Study Physics at Otago

Why study Physics?

Learning how the physical world works is fascinating. It is also useful. Physics will hone your thinking ability, and help you to develop high level analytical and problem solving skills. In Otago’s Physics department you will get to study with some of the country’s top physicists. Our research informed teaching draws from a broad spectrum of expertise areas including geophysics, optics, energy science, atomic physics, electronics, and quantum theory.

Background required?

We recommend that students enrolling for a Physics degree have a background in NCEA level 3 Physics and/or Mathematics. We are always very happy to answer any questions you may have about what studying physics involves, where it might take you, and how to get off on the best possible start for your degree.

Career opportunities

An Otago degree in Physics will give you multiple future options. You could work in high-tech areas such as electronics, laser technology, smart materials, healthcare, analytics, or telecommunications.

You might find yourself working for a company developing new products or services, relying on your know-how to come to grips with the complex physical problems of the real world. By combining your study of Physics with another subject you could move into any number of specialist fields. For example, a Physics degree with particular emphasis in acoustics, combined with a music degree, might lead you to becoming an acoustics expert for a construction or architectural company.

You might move into medical physics, working on such techniques as radiotherapy and solar phototherapy. You could work at a hospital, becoming involved in important health initiatives, such as improving or evaluating a public health screening programme. If you choose to continue in Physics and physics research, you might move into areas such as atomic and laser research or energy management.

You may find yourself at sea off Antarctica, studying the effect of waves on the break up of sea ice. Such pursuits could see you working for a university, a research institute or a company specialising in a particular area of physics and its application. Once established in a particular field, you might find yourself suitably experienced to be a high-tech management consultant.

Large international organisations depend on consultants for much of their contracted work. Such positions offer great variety and, in many cases, fantastic opportunities for travel. Physics teachers are in hot demand, both here and overseas. There is an ongoing shortage of secondary school physics teachers, particularly at the higher levels. Being able to teach physics will make you a much sought after employee.

Teaching style

All courses involve a mixture of lectures and practical laboratories, so you will have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience in problem solving. Several of our courses, in particular our first year courses PHSI 131 and 132, make use of “Classroom Response Systems”, where the lecturer poses a multiple-choice questions and each student submits an answer using a handheld transmitter. The submitted answers then forms the basis of engaging in-class discussions centered on pivotal concepts of Physics.

Qualifications

Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
• Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
• Master of Science (MSc)

You may also be interested in

• Energy Science and Technology / Energy Management

Key information for future students

• Domestic students
• International students

Contact us

Department of Physics

Email physics@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/physics

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.