Physics - Louisiana State University - System Office

Physics from Louisiana State University - System Office is a Campus Bachelor Physics degree that prepares you for a Science career. What is Physics? Physics is about understanding how the universe around us and within us works, from the smallest scales imaginable to the entire universe. It is the most basic and fundamental of the sciences, and underpins many other sciences, such as astronomy, chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and even biology. Physics challenges our imaginations with concepts like relativity and string theory, and it leads to great discoveries, like computers and lasers, that change our lives. Buckeyball Physicists identify the fundamental particles of which the universe is made, and the laws, such as quantum physics and relativity that determine how they interact with each other. They study how these particles can assemble into atomic nuclei and how these nuclei combine with electrons to form atoms and molecules such as the "buckyball" shown on the left. They explore how radiation (such as laser light) interacts with atoms and molecules and how atoms can assemble into larger structures such as crystals. Applied physicists seek to take this knowledge and devise useful applications to society. Materials scientists develop semi-conductors, super-conductors, and nano-structures, like the nano-wires. Medical and health physicists monitor the effects of radiation on the body and develop techniques to image inside our bodies using radiation and treat cancers. Astronomers and astrophysicists apply physics to understand how planets, stars, galaxies, and indeed the whole universe works. Observational astronomers use telescopes on the ground and on satellite to study radiation from astronomical objects: extra-solar planets, black holes, neutron stars, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and quasars are some of the exciting objects challenging our understanding of the universe. The image of the Dumbell Nebula shown at right was made using our own Highland Road Park Observatory. What Can You Do with a Physics Degree? A physics degree is a gateway to many opportunties. Continuing to graduate study and ultimately research in physics or astronomy is only the tip of the iceberg, although an LSU physics degree will provide an excellent foundation for such a career path. Many physicists instead seek employment outside the academic sector in industrial physics applications or engineering. A large proportion actually end up working in computing and information technology, as the problem solving, numerical analysis, and programming skills learned in a physics degree are very applicable there. There are many less obvious career paths from a physics degree too. Physicists are actively recruited by the financial sector as modeling stock markets requires many of the same skills and techniques as modeling physical systems. A physics degree , coupled with a pre-med track, is an excellent preparation for medical school, or a career in medical and health physics. A physicist who continues to law school is ideally qualified to work in patent law. Physicists can find employment in journalism, whether for specialist scientific journals or major newspapers. Physics Concentration The Physics Concentration is the primary concentration for physics majors interested in traditional areas of physics and uses elective hours to explore advanced physics topics in more detail. It is intended to provide a solid basis for graduate study in physics as well as a launching point for the many other careers available to a physics graduate. View more details on Louisiana State University - System Office . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Physics courses.