DR230 - PhD (Applied Physics)

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Plan: DR230 - Doctor of Philosophy
Campus: City Campus

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Entrance requirements

Program details

Award title: Doctor of Philosophy
Award abbreviation: PhD
Career: RSCH
Duration: 3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time
Location: RMIT City Campus
Owning school: Science (171H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/science
ASCED code: 010301
CRICOS code: 079680G

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Purpose of the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Physics develops advanced research skills that will prepare you for a career in academia, research and other settings in which systematic and critical analytical skills are required, both in Australia and overseas.

Upon completion you will be able to contribute to the generation of new knowledge vital to the growth and development of the physical sciences. Graduates are capable of undertaking theoretical, computational or experimental research in relevant fields to an international standard.

Individually supervised research programs are available in the following areas of research focus:

Materials Physics

  • Crystallography, Surface science, Electronic structure, materials & devices
  • Materials properties & synthesis, Soft x-ray spectroscopy
  • Magnetism, Spintronics & Spin defects, Superconducting devices, 2D materials

Quantum Physics & Technology

  • Quantum physics, Quantum computing & Quantum information
  • Quantum materials, optics & sensing, Atomic Physics, Photophysics
  • Foundations of physics, Relativistic quantum information theory

Radiation & Space Physics

  • Planetary science, Microgravity, Spaceflight operations, Extreme conditions
  • General relativity, Electromagnetic radiation & shielding, Space radiation
  • Dosimetry, Radiation detection & transport, Radiation Protection

Soft Matter, Medical & Biological physics

  • Soft matter, Biological Physics, Biomaterials, Cryobiology
  • Membrane and ion channels, Membranes, Physical chemistry
  • Molecular dynamics & statistical mechanics, Phase transition dynamics
  • Rheology & Nanofluidics, Ionic liquids & deep eutectic solvents

Advanced imaging & nanoscale characterisation

  • Microscopy, Confocal and atomic force microscopy
  • X-ray free-electron laser imaging methods
  • Neutron and X-ray scattering, Imaging & Scattering technique development
  • Medical imaging & Bioimaging
  • Fibre optics, Fluorescence nanomaterials, Spectroscopy & Single photon sources

The Doctor of Philosophy may be undertaken by a thesis with publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s prior to application. 

Upon graduation with a Doctor of Philosophy from RMIT University you will have developed:

  • high level skills in research processes, including the ability to independently design a research project, conduct experiments and analyse data from a research project
  • advanced skills in the analysis and synthesis of knowledge related to specific disciplines, and
  • high level communication skills.

You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, scientific and industrial research laboratories.

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Entrance requirements

Applicants for doctor of philosophy programs must have completed one of the following from a recognised higher education institution:

  • a masters by research degree or,
  • a masters by coursework degree which includes research courses or a research project with a duration of at least 25% of a full-time (or equivalent part-time) academic year and an overall distinction average or,
  • a four year bachelor honours degree (with a minimum H2A achieved across the four years) or,
  • a three year bachelor degree and a one year bachelor honours degree program (with a minimum H2A achieved in the honours year) or
  • another award deemed to be equivalent in character and standard to the above degrees.

Alternatively applicants may:

  • provide evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and experience that satisfies the Dean of the School of Graduate Research or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program or,
  • have current candidature for an RMIT master by research program approved for transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policies and procedures.

For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents webpage.

English Language Requirements

A minimum IELTS (academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents webpage.

Selection Tasks

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application. For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see the How to apply – Research programs webpage.

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