Macquarie University

Professional Physics - PHYS311

As a PACE unit and the capstone unit for the Physics Major, PHYS311 brings together the learning outcomes from the major, and explores how Physics skills and the broader scientific methods open doors to a wide range of career paths.

The unit begins with a reflective stage in which small groups build their own model of the technical themes and generic skills developed during their degree, and consider how to market these skills to potential employers. Students then develop a professional resume and cover letter targeting actual employment advertisements seeking physicists, and engage in peer review of their documents.

The larger part of the unit provides an opportunity to engage with the broader community through a PACE activity of at least three weeks, conducted in partnership with an industrial, research, or educational institute.
Students will apply their skills to a real world problem of interest to the partner, and report on their experiences, solutions and the project outcomes in a variety of formats including a technical report, high level executive summary, oral presentation and an online discussion forum that joins all participants across different projects and sites.