The problem that we (the departments of physics) face is how to prepare physics undergraduates for a future career in such diverse fields as accountancy, geophysics, industrial technical management, computer science etc. There is a growing awareness that not only the core knowledge in physics and mathematics must be taught but also a wide range of "transferable skills" to make that learning effective in the world of work. Traditionally, the physics students wither worked alone or sometimes with one partner in the laboratory. However, physicists in industry will often find themselves within multidisciplinary teams tackling problems on very tight timescales. As a consequence, physics students are now often given the opportunity to work in small teams for problem solving and to see that the "best" solution is usually the most expedient solution given practical time and cost constraints rather than a theoretically ideal solution.
In the UK there are some 85 departments of physics offering different degree schemes. Unfortunately, the percentage of students nationally who want to study physics at university is still falling steadily (and sadly only 20% of the undergraduate intake are women). Why are we in this situation? Is it a perception that it is a difficult theoretical subject and far removed from the "world of work"? Changes are occurring in the way the subject is taught and its structure. For example, a recent development has been the "Year in Industry" scheme in which (mainly engineering) students have taken a paid year in industry before starting a university course. Not many realise that this scheme is also applicable to physics students-and it is certainly worth looking at.
The typical three year BSc degree scheme is now being commented by four year Mphys or MSci degree schemes. These four year schemes are offered to those students who show a particular flair for Physics and Maths or Physics and Computer Science.
Physics has always been, and is becoming, more international and there are now many schemes that offer the chance to study abroad for one semester or one whole academic year-either in Europe (the Socrates programme) or North America. The year abroad happens in year three so students who opt for such a course will usually study the appropriate language for their first two years. Not only does this add another skill and prepare them for their studies abroad but any credit gained will also count towards their degree.
Most courses give the student experience in the use of computers in modelling, in controlling experiments, in using spreadsheets and word processing of reports. The industrial physicist required for the new millennium needs all of these skills and, in addition, must be flexible. He or she must have the confidence to use the latest technology, to choose the appropriate measurement device for the task in hand, to try alternatives, to communicate effectively with others, to justify his/her decisions, to use statistics effectively and to be able to interpret date correctly. Because of the number of hours of contact time with staff and the amount of work in a typical physics degree scheme, our students also have to manage their time effectively and maintain a conscientious approach their studies.
It is amazing to think that, in every historical era, clever people have claimed that as 95% of all knowledge about the natural world has now been discovered, there is no reason for studying fundamental science anymore. Yet we are constantly being made aware of exciting new discoveries which test our current state of knowledge. New techniques for making original measurements are being devised e.g. novel microscopies which give insight into the physical world at the nanoscale (scanning tunnelling microscopes) or which enable reconstruction in 3D of material structures (confocal laser scanning microscopes). Innovative telescope designs enable us to make astrophysical discoveries which challenge our preconceived ideas of our place in the universe and our interpretation of the fantastic energetic processes in objects like quasars, Theoretical physicists are still attempting to fit all of the forces in the physical world into one grand unifying scheme.
Don't worry, there will be no shortage of fundamental issues for you to investigate after completing your physics undergraduate course!
