Photonics in the BSc

Photonics at Swinburne

Photonics in the BSc degree

Studying photonics at Swinburne is done as part of the BSc degree (new in 2008; VTAC code 34371). You can do Photonics as a major, a co-major or a minor.

If you choose to major in Photonics, then recommended co-majors or minors are Electronics, Computer Science or Technology Management, all areas that fit logically with Photonics.

Recommended combinations in which Photonics is a co-major or minor are Chemistry/Photonics and Mechatronics/Photonics.

These recommended combinations are summarised below:

MAJOR: Photonics	The Photonics major provides a strong foundation in optics and photonics (including lasers, opto-electronics and fibre optics). With access to state-of-the-art equipment, and teachers who are international experts in photonics research, students gain a broad spectrum of theoretical and practical skills which is further developed during a final-year capstone team project. The emerging international photonics industry offers many career opportunities
Combine with: Electronics	Photonics and Electronics are highly pervasive and complementary disciplines that are the foundation of many current and future technological advances. Scientists with this unique mix of highly-valued skills are very employable in a whole range of current and future "high tech" occupations. Career opportunities: Technology-based research and/or development. Careers exist in many emerging "high tech" industries including medical, telecommunications, optical fibre technology, aerospace and automotive, microelectronics and nanotechnology, defence, civil and mechanical smart structures.
Computer Science	Photonics and Computer Science are complementary disciplines that give students a holistic skill-set and the hardware/software proficiency needed for research and development in many current and future photonics-related technologies including imaging, sensors, and instrumentation. Career Opportunities: Technology-based research and/or development. Careers exist in emerging "high tech" industries including medical, telecommunications, aerospace and automotive, microelectronics and nanotechnology, defence, civil and mechanical smart structures.
Technology Management	Graduates that combine photonics-related technological skills with sound management practice will be able to step into a wide range of current and future "high tech" occupations. This new breed of "scientist manager" will have the right mix of skills to start up their own entrepreneurial "high tech" consultancy, to be employed in a large multinational photonics/telecommunications company or in a smaller specialised niche business. Career Opportunities: Photonics, telecommunications or medically-oriented multinational companies, high tech niche businesses, management positions in the rapidly expanding photonics-related industries.

MAJOR:

Chemistry

The chemistry major emphasises the fundamental underpinning science behind everyday life. As both a discipline and a subject, chemistry is an enabling science which gives a solid foundation to fields such as waste treatment, industrial processing, environmental science, forensic science and chemical synthesis. Chemistry graduates are amongst the most employable and ultimately successful university graduates. The course emphasises laboratory work, problem solving and research.

Combine with:

Photonics

Combined chemistry and photonics studies provide an understanding of the chemical and physical processes which occur in photonics applications. Students gain skills and knowledge in areas such as laser materials and processes, photochemistry, spectroscopy and optical data storage.
Career Opportunities: Chemistry of ultrafast reactions, laser industry, telecommunications and data acquisition.

MAJOR:

Mechatronics

The Mechatronics major takes a very "hands on" approach to learning, by developing theoretical and practical skills via year-long team projects in both first and final year. This major develops an understanding of both fundamental concepts/principles and higher-level studies in mechatronics and robotics. Students gain a mix of software and hardware skills.

Combine with:

Photonics

Combining Photonics and Mechatronics develops strong foundation knowledge in technologies that are used to mechanise and modernise many 21st century industries. Scientists with this unique mix of highly-valued skills are equipped for a wide range of current and future "high tech" occupations.
Career Opportunities: Technology-based research and/or development. Careers exist in emerging "high tech" industries including medical, telecommunications, sensor/actuator technology, aerospace and automotive, microelectronics and nanotechnology, defence, civil and mechanical smart structures.