Español

Studies & Degrees in Applied Physics

Choose where you would like to study Applied Physics:

ArgentinaAustraliaFinlandGermanyIndiaIrelandMexicoNepalRussiaSpainSwazilandSwedenThe United StatesUkraine

When Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity convinced the science community of its soundness, and inadvertently, he also gave rise to a slew of different branches in physics, and among them is Applied Physics. Einstein’s main point in his theory was that it was possible that a large amount of energy could be possibly released even from a small amount of matter as illustrated in his equation E=mc2. Physicists took this cue and applied the principle on weaponry and warfare and the atomic bomb was later revealed to the world particularly in Japan, proving that indeed Einstein theory is packed with substance.

Basically, Applied Physics is founded on quantum mechanics, electromagnetic theory, mechanics, statistical physics and advanced mathematics.

In deference to pure physics, Applied Physics, more or less, is concerned with finding practical uses of concepts based on physics and does not concern themselves with formulating theories or explaining a phenomenon like why all things thrown upwards would eventually come down back to the ground or why planets orbit around the sun in a periodic fashion. Although, Applied Physics in general does not concern with the bigger picture or things but still it is a field filled with unlimited possibilities. Right now most physicists specializing in this field are concerned with doing research and development in technological advancements from medicine to space technology. Currently, the field of Applied Physics is burning the midnight oil, so to speak, in coming up with useful technologies on the different branches of physics:

• Accelerator physics – development of medical equipments usually for diagnostic purposes

• Acoustics - researching into developing sound, ultrasound and infrasound technology

• Analog Electronics – usually applied on the development of telecommunications and semiconductors

• Force microscopy and imaging – development of image enhancing equipments from telescopes to atomic microscopes

• Ballistics – development of new kinds of bullets, missiles and other projectiles

• Biophysics – development of medical procedures

• Communication Physics – development of methods of transmitting data

• Control Theory – development of dynamical systems

• Digital Electronics – applied also on telecommunications and semiconductors

• Econophysics – development of financial models using physics

• Fiber Optics – development of glass or plastic fibers and bandwidth technology

• Fluid dynamics – usually applied on aerodynamics and hydrodynamics

• Geophysics – development of cheaper methods in finding petroleum deposits

• Laser physics – development of high precision cutting technology

• Medical physics – applications in medicines like medical imaging and radiotheraphy

• Metrological Physics – development of accurate measuring devices

• Microfluidics - development of products that contains small amounts of fluids from ink-jet printers to micro-propulsion technology

• Nanotechnology – development of miniature mechanized technology

• Nondestructive testing - development of testing methods minimizing damage and risks

• Nuclear engineering – development of alternative sources of energy

• Optics – development of technologies like infrared and ultraviolet rays

• Optoelectronics – development of electronic devices that detect, source and control light

• Photovoltaics – development of solar power cells

• Plasma physics – development of plasma technology

• Semiconductor physics and devices – development of microchips

• Soil Physics – development of methods of maximizing soil properties and development of equipments as well

• Solid state physics

• Spintronics – development of technologies like magnetic storage (computer) and semiconductor technology as well

• Vehicle dynamics - development of automotive technology

Invariably, from the list supplied above, one can surmise that indeed Applied Physics has already contributed a lot to modern-day technological advancements and right now the world is just waiting for the next technological wonder.