Stockholm university

Physics

As a physicist you have a drive to understand the laws of nature controlling our world. You want to know why atoms are bonded together to form molecules, why the sky is blue, and why the universe is expanding. A deep understanding of fundamental physics is necessary in order to be able to answer questions like these.

Subject description

Physics is the science describing phenomena in nature, ranging from the smallest components of matter to the largest structures in the universe. The discoveries in modern physics have allowed breakthroughs in many diverse and varied fields including electronics, computer technologies, material physics, medical diagnostics and energy research, discoveries that underpin modern society.

Studying physics at Stockholm University gives you the tools and the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of fundamental physics: to investigate and test the underlying laws of physics through advanced theoretical problems, experimental measurements, and computer simulations.

At the Department of Physics, there is a close connection between teaching and research. Each member of staff is an active researcher at the department, where new and exciting research findings and the methodology of undertaking research are used to strengthen the teaching activities. There is emphasis on small-group teaching, discussion and peer-review with your fellow students, and interaction with teachers. You will be trained in solving problems of a theoretical and experimental character.

There is a bachelor programme in Physics where the courses in the 3rd year are offered in English. These are courses in modern physics that also attract exchange students.

With a bachelor degree in Physics, you can study a master’s programme in Physics. We offer three different masters’ programmes: Physics, Theoretical Physics, and Computational Physics. In the master’s programme in physics, you will be trained to develop carefully controlled experiments to allow for measurements of new physical phenomena, and to confirm or invalidate new theories. In the Theoretical Physics programme, you will focus on areas ranging from string theory and quantum phenomenon to general relativity and cosmology. Finally, the Computational Physics programme will train and equip you with the numerical methods necessary to solve challenging problems in many different fields of physics.

Career opportunities

With a degree in physics, there is a broad job market open for you both in Sweden and internationally. It is your competence in general problem solving that is attractive to employers. In the job market your status is similar to that of an engineer. Examples of tasks an employer expects a physics graduate to undertake could be to develop models, improve measuring methods or to perform calculations or simulations.

Your analytical ability is a much sought-after skill to employers in high-technology areas. With an undergraduate degree in physics you can also follow a bridging teacher education programme to become a school teacher.

If you are interested in research at Stockholm University, it is possible to continue - after a master’s degree - onto a PhD in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Chemical Physics.

Courses and programmes

Degree

To obtain a bachelor’s degree in Physics you can follow the bachelor’s programme in Physics listed under Education.

To obtain a master’s degree in Physics, you can follow any one of the three master programs: Physics, Theoretical Physics, and Computational Physics.

Research

Research is carried out in different fields of physics at the Department of Physics.  Phenomena we are currently investigating include: dark matter; reaction processes occurring in interstellar molecular clouds and planetary atmospheres where ions collide; the anomalies properties of water; and the fundamental quantum mechanics necessary for construction of the quantum computers of the future.

Fundamental research is carried out both in theoretical as well as experimental physics, and activities are organized into seven research divisions: atomic physics, chemical physics, condensed matter and quantum optics, elementary particle physics, instrumentation physics, and medical radiation physics.

Within each division, research is carried out in smaller groups - often in collaboration with other local, regional or international partners – with each group working both theoretically and experimentally. Each research division has its own website where information on the ongoing research projects is described.

More information can be found at fysik.su.se/english/research