Physics

Physics is about questions such as the future supply of energy, the earth's climate, new materials and the origin of the universe. Studies in physics provide fundamental tools to understand the universe, from the incredibly large to the unimaginably small – from solar systems and galaxies via the earth and its climate to atoms and elementary particles. Physics is also needed to understand phenomena in for example chemistry, biology and geoscience.

The subject physics in undergraduate education includes courses in astronomy, physics education, geophysics, nuclear and particle physics, material physics, meteorology, space and plasma physics as well as theoretical physics.

Physics is about questions such as the future supply of energy, the earth's climate, new materials and the origin of the universe. Studies in physics provide fundamental tools to understand the universe, from the incredibly large to the unimaginably small – from solar systems and galaxies via the earth and its climate to atoms and elementary particles. Physics is also needed to understand phenomena in for example chemistry, biology and geoscience.

The subject physics in undergraduate education includes courses in astronomy, physics education, geophysics, nuclear and particle physics, material physics, meteorology, space and plasma physics as well as theoretical physics.

Specialisations in physics

Applied nuclear physics is about exploring and using the properties of atomic nuclei. Applications include extracting energy in nuclear power plants and radiocarbon dating.

Based on observations and theoretical models astronomy aims to map and explore the universe.

Material physics gives an understanding of the fabrication, modelling and characterisation of modern materials.

In materials theory materials are designed using quantum theory, starting from atoms. The goal is to understand and predict new properties of materials, construct new materials with desired properties and be able to calculate the characteristics of materials.

Within nuclear and particle physics the fundamental forces of nature, the elementary particles and nuclei are explored.

In theoretical physics, mathematical models are constructed to describe the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The courses in the subject give an understanding of the mathematical modelling of physical systems and processes.

Physics education gives a general knowledge of physics combined with an understanding of how teaching and learning physics works.

Geophysics uses methods and models from physics to study the origin of the earth, its formation, structure and composition as well as ongoing processes and evolution during geological time.

Meteorology uses physics to study the atmosphere and to understand the weather and climate.

In space and plasma physics the physics of near space, fundamental plasma physics and fusion plasma physics are studied.

Research in physics

Are you curious about research in physics and astronomy? The research at Uppsala University extends from the innermost building blocks of matter through consideration of molecules and materials to the structure and development of stars and the universe.

Research at the Department of Physics and Astronomy