Department of Physics and Astronomy
Learn about our world-ranked teaching and research.
Advances in physics are at the very heart of technological developments that will influence the way we live in the 21st century. At Swinburne, we run courses and conduct cutting cutting-edge research that’s leading the way.
Did you know?
Swinburne ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide for physics research and above world standard for our research in astronomical and space sciences.
Explore our courses
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Physics
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Astronomy
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Space Technology
Postgraduate projects
Physics Honours students can choose from a range of research projects in 2023, available through the Optical Sciences Centre (OSC), the Centre for Quantum Technology Theory (CQTT) and the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS).
Project lists
Download our honours project lists:
Our facilities
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W. M. Keck Observatory
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Swinburne supercomputing: OzSTAR and Ngarrgu Tindebeek
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Microanalytical and Microfabrication Facility
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Nanofabrication Laboratory
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Ultrafast Laser Labs
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Ultrafast Micro-Spectroscopy Facility
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Advanced Visualisation Facilities
Our people
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Associate Professor Brenton Hall
Department ChairDepartment of Physics and Astronomy
Academic staff
Latest news
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- Science
- Student News
Swinburne students demonstrate how science can solve social issues
Over 120 Swinburne University Bachelor of Science students created solutions for issues faced by City of Boroondara Council through a scientific lens, using their knowledge in biotech, chemistry, maths, data analysis, engineering and software engineering.
Thursday 26 September 2024 -
- Astronomy
The Solar System used to have nine planets. Maybe it still does? Here’s your catch-up on space today
Some of us remember August 24 2006 like it was yesterday. It was the day Pluto got booted from the exclusive “planets club”.
Monday 22 January 2024 -
- Science
- Astronomy
Space is getting crowded with satellites and space junk. How do we avoid collisions?
Reports this week suggest a near-collision between an Australian satellite and a suspected Chinese military satellite. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the US government issued the first ever space junk fine. The Federal Communications Commission handed a US$150,000 penalty to the DISH Network, a publicly traded company providing satellite TV services.
Friday 20 October 2023 -
- Astronomy
- Technology
We traced a powerful radio signal to the most distant source yet – a galaxy billions of lightyears away
Every day and night, hundreds of thousands of intense, brief flashes of radiation suddenly flicker on and then off all across the sky. These “fast radio bursts” are invisible to the naked eye, but to a radio telescope many almost outshine everything else in the sky for a few thousandths of a second.
Friday 20 October 2023 -
- Science
High schoolers reach for the stars to design space mission
Swinburne is continuing to provide Australian high school students with direct access to space through the Swinburne Youth Space Innovation Challenge.
Thursday 13 July 2023
Find more news articles about the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Explore our other departments and centres
Contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy
For general enquiries, call 1300 794 628 to speak with our friendly team. You can also email us at Dean-SchoolofSCET@swinburne.edu.au.