Physics

THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS Physics - the study of matter, energy and their interactions - is an international enterprise, which plays a key role in the future progress of mankind. The support of physics education and research is important because:  Physics is an exciting intellectual adventure that inspires young people and expands the frontiers of our knowledge about Nature.  Physics generates fundamental knowledge needed for the future technological advances that will continue to drive the economic engines of the world.  Physics contributes to the technological infrastructure and provides trained personnel needed to take advantage of scientific advances and discoveries.  Physics is an important element in the education of chemists, engineers and computer scientists, as well as practitioners of the other physical and biomedical sciences.  Physics extends and enhances our understanding of other disciplines, such as the earth, agricultural, chemical, biological, and environmental sciences, plus astrophysics and cosmology - subjects of substantial importance to all peoples of the world.  Physics improves our quality of life by providing the basic understanding necessary for developing new instrumentation and techniques for medical applications, such as computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasonic imaging, and laser surgery. The year 2005 has been designated the World Year of Physics to recognize physics as a foundation of science. The designation coincides with the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's "miraculous year" of 1905, during which he published papers on the theory of relativity, quantum theory and the theory of Brownian motion, ideas that have profoundly influenced all of modern physics. We are deeply indebted to generations of physicists for the world we understand, our security, our livelihoods and our economic progress. The fruits resulting from the sacrifices of these intellectual giants are ubiquitous. Physics endeavours to understand the underlying laws governing our universe. By better understanding those laws, we can better interact with and harness our environment. Physics doesn't just lead to working in a research laboratory. Physicists:  Design computer games  Monitor the environment  Invent life-saving medical equipment  Make the latest cars the safest ever  Model financial markets  Shape futuristic buildings and structure Physics is useful in everyday situations. Having an awareness of physics can help explain:  Friction, breaks and crashes  How water boils or freezes  How simple machines work.  Working out how fast or slow things go  Predicting where things go and when they get there Careers and job prospects in physics Physics graduates can find employment in a wide range of areas: • Research and Development • Teaching • Computing • Health Sciences • Management and administration • Product Development • Consulting • Sales and Marketing • Actuary • Aeronautical Engineering • Dentist • Doctor • Engineering • Graphic Designer • Pharmacist • Physiotherapist • Pilot • Quantity Surveyor • Radiographer In summary, for all these reasons, physics is an essential part of the educational system and of an advanced society. “Physics today has permeated every strata of life. Be it environment, medicine, communication or space sciences, it has enormously proved its effectiveness for the benefit of mankind”. Physics has something fascinating. "Physics is a very lively science, exciting and ever and anon surprising,” "While physics answers questions about origin and destination of the universe, the structure of matter, and the development of life on our planet, it plays at the same time a key role for new technologies."