Course summary

Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory and leads to great discoveries about how the world works. Physics is the most fundamental of sciences. At its most basic, it is about explaining and predicting what happens in the physical universe. This covers topics so vast they don’t get much bigger, such as "How the universe has evolved into its present state?" to topics of daily importance such as "Will the car I’m in stay on the road as it corners?" or "Will an artificial hip joint last as long as the patient?" Physics encompasses the study of the Universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles and is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy. Discoveries in Physics make possible technological innovations like transistors and the microchip, computers and lasers which in turn change our lives. With a Physics degree therefore, you are qualified to enter a vast variety of careers. Graduates become involved in meteorology, medical physics, environmental monitoring, astronomy, particle physics, geophysics, materials science, invention, design, teaching and even financial modelling. Staff in the Department of Physics have a wide range of research interests ranging from understanding the fundamental nature of the universe with research into quantum gravitational theories through to solid state physics (understanding the atomic structure of complex materials and semiconductor device physics). There is also a large number of researchers working at the interface between physics and other disciplines or applying mathematical modelling skills to understanding problems in the life sciences such as epidemiology (e.g. spread of infectious diseases) or systems biology. We are ranked 6th in the UK for Physics - The Guardian University Guide 2022.