Career options for Physics and Nanotechnology at Murdoch University

Our Degrees are changing.

In 2014, Part I (first year) units will be introduced with Part II (second year and higher) units becoming available in subsequent years. Detailed information about Part II will be available here from mid-2014.

Find out more about our new degrees, or to get in touch and ask us what this means for you head to AskMurdoch. Continuing students can still access information for degrees commencing 2013 and prior in the Course Handbook.

Career options

As a Murdoch Physics and Nanotechnology graduate, your employment outlook is bright, especially if you combine your degree with units from other disciplines.

The notion of creating new materials and building nanoscale devices by manipulating atoms one at a time is a revolutionary one. Imagine having lights that can last forever and consume virtually no electricity; or self cleaning windows; scum-resistant tiles and stain-resistant fabrics. Billions are spent every year on Nanotechnology because it promises new materials with amazing properties and complex nano-machines undertaking everything from environmental clean-up to autonomous surgery.

The Physics and Nanotechnology Degree combines a rigorous basis of Classical and Modern Physics with the cutting-edge science of Nanotechnology. Depending on which skill set or specialisations you have, your degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some of those areas. Additional majors or minors you may undertake could also improve your chances of finding employment opportunities.

Physicist

Basic and applied research. Physicists involved in applied research build upon the discoveries made through basic research and work to develop new devices, products, and processes. Physicists also design research equipment, which often has additional unanticipated uses. For example, lasers are used in surgery, microwave devices function in ovens, and measuring instruments can analyse blood or the chemical content of foods.

Biophysicist

Biophysicists apply the laws of physics to biology. A biophysicist may develop and apply models and experimental techniques derived from physics e.g. electromagnetism and quantum mechanics to systems such as tissues or organs to benefit neuroscience or cardiology or muscle function.

Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists are trained to understand the dangers of radioactivity and uphold safety standards. They can work in environmental health, testing levels of radioactivity in air and water, medical health, ensuring that radiology and radiation therapy is carried out according to health guidelines, or in the power reactor industry, where they are responsibility for overall safety and worker health. Medical Physicists help protect people and the environment from hazardous radiation exposure by monitoring the manufacture, handling, and disposal of radioactive material.