Physics, mathematics, and philosophy are the foundation of all the modern sciences. Traditionally physics has been considered the study of how things work, but over the past century it has expanded into much more than that.
A bit before the turn of the twentieth century we had an excellent understanding of mechanical systems and the laws of electricity and magnetism. Some physicists thought that there was little else to learn. And then with the study of atoms and the cosmos increasing in importance, it was obvious that there was a huge universe of knowledge waiting to be discovered.
The first few decades of the twentieth century produced relativity theories, quantum mechanics, an understanding of the internal structure of atoms, and a realization that our universe is huge and it is expanding.
The realm of physics has expanded over the years into the other sciences giving rise to areas such as biophysics, astrophysics, geophysics, psychophysics, chemical physics, mathematical physics, etc. Each of these areas has its individual frontier of basic research, while traditional physics has continued to pursue its own fundamental questions.
Some of the current exciting areas under investigation in the world of physics include the following:
- The structure and evolution of our knowable universe, the field of cosmology.
- The behavior of matter at extreme low temperature which includes superconductivity and a phenomenon known as a Bose-Einstein Condensate.
- The fundamental structure of matter at scales smaller than the atom. This includes the highly-publicized discovery of the Higgs Boson.
- The study of exotic matter such as graphene (a two dimensional substance), carbon nanotubes, and other nanoparticles.
- The application of advanced optics to better image biological samples.
Physics is also important in its relation to engineering and the design of instruments and other devices and in the understanding of processes. Many new companies have been created by entrepreneurial physicists with good ideas.
The University of Colorado Denver Physics Department is committed to providing a unique education in physics, a science that is important for all of the natural sciences and for a wide range of technologies. Physics majors engage one-on-one with our faculty members in laboratories and research experiences. Our department has connections to industry and research centers.
A physics degree can lead to post-graduate study or employment with opportunities to advance knowledge, innovate new products and processes, and achieve far-reaching impact in both local and international communities. We look for students with an active mind. We help our students develop curiosity, imagination, problem-solving and communication skills, and acquire practical knowledge. Physics should be a versatile, challenging, and rewarding undertaking.
Our department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and minors in Physics, Biophysics, and Astrophysics. If you think that physics might be the right career for you please schedule a visit to our department. Call us at 303.315.7380 or email physics@ucdenver.edu to make an appointment.