The NSW education board is trying to allay concerns physics students are undertaking "dumbed down" courses that have been too "feminised".
Renowned quantum physicist Michelle Simmons has blasted the high school physics curriculum which she claims is leading to ill-equipped university students.
She used an official Australia Day address to recall her horror in discovering courses had been too "feminised" to make it more appealing to girls when she first came to Australia from the UK.
Formula had been substituted with essay-like questions, for example: 'Describe how a nuclear plant impacts society' - rather than a mathematical or experimental assessment of the question.
"It's changed the nature of the subject and dumbed it down," Ms Simmons told 2GB radio on Wednesday, adding it was far from a positive message for teenagers.
"These subjects, both girls and boys can be really good at.
"Doesn't matter who it is, they just have to meet them (international standards)."
But the NSW Education Standards Authority says it's already fixing the issue, with revamped physics and chemistry courses having a greater focus on maths and practical investigations.
"The new courses address the exact concerns expressed by Professor Simmons," it said in a statement.
An extension science course is the works for those wanting to add to their study, while a new investigating science course would be skill-based.
"There has been a reduction in the history/sociology based content and an emphasis on practical investigations."
