What is Physics?
Humans have always been inquisitive. Since pre-historic times we have tried to understand the world around us. Physics as a discipline encompasses much of this voyage of discovery, from the tiniest sub-atomic particles, through the materials that surround us in our everyday life, to the unimaginably huge, such as galaxies and the universe itself.
Physicists try to understand the structure and interactions between these objects at a fundamental level, through experiments, observations, theoretical models, calculations and simulations. They are also involved in development of new technologies that are often based on recent discoveries from basic research.
Why study physics?
Are you the type of person who takes things to pieces, just to see how they work? Have you every wondered how an airplane stays in the air, or how the planets stay in orbit around the sun, or whence came all the elements that we and the earth around us are made of? Well, physics may be the choice for you.
Studying physics can be very intellectually stimulating. Finally understanding why things happen the way they do, and being able to make predictions that can be tested, can be very fulfilling to an inquisitive mind.
Additionally, a BS in physics can open many doors: to further, more focused research, to jobs in technology and computing, or any field where good analytical skills are required. (See where do graduates work? And by the way, how much do they they paid? in the section below.)
Why study physics at UT?
The physics department at UT has a strong and long-standing reputation for research, with many of the faculty at the cutting edge of their fields. This generates an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement throughout the department. There are strong ties with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), one of the largest government laboratories in the country, including 12 faculty who work jointly at UT and ORNL, and many others who use the facilities there. Many faculty members open up their labs to undergraduates who are interested in working on research projects.
The undergraduate majors lecture groups are typically small and intimate, allowing professors to work with students through the course material. (All courses taught by faculty, not grad students.)
Where do physics graduates work? And by the way, how much do they get paid?
Tennessee's physics graduates have gone on to enjoy careers in medicine, law, teaching, and research. Visit our online alumni directory or read some of our alumnus profiles to get a better idea of where a physics education can take you.
According to the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center, "Individuals with a physics bachelors have, as a group, the fifth highest average salary when compared to all undergraduate majors." (Visit their physics earnings page for more information.)
The American Insitute of Physics Web site also has information on Where Physics Bachelors Work, their Predominant Work Activities, and Typical Starting Salaries. Visit the American Physical Society's Career Center to search for jobs or post a resume.