Career Profiles

Career Profiles

Physics

Studying Physics

What is Physics?

Physics can be defined as the science of matter and energy, and of interactions between the two. Physics deals with the physical properties, interactions, processes or laws governing these interactions, consisting of the study of the natural world and phenomena.

Physicists want to thoroughly understand how the world works, in every detail and at the deepest level. This includes everything from elementary particles, to nuclei, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, living cells, solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, living organisms, the human brain, complex systems, supercomputers, the atmosphere, planets, stars, galaxies and the universe itself. Physicists study many of today's important scientific and technological questions, developing new instrumentation, refining measurement techniques, and modelling. The latter make up the discipline of applied physics. With mathematics and chemistry it is commonly known as an 'enabling science' because it forms the basis for many of the professional disciplines and, increasingly, in commerce.

Why Study Physics?

The study of Physics is traditionally grouped into fields such as acoustics, optics, mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism, as well as in modern extensions including atomic and nuclear physics, cryogenics, solid-state physics, particle physics and plasma physics. There are a number of reasons to study physics, not only to enhance career prospects, but also for reasons of personal development:

Want to read more about careers for Physics graduates? Download a complete copy of Careers in Physics below: