Through the Major in Physics (our "General Physics Track"), the department strives to fill a critical need for science teachers in Alabama and nationwide. Students interested in promoting STEM literacy and leading a new generation of physics students through a career in teaching are a great fit for this track. They will find a community of physics and science teachers in training through our partnership with UABTeach and UAB’s STEM Education Center. In addition, this track is suitable for students considering a career in business or law, including an MBA or patent law.

The Advanced Track prepares students for graduate studies in physics or related fields, such as engineering. The curriculum includes a sequence of conceptually challenging courses that build on the basics of core themes.

The courses studied in this track help students develop quantitative and analytic problem-solving skills that enable them to adapt to the changing career landscape and find employment in new and emerging fields. Available electives range from theoretical topics such as differential geometry and tensor calculus to those with more experimental applications like spectroscopy and laser technologies.

Departmental research opportunities train advanced physics students to target problems that blur the boundaries between physics and engineering, photonics, biomedicine, and materials sciences. This experience goes beyond the classroom to prepare them for a physics research career in today’s interdisciplinary research environment.

The Applied Track is primarily designed for those who want to develop the problem-solving skills to pursue careers in applied physics or engineering. This track is ideal for those interested in solving the many technological problems that exist in today’s world. While engineering focuses on well-defined techniques and applied physics generally concentrates on the development of new technologies, both sectors use practical scientific applications to benefit society.

The applied track builds on the foundations of the basic curriculum and explores the use of physics in industry and other technological enterprises. Students interested in pursuing revolutionary breakthroughs in topics like fiber optics and nanotechnology are best suited for this track. Students interested in careers in engineering, the automotive industry, biomedical sciences, or graduate school in engineering.

Much of the research in this field has resulted in new and improved technology, including applications in medicine, engineering, photonics, energy, and defense.

Students who select the Computational Track will develop expertise in the areas of simulation of physical processes, data and experimental analysis, and mathematical reasoning. These valuable skills are essential components of modern research in particle physics, condensed-matter physics, astrophysics, fluid mechanics, quantum field theory, quantum chromodynamics, and plasma physics.

This curriculum not only focuses on advanced topics in physics, but also its relationship with computer science and mathematics. The use of algorithms and simulations to solve complex problems will prepare students for careers related to computer applications, such as computer modeling, investment banking, or the automotive industry.

This track aims to prepare students for new opportunities offered by developments in data sciences and exascale computing and is best suited for those hoping to pursue jobs in banking and finance, information science, and big data. Opportunities at large tech companies are rapidly expanding for students pursuing a concentration in computational physics.

The Biophysics track offers a balanced mix of physics, chemistry, biology, and math courses and prepares students for careers in biology and medicine. The curriculum explores the ideas, instrumentation, and computational models of physics to understand living things and biological problems.

Research in this field ranges from the study of bodily systems to that of individual molecules and often has an enormous impact on medical technology. Methods like fluorescent imaging, electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and spectroscopy are utilized in the field of biophysics in order to answer questions that affect the daily lives of individuals.

While many students planning to attend medical school pursue their bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry, the average physics major scores much higher on the MCAT exam than students from either of these programs. The problem-solving skills and complex understanding of science and technology learned in the biophysics track is ideal for those seeking entrance into top medical schools.

However, the study of biophysics and its applications extend far beyond hospitals and doctor’s offices. Students interested in pursuing careers in cell biology, public health, pharmaceutical R&D, and many others will also find success after graduating from this program.