From fundamental particles like quarks and leptons, through anti-matter, the quantum world, superconductivity, semiconductors and lasers, to the shape of the universe as a whole, Physics covers it all! Physics is, of course, the study of the natural world and aims to understand, to quantify, to predict and to exploit its behaviour.

In doing so physicists have changed the way we live, from the industrial revolution to the more recent telecommunications, electronics and information revolutions. Physics continues to tackle problems on the frontiers of knowledge, to which today's answers will affect the way we live tomorrow. Such an exciting and extensive subject requires a suitable training ground; Swansea's Physics Department offers just that!

Careers

Whether you wish to be a research scientist, a meteorologist or a financial trader, as a physics graduate you will benefit from the rigorous treatment of the subject and acquire a portfolio of attributes such as analytical techniques, computing and IT skills, numeracy, problem solving, communication skills, intuition and logic. These qualities make physicists particularly sought-after in the employment sector, with graduate physicists being the most valued. Swansea physics graduates have proven to have wide ranging options and a few examples include; laser industry, the financial sector, air traffic control, The BBC, science journalism, web programming and The RAF.

Research:

Swansea physics graduates are more fortunate than most, gaining unique insights into exciting cutting-edge areas of physics due to the specialized research interests of all the teaching staff. This combined with a great staff-student ratio enables individual supervision in advanced final year research projects. Projects range from superconductivity and nano-technology to superstring theory and anti-matter. The success of this programme is apparent in the large proportion of our M.Phys. students who seek to continue with postgraduate programmes in research.

Excellence:

At Swansea, students will find excellent facilities coupled with enthusiastic and skilled teaching. This was confirmed by the visit of a panel of academics from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) who assessed all aspects of teaching in the department, attending lectures, lab sessions and tutorials, and talking to students. Their verdict? The quality of education in Physics at Swansea University is approved and is judged to be worthy of recognition and reward-This is the highest possible grading, and can be summarised in a single word: "EXCELLENT!" We remain the only "Excellent" Physics Department in Wales.