Discipline of Physics, University of Tasmania, Research

Physics Research

Astrophysics
Staff and students at the University of Tasmania are involved in a wide variety of astrophysical research including radio astronomy, optical astronomy and cosmic ray physics. In particular, the group has a long history of expertise in radio astronomy which is underpinned by the two radio observatories owned and operated by the University of Tasmania. These two radio observatories, the Mt Pleasant Radio Observatory and the Ceduna Observatory comprise 40% of Australia's Very Long Baseline Interferometric (VLBI) network and provide researchers and students at UTAS with a unique opportunity to conduct cutting edge research. In addition to the radio observatories we also operate the Mt Canopus Optical Observatory outside of Hobart which is open to both researchers and students. For more information about astrophysical research at UTAS or student opportunities please click here.

Theoretical Physics
The Theoretical Physics Group carries out research work in High Energy Physics with a particular emphasis on symmetry properties of elementary particles and quantum field gauge theories. The broad interests of the group are reflected in the range of topics supervised in recent years, ranging from quantum electrodynamics in D dimensions, theoretical and experimental work on model dynamical systems to Bell’s theorem and the foundations of quantum theory and path integral methods in quantum mechanics. At MSc and PhD level, research projects centre on gauge theory and supersymmetry, which embraces all physically accepted theories: quantum electrodynamics (electromagnetic forces), chromodynamics (the colour force between quarks), flavourdynamics (weak and hadronic forces between hadrons) and gravitation (in the context of general relativity). More information on the theory group can be found here.

Biophysics
Biophysics is an exciting discipline which uses techniques of physics to improve our understanding of living and natural systems. The biophysics group at the University of Tasmania is prinicipally concerned with investigations of the nutrient uptake of plants. The group is responsible for the development of a ground breaking microelectrode ion flux measurement technique and the associated "MIFE" system which has been sold to other research institutions. For further information on the group and its research please contact Dr Ian Newman.