Issue No 66
PHYSICS
How did the universe begin? What is everything made of? Is time an illusion? These are just three
of the big questions that intrigue physicists as they explore the fundamentals of matter and energy,
make discoveries and inventions, formulate new theories. Physics underpins our modern, technological society. Computers, mobile phones, household appliances, aircraft, robots, medical imaging,
weapons of war and instruments of peace all result from the work of physicists. Twentieth century
physics put the first humans on the moon. In the 21st century completion of the Large Hadron
Collider – the world’s largest and highest-energy particle accelerator – enabled particle physicists to
study the basic conditions of matter as it might have been in the universe one billionth of a second
after the Big Bang. Then there is nanotechnology with its many applications. How about a teabag
that cleans contaminated water or a laser the size of a virus particle? From the infinitely large to the
infinitesimally small and all things in between, the work of physicists challenges every frontier.
WHY STUDY PHYSICS?
Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences. It
aims to understand how nature is put together and
how it works. Physics examines matter and energy in
all their forms, from the kinetic energy of a speeding
car to the nuclear energy released by fusion in the core
of a star. So the study of physics can lead into many
different fields – food technology, textile research,
electronics, instrumentation, computer hardware
and software development, scientific measurement,
renewable energies, meteorology, astronomy, nanotechnology, geophysics, and the development and
testing of new materials such as superconductors.
WHERE DO PHYSICS GRADUATES WORK?
New Zealand needs versatile and innovative science
graduates who can apply their knowledge and ideas to
a variety of sectors including industry, education,
health, environment and business. Most researchers
go into applied science areas taking up positions in
government (or quasi-government) research organisations including Crown Research Institutes (CRIs).
Callaghan Innovation – New Zealand’s advanced
technology institute has research groups in materials
science, metrology (creating and maintaining
standards for the measurement of time, length,
weight/mass, volume etc.), superconductivity, smart
polymers and super hard ceramics. The high-temperature superconductor team studies materials from
macro to nano scale, in particular the dependence
of electrical component properties at low temperatures for use in devices such as magnets. These can
be used in medical devices such as NMR machines.
Topical coverage of career related issues brought to you by
Victoria University Career Development and Employment.
Areas covered include how degrees and courses relate to
employment opportunities, to life/work planning, graduate
destination information and current issues or material relevant
to the employment scene. Your comments and suggestions
always welcomed.
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CAREER VIEW
Another interesting area for those majoring in physics
is to join the acoustics and sound engineering team
that works in holographic and audio technologies.
Physics knowledge is applied in the photonics area
where Callaghan Innovation researchers discover the
properties of light emitting chemicals. Graduates
with a physics degree and a strong interest in information technology can also become a Systems Business
Analyst at Callaghan Innovation.
The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd
(IGNS) or GNS Science, provides Earth, geoscience
and isotope research and consultancy services. IGNS
employs physics graduates, depending on qualifications and experience, to technician and physicist roles
in the National Isotope Centre. A PhD is required for
physicist roles. IGNS develops measuring equipment
and the instrumentation used to assist industry in
quality and process control and employs geophysicists with strong computer and mathematical skills.
Heritage Materials is another specialist IGNS field
that verifies antiquities, archaeological artefacts and
taonga.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric
Research Ltd (NIWA) employs physics graduates
in meteorology, biological modelling and physical
oceanography.
The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials
and Nanotechnology offers graduates research
opportunities, sometimes with scholarship assistance.
Major research themes include nano-engineered
materials and devices; novel electrical, electra-optic
and superconducting materials; and conducting
polymers. The Institute funds a range of Postdoctoral
Fellowships for specific projects.
Canesis employs physicists in textile research e.g.
fibre assembly, yarn structure, fabric construction and
wool harvesting on contract for industry, government
and Wools of New Zealand. It is also involved in
the development of intelligent textiles and wearable
electronics.
Building Research Association of New Zealand
(BRANZ) researches energy efficiency in buildings,
indoor air quality in buildings (heat and moisture
control and ventilation) and weather tightness. Their
work is a mixture of research, commercial testing and
work on standards and building codes.
Industry and Commerce: Large industrial and manufacturing enterprises employ physics graduates both in
technical areas and in management.
Computer and Software Industry: Because of their
extensive experience in modelling systems, physics
©VUW Career Development and Employment
graduates often make good computer programmers because they have built up a solid background
of working on very sophisticated and complex but
highly quantitative problems. They can transfer
those modelling skills into many other areas that use
computer technology such as finance, economics, traffic
and fisheries management, and operations research.
Many are employed by large computer enterprises such
as IBM and others find jobs in the growing number
of small software development companies that are
meeting individual companies’ needs for specific applications. Computer animation physics or game physics
involves the introduction of the laws of physics into a
simulation or game engine particularly in 3D computer
graphics so as to make the effects appear more real to
the observer.
Electronics: Students can combine their interests in
electronics with studies in computer science and/or
physics. Graduates then go into a wide range of career
options from research and development in CRIs, to
industrial development or productions in the manufacturing industry. The New Zealand manufacturing
industry ranges from large, well-known companies such
as Fisher and Paykel or Tait Electronics, to specialised
companies in the Wellington region such as Magritek
or 4RF.
Energy: Transpower NZ transports electricity and
manages the country’s power system. The company has
undergraduate and graduate programmes and employs
people with strong analytical skills to roles that involve
business analysis, financial and demand modeling
and economic forecasting. Physics graduates have the
required analytical skills and Economics is a very useful
conjoint major or degree. In the field of renewable
energy some small companies develop and manufacture or distribute products such as PV solar panels, grid
connected inverters, wind turbines and other off-grid
alternatives. Sustainable Electricity Association of
New Zealand (SEANZ) represents the solar, small wind
and mini hydro industry in New Zealand.
Nanotechnology: A relatively new science, nanotechnology is an exciting and growing area of employment
and research for physicists both in New Zealand and
overseas. Those wanting to work in this area ideally
have a practical approach to problem solving (often
using mathematical techniques), are able to reason
clearly and communicate complex ideas, and are able
to work in a company structure and under budgetary
constraints. Izon Science, for example, designs and
manufactures precision instrumentation for nano- and
micro-scale particle analysis around the world. Postgraduate physicists are useful in helping to model the
ways the particles interact with a nanopore.
CAREER VIEW
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Hospitals and Medical Research: Medical
physicists are employed in small but
growing numbers in hospitals throughout
New Zealand, working in aspects of radiotherapy and acoustic imaging (ultra-sound
scanning). Graduates with a Bachelor
of Science (BSc) in Physics can go on to
specialised postgraduate training in medical
physics at Otago University or elsewhere
e.g. Queensland University of Technology,
Australia. Occasionally graduates with
PhDs in physics can go straight into
medical physics but this is unusual.
Defence Forces: The Air Force gives
training in physics to trainee pilots, navigators and air electronics operators, so a
degree in physics can assist entry into these
fields. It is also a basic subject in avionics
and aircraft technician training. A BSc in Physics is
regarded as a plus for competitive entry into officer
training in the Navy. Education officers are employed
in the defence forces to teach, for example, the theory
of aeronautical dynamics and meteorology. The
Defence Technology Agency (DTA) is a business unit
of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). DTA
provides applied research, exploratory development
and policy studies on science and technology with
application to military technology, force developments and operations.
Meteorology: The Meteorological Service takes on
trainee meteorologists according to demand. Subsequent employment is likely to be in either the Meteorological Service or, for those with research interests,
at NIWA. Physics graduates can also go on to do
a BSc with Honours [BSc(Hons)], Master of Science
(MSc) and PhD in meteorology; their qualifications
may then lead into employment at research institutions and universities. Opportunities in these areas are
very competitive.
Geophysics: For solid earth geophysicists most
opportunities lie in applied geophysics, particularly
in oil, gas and mineral exploration. IGNS employs
geophysicists as scientific researchers and technicians,
particularly in the area of earthquake seismology
and tectonics. Opportunities are also available for
physicists and geophysicists with private consultancy
firms such as Opus International’s Central Laboratories in Lower Hutt and Groundsearch E.E.S. Ltd in
Auckland, especially for geophysicists with a strong
practical bent and project management skills.
Management: In industry as well as large scientific
organisations there is a need for employees who are
qualified in both management and a scientific or
technical area. If you are keen on physics but are also
interested in a business career, a conjoint Bachelor of
Science and Bachelor of Commerce degree programme
is an option; alternatively a postgraduate degree in
Management or Advanced Technology Enterprise.
Senior scientists in CRIs and in industry often become
managers so inclusion of management courses within
the BSc of research-oriented students can be helpful.
Subjects to consider are: Management, Marketing,
Accounting and Information Systems. Statistical
abilities are also very useful in business.
Operations Research: Physics graduates have a sound
base in mathematical modelling that enables them
to move into operations research – the application
of mathematical and scientific concepts and techniques to the solution of problems in government
and industry. Government departments, consultancy
firms and large companies have positions for operations researchers or business analysts. Courses in
operations research and statistics can be included in
a BSc. Postgraduate study in operations research and
statistics is recommended for those wishing to pursue
a long-term career in this area.
Intellectual Property and Patent Attorneys: The
Intellectual Property Office grants patents and
registers trademarks and designs. It employs patent
advisors including those with physics degrees.
Requirements for specific subjects however depend
on the mix of specialisations within the office at the
time. A science and law combination is ideal, but not
necessary. Many patent advisors move on to work for
Patent Attorneys. Further on-the-job study is required
to become a qualified patent attorney.
©VUW Career Development and Employment
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CAREER VIEW
Innovation and Imagination
As in all sciences the instinct to “build things” and
to create is important in electronic development
work and many other aspects of physics. The ability
to imagine “what if?” and envisage something that
seems almost impossible is the driving force behind
many modern technologies.
Computer Literacy
All advanced areas of physics require computer
skills; these together with familiarity with appropriate software are developed during course work.
Knowledge of computer systems is an advantage to
many physicists particularly in electronic work, so
inclusion of computer science courses in a physics
degree is worth considering.
WHAT SKILLS DOES THE STUDY OF
PHYSICS DEVELOP?
Mathematical Skills
Mathematics is extremely important in physics and
many students do a double major in the two subjects.
It is impossible to do advanced theoretical physics
without being completely at ease with advanced
mathematical concepts. Mathematical modelling
using computers is an important part of physics
course work and is good preparation for work in nonphysics areas. Not all areas of physics require such a
high level of mathematics; many aspects of applied
physics need only a good grounding in mathematics
plus specialised study.
Analysis and Problem Solving
Why, what, how and when? Physics is the art of
the problem solver – asking the hard questions and
working through to a solution logically and analytically using evidence and ideas. Problems in physics
can be complex and their resolution requires a careful,
disciplined approach. Generally, physicists think
about problems in analytical and quantitative terms,
working on them theoretically before putting theory
into practice. Students in physics gain high levels
of abstract reasoning, accuracy and patience. These
skills transfer very readily to other job areas, particularly management roles where strategic planning and
decision making are significant components of the
job.
Practical Skills
Some employers in applied fields look for practical
attitudes and know-how as much as for scientific
expertise. In geophysical fieldwork for instance,
common sense and the ability to fix instruments that
are not working or make equipment out of what’s
available may be very important.
Communication and Teamwork
The so-called soft skills are important in science.
Many scientists work in groups, sometimes with
clients and with people from other disciplines.
Teamwork is essential, as is the ability to get on with
other people and be good communicators. At university students work on projects together and present
their work to peers and staff. They also learn to write
clearly and accurately.
JOB TITLES
The following is a sample of job titles relevant to
undergraduates through to graduates with postdoctoral degrees and specialisations:
Clinical physicist (Medical Physics) • Computer scientist •
Computer games designer • Electronic assembler/tester •
Geophysicist • Instrument sales technician • Laboratory
technician • Medical physicist • Medical technician •
Medical scientific officer, radiation therapy • Meteorologist
• Meteorological instrument technician • Operations
Scientific Method
researcher • Physics lecturer • Physics teacher •
Scientists have to be systematic and objective in
designing, researching, setting up and implementing
experiments and projects. Degree studies teach
skills in scientific process along with a work ethic
that demands rigour, safe and responsible practices,
tolerance for repetition and patience.
Policy analyst • Product designer • Programmer analyst •
©VUW Career Development and Employment
Research physicist • Seismologist • Software engineer •
Textile researcher • Weather forecaster
CAREER VIEW
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GRADUATE PROFILES
Tiri Sullivan
For a number of years prior
to university, I had designs
on becoming a pilot. Career
guides recommended Maths and
Physics. Although I had planned
on starting an aviation degree and had undergone
initial interviews and tests for that, my parents recommended a robust general degree. This would give
more flexibility in changing my career plans.
up by the luminaries like Newton and Einstein while
contributing to further advancement of knowledge.
Once I had experienced the scientific industry I was
curious to expand into a mainstream “office environment”. I gained an analyst role at Statistics NZ. From
there further internal positions opened up including
in the Statistical Methods division. Although very
satisfied with my career, I wanted to re-visit my
aviation passion. My sister gave me a “thinking
outside the box” idea to apply to Emirates Airlines to
be cabin crew, based in Dubai. I could test and see if
I wanted that enough to change career and take on
flight training. Customer service, long hours and shift
work was required to enjoy the benefits of visiting
over 40 nations around the world.
I didn’t have any other strong career ideas prior to
university. I enrolled in a BSc in Physics. Once at
university, I discovered other jobs that interested
me. I even swapped to an engineering intermediate
in my second year, but initially and finally, physics
was my choice. The Physics Programme offered quite
a bit of room to add in courses related to different
careers. I explored some Statistics, Operations
Research and Computer Science courses. As I got used
to my subjects I found it an advantage that there were
objective correct answers, although it can be very
frustrating when you can’t arrive at them.
The jump from technical professional to flight
attendant expanded my experience and opened
further doors into aviation. After three years in the
Middle East I returned to NZ and applied for and went
through a demanding multi-stage selection process
to win a position in a sponsored airline cadet pilot
training scheme. Among many thousands of applicants, the combination of Physics and Maths with the
strategic move into the cabin crew position helped my
application stand out. I was successful, subsequently
graduated and gained my first and current position as
a pilot with Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong.
I experienced good teacher-student ratios in 200- and
300-level courses. The staff were very helpful and
accommodating of extra questions. Practical work in
the Physics lab required a bit of extra time on campus
but led to good research training and the experience
of seeing some results for myself. Physics students
also develop written skills through writing lab reports.
I came to enjoy practical research work and this led on
to an Honours year after completion of my BSc.
Although it wasn’t obvious to me when I left school,
studying Physics has not limited me to science or to
one occupation. It has given me the confidence and
flexibility to access a range of employment options.
I have had a rich and exciting career experience
while ultimately landing my original dream job. To
students, I recommend being strategic about adding
in a few courses related to roles that interest you and
gain the recognition and confidence that comes from
being a Physics graduate.
Iwi: Waitaha, Ngai Tahu, Ngati
Kahungunu Second Officer (Pilot), Boeing 777 Cathay Pacific Airways
My motivation snowballed and I planned to begin
a postgraduate course in one of the two subjects I
covered in practical projects during my Honours year
– atmospheric or astrophysics. Astrophysics led to
some amazing opportunities. I worked as an observer
on research telescopes in New Zealand and at the
world class Mauna Kea Observatory on a mountaintop
in Hawaii. The results allowed me to contribute to
research papers, collaborate with astronomers from
some great institutions and attend conferences. I was
a scientist in my own right.
Studying Physics gives you skills in aspects of
hard-core science and maths and the confidence
to tackle anything numerical in future employment. You can make use of the knowledge base built
Annette Koo
Research Scientist Measurement Standards
Laboratory Callaghan Innovation
Physics was always my most
difficult subject at school, and
because of that the most satisfying to conquer, to understand.
Maths on the other hand was
simply beautiful. For my first degree I did a double
major in the two subjects, but it was Physics that
really held my interest so I carried on and did an
Honours year in just Physics.
©VUW Career Development and Employment
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CAREER VIEW
I was fortunate enough to get a summer job at Industrial Research Limited (IRL) [now Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand’s advanced technical institute]
during the summer after my Honours year, and met
Joe Trodahl (Victoria University professor of Physics)
with whom I started a PhD the following year. I
studied a photosensitive semiconductor, GaN and
while I may not have created any waves in the scientific community with my research, I did learn a lot
about myself and about the processes of science.
For three years after my PhD I worked as a postdoctoral fellow in Melbourne at the Commonwealth
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
(CSIRO) and then at Monash University, working on
catalysts for solar water splitting. I now have a job in
the Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL). My
job involves holding the standards for New Zealand
in the measurements of reflectance and transmittance
(the fractions of light that are transmitted through
or reflected by surfaces). My day-to-day job involves
mostly research into understanding how to improve
our methods of measuring these, as well as providing
industry with calibration and advice. I’ve interacted with many different industries in New Zealand
including dairy, kiwifruit, pharmaceutical and digital
rendering.
From my degrees in Physics I learned how to learn.
If I put my mind to it I can get my head around
whatever problem is put before me at work and
provide a solution, or at least identify what steps are
required to find it. I think physics students should
relish the difficult subjects. Train yourselves to fight
with the subject until you are satisfied. And don’t be
easily satisfied.
©VUW Career Development and Employment
Halvar Trodhal
Associate McKinsey & Company, New York
When I first began my studies
at Victoria University of
Wellington I had no intention
to complete a degree in physics.
I came into the university with
my heart set on architecture,
although soon enough I had
changed my degree and was pursuing a conjoint
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce and
Administration. I found the conjoint degree program
particularly inspiring as it provided the opportunity to
study the world from two very different perspectives.
I decided on Physics for my BSc in order to develop
and foster a core skill set that is valuable in multiple
fields and disciplines as well as science. These
valuable and transferable skills – namely critical and
analytical thinking, complex problem solving, and
communications – provide a strong foundation that
many employers recognise and appreciate in potential
employees. This broad applicability has been particularly evident to me as I transitioned into the business
world with the consulting firm McKinsey & Co.,
after completing a PhD in Physics at Harvard University. I now apply the skills I used in the lab to break
down and analyse large scientific questions, to solve
complex problems for companies in multiple sectors
and across various functions.
For anyone considering what to study in tertiary
education, the fields of science are particularly distinctive; they demonstrate an ability to take an objective
perspective and dive deep into the process of inquiry
in order to gain understanding of complex and
interrelated systems. Because of its analytical rigour
physics lays an excellent foundation for many alternative career choices, both within and outside of the
scientific realm. I would encourage anyone pursuing
an undergraduate degree to take the opportunity to
understand what disciplines they find most inspiring.
Breadth of experience is particularly important as it
provides insight into areas you find most energising
as well as multiple lenses through which to view the
world. For me the conjoint BSc/BCA programme
provided this breadth, for others this breadth could be
through multiple majors within a degree or the wise
use of elective classes. (Note: the BCA degree is now
called a BCom – Bachelor of Commerce)
CAREER VIEW
Michael Reid
Sean Buchanan
Consultant Argonaut Ltd
Electronic Engineer Magritek
Ever since I was young I was
fascinated by science fiction,
both in the form of books and
classic films such as Star Wars
and Star Trek. At the same time
NASA was doing amazing things
like the Skylab space station and
the Voyager probes were sent to the edge of our Solar
System and beyond. I was inspired to learn more about
how both the Universe and technology worked and I
found out that many of the scientists doing all the cool
stuff where called physicists. I chose to study at Victoria
because it was close to my hometown and I could still
keep in touch with many of my great friends who
worked in Wellington.
My programme of study was
initially motivated by curiosity.
I find it satisfying to try to
understand how things work
and physics satisfies this at a
fundamental level. I didn’t have
a career plan when I began my
degree and I was just following on from a subject I
enjoyed at school.
I did a PhD in astrophysics as part of the joint New
Zealand-Japanese Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) project based at New Zealand’s observatory in Tekapo. The MOA project looked for Dark Matter
in the Galaxy and also for planets orbiting stars other
than our Sun. This project was successful and has discovered several extra-solar planets as it continues its search.
The great thing I found about studying physics is that
it uses so many other fields and I picked up many skills
such as computer programming, electronics, analytical
thought, technical writing, working in an international
team, applied mathematics, problem solving and, of
course, gaining a great understanding of the world
around us. By picking up such a wide array of skills I
found I could take any of many different career paths
when I graduated.
As a physicist the way I approach problems has proven
very valuable when solving business problems and
allowed me to run my own business where I consult on
software development to businesses. Each day there
are new and different things to solve, from visualizing
customer feedback and business performance, programming radars and devices for traffic flow monitoring,
to helping a Mäori artist bring her vision of a modern
moving tukutuku panel to reality.
For those contemplating studying Physics at Victoria
I can certainly recommend it – not only can you do
interesting things during your study (finding planets!)
you will also be able to do interesting things once you
graduate. If you develop a broad skill set such as written
and verbal communication skills, computer programming
skills as well as the core academic physics and mathematics, you’ll find many career paths are open to you.
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I was still curious after a three year BSc so I stuck
around for an Honours year. After this I began my
Master’s thesis on the electrical properties of sea ice.
This applied one of my favorite aspects of physics (electromagnetic theory) to try and understand a material
with real environmental significance. I got to spend
time in the field in the Arctic and the Antarctic in this
pursuit. I am immensely proud of what I achieved
during my Master’s course and the time I spent in the
field was the highlight of my time at Victoria.
A university education in general teaches self-management and critical thinking. I think Physics courses
ingrain a good methodology for accessing and solving
technical problems, which is of benefit in my current
job. During my postgraduate years I developed
excellent analytical skills and learnt technical writing.
I was also given a lot of freedom to direct my own
research. I spent time familiarising myself with
methods and techniques within and beyond the scope
of my project. Degrees are what you make of them.
Skills are at least as important as content and they were
something other than a bound thesis that I could take
away from university.
I currently work for a company called Magritek that
develops and sells nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
systems. I am involved in building, testing and developing these systems. The company spun off from a
research group based across the hall from where I sat
at Victoria. I don’t think proximity got me the job.
My employment was based on the skills I had and the
capability I had demonstrated with my MSc. This is
my first real job.
I don’t think I have a career yet. In many respects I
found it difficult to leave university and find work.
There are always a lot of PhD research positions
available but I did not encounter many jobs tailored
to my skill set in the private sector. Make sure you
have more than quantum mechanics to offer to an
employer!
©VUW Career Development and Employment
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CAREER VIEW
PHYSICS AT VICTORIA
Physics courses are taught within the School of
Chemical and Physical Sciences. A Bachelor of Science
(BSc) major in Physics covers all the essential aspects
of classical and contemporary physics including:
classical mechanics, relativity, quantum mechanics,
nuclear and atomic physics, condensed matter,
electromagnetism, thermal physics and statistical
mechanics. Physics graduates are able to apply the
principles and concepts of physics to problem solving
in a wide range of situations, and are able to communicate scientific ideas clearly in both verbal and
written form. The principles of physics are essential
in many applied disciplines such as engineering,
architecture, environmental studies and information
technology.
In addition to the BSc major in Physics, the School
also offers a major in Applied Physics. The Applied
Physics major includes the application of physics to,
for example, the environment, energy issues, electronics and modern materials science.
Physics courses also contribute significantly to the BSc
majors in Geophysics and Electronics and Computer
Systems which are administered by the School of
Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and
the School of Engineering and Computer Science
respectively.
The School is a leader in many areas of physics
research, including optical studies of liquids and
solids; physics of soft materials; magnetic resonance
and MRI techniques; surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy; nanotechnology and nanoscale physics;
electronic and magnetic properties of solids including
semi-conductors, super-conductors and conducting
polymers; specialist optical and cup x-ray phosphorescent glasses; Antarctic and environmental physics;
geomagnetism; astrophysics; theoretical physics and
educational physics.
Research collaborations with other New Zealand and
overseas universities, research institutes and technology companies see the School of Chemical and
Physical Sciences well placed in the international
science community.
Victoria University has strong links with the many
Wellington-based Crown Research Institutes,
Wellington Hospital and the Carter and Mount John
Observatories. Many postgraduate students have their
research projects co-supervised by scientists from these
institutes and benefit from their expertise and the
state of the art facilities available to them. The School
also hosts the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced
Materials and Nanotechnology. The Institute is one
of the New Zealand Centres of Research Excellence
and the only one covering chemistry, physics and
materials science.
The School is highly committed to the success of their
students and academic staff take a personal interest
in the progress of each one. All students give presentations as part of their study and are encouraged to
attend and participate in national and international
conferences. Research supervisors hold regular group
meetings and students are also encouraged to attend
relevant lectures and seminars within the University.
Part-time students may carry out some research at
their place of work and distance supervision for full
and part-time students is also possible. Additionally,
students may visit other national or international
laboratories to complete part of their studies.
The School offers a number of postgraduate qualifications to suit the objectives and backgrounds of
prospective students, including:
Postgraduate Certificate in Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Special thanks to:
The School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, in particular Prof Uli Zuelicke and Prof John Spencer;
graduates Sean Buchanan, Annette Koo, Michael Reid, Tiri Sullivan, Halvar Trodhal; and all those people
who contributed to this publication.
Career View is published by Career Development and Employment
Victoria University of Wellington, Te Whare Wananga o te Upoko o te Ika a Maui
PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, Tel: 64-4-463 5393, Fax 64-4-463 5252
www.victoria.ac.nz/careers
December 2012
ISSN 1172-4315
©VUW Career Development and Employment