Physics

Physics is a hugely important subject. Understanding physics gives insight in to how the world around us works - from the sub-atomic scale to the large-scale structures of the Universe.

Physics is a subject that adapts well to an ever-changing environment, and that is why physicists are highly sought-after in the professional world. Physics also stands for innovation, for ideas and outcomes that were not planned. It is exactly this aspect of the subject that produces leadership and advantage in the commercial world. Neither the transistor nor the world-wide web were planned - these ‘inventions' happened because physicists were enthusiastic about what they did.

Oxford has one of the largest Physics departments in the UK. The ~180 undergraduates in each year are reading for either a three-year (BA) or a four-year Master in Physics (MPhys) degree. The four-year course is intended primarily for those who wish to pursue a career in science.

Professor Hans Kraus researches the nature of ‘Dark Matter' in the Universe, has an interest in CP-violation, and develops new detectors for future experiments in particle-astrophysics. Professor Michael Johnston investigates the properties of quantum-confined systems, especially optical and electronic processes occurring on a femtosecond timescale.

Students who have graduated in Physics follow a wide variety of careers. Recent Corpus graduates have gone into various branches of Physics, but also into computing and information technology, banking, business, teaching, patent offices, aviation and consultancy firms.

Former Subject Ambassador David writes: "I think what drew me the most to the Oxford physics course is the range of topics that it covers, and the balance between practical and theoretical topics within the subject. In the first year the content is split 50/50 between maths and physics, covering fundamental topics such as electromagnetism, classical mechanics, linear algebra and vector calculus. By studying this large range of topics, you are able to find the parts of physics you are really interested in, which can then be developed further in tutorials. Tutorials are one of my favourite parts of the course, as you are taught by professional researchers, who can discuss how the physics is being used in their labs"