Why Take Physics?


From a practical standpoint, much of modern everyday life and advances in technology are rooted in physics. In physics, we learn valuable critical thinking skills and logical ways of quantifying the natural world. This way of thinking about problems can be very valuable outside of physics in any discipline that involves logical analysis (economics, law, engineering, and architecture, among others). Many branches of science, such as chemistry and biology, rely on basic physical principles.

From an intellectual standpoint, taking physics introduces us to a unique way of looking at the world. Physicists analyze the world using a “first principles” approach. We try to interpret a problem in terms of its simplest pieces and make connections to basic underlying principles in order to fully understand the problem. When we study physics, we learn to express ideas with the clarity and precision of a scientist.

Photo: The Society of Physics Students demonstrates physics fun at the annual Rites to Play festival.