  • PC2130 Quantum Mechanics I
  • PC2135 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
  • PC2174A Mathematical Methods in Physics I* or MA2104^
  • PC2193 Experimental Physics and Data Analysis

Two compulsory Level 3000 courses:

  • PC3193 Experimental Physics II
  • PC3274A Mathematical Methods in Physics II

Any 24 Units of the following courses:

  • PC3130 Quantum Mechanics II
  • PC3231 Electricity and Magnetism II
  • PC3232 Nuclear and Particle Physics
  • PC3233 Atomic and Molecular Physics I
  • PC3235 Solid State Physics I
  • PC3236 Computational Methods in Physics
  • PC3238 Fluid Dynamics
  • PC3241 Solid State Devices
  • PC3242 Nanofabrication and Nanocharacterisation
  • PC3243 Photonics
  • PC3246 Astrophysics I
  • PC3247 Modern Optics
  • PC3251 Nanophysics
  • PC3261 Classical Mechanics II
  • PC3267 Biophysics II
  • PC3270 Machine Learning for Physicists
  • PC3288 (or its variants) Advanced UROPS in Physics I**
  • PC3294 Radiation Laboratory
  • PC3295 Radiation for Imaging and Therapy in Medicine
  • PC4228 Device Physics for Quantum Technology
  • PC4230 Quantum Mechanics III
  • PC4236 Computational Condensed Matter Physics
  • PC4240 Solid State Physics II
  • PC4241 Statistical Mechanics
  • PC4243 Atomic and Molecular Physics II
  • PC4245 Particle Physics
  • PC4246 Quantum Optics
  • PC4248 General Relativity
  • PC4249 Astrophysics II
  • PC4253 Thin Film Technology
  • PC4259 Surface Physics
  • PC4262 Remote Sensing
  • PC4264 Advanced Solid State Devices
  • PC4267 Biophysics III
  • PC4268 Biophysical Instrumentation and Biomolecular Electronics
  • PC4274A Mathematical Methods in Physics III
  • PC3991 Exchange Enrichment Course OR PC4991 Exchange Enrichment Course***

To graduate with a Major in Physics, student must have read and passed at least one of the following:

  • PC3288 (or its variants) Advanced UROPS in Physics I
  • PC4288 (or its variants) Honours Project in Physics (8 Units)
  • PC UPIP course
  • NOC Internship Course

^ Students can only double count MA2104 towards PC2174A if they have also read MA2001.
* Students pursuing a DDP with CDE can read [MA1511+MA1513] or [MA1511+MA1512] or MA1505 in place of PC2174A.
** A maximum of 4 units of UROPS course may be used to fulfil the Physics major requirements.
*** Only one of PC3991 and PC4991 can be used to fulfil the major requirements.