Physics is the science of the physical world at its most fundamental and general levels. It covers the mechanical laws governing the motion of objects, the laws of electromagnetism that give rise to electricity, magnetism, and light, the origin of heat and temperature, and the quantum laws governing atoms and sub-atomic particles.
Applied Physics is a discipline specializing in the applications of physics to technology. The work of applied physicists has led to the invention of important technologies such as semiconductor electronics, lasers, high-capacity hard disks, light-emitting quantum dots used in next-generation display screens, and more.
At the Division of Physics and Applied Physics, our undergraduate degree programmes equip students with broadly useful skills including scientific programming, methods for formulating and testing quantitative models, and the use of state-of-the-art equipment such as laser optics, microfluidic devices, and nanofabrication instruments. Our graduates have found rewarding jobs in R&D, software development, education, and many other professional positions.
I work at a local company developing custom machine vision solutions for inspecting very specific products, for which there is no off-the-shelf solution. During my time as a Physics and Applied Physics student, apart from learning physics theories, there were plenty of practical opportunities: lab, research, projects, and more. These helped to develop my skills in troubleshooting, data analysis, and critical thinking. This kind of learning experience is critically important for the modern world of multidisciplinary science and engineering.”
BSc (Hons) in Physics, Class of 2011
Optics Engineer, Emage Vision