What is Applied physics: Definition and 141 Discussions

Applied physics is the application of physics to solve scientific or engineering problems. It is usually considered to be a bridge or a connection between physics and engineering.
"Applied" is distinguished from "pure" by a subtle combination of factors, such as the motivation and attitude of researchers and the nature of the relationship to the technology or science that may be affected by the work. Applied physics is rooted in the fundamental truths and basic concepts of the physical sciences, but is concerned with the utilization of scientific principles in practical devices and systems, and in the application of physics in other areas of science.

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  1. H

    Can applied physicists be CFD analysts

    I am about to graduate with an aerospace engineering degree. I am planning to go into grad school for Applied physics(probably plasma physics), which I find very interesting. But the main reason I joined the aerospace degree was because I was interested in CFD. But since I could't land any...
  2. H

    BS in aerospace MS in applied physics

    I am an international student studying Aerospace engineering in undergrad with a plan to do BS in physics too in US. I am really interested in Fluid mechanics, plasma physics and those stuffs but my university doesn't offer any of those and hence the reason I took aero and physics. But I am...
  3. L

    Researching Reputable Graduate Programs for MS in Applied Physics

    I am looking to find out if my choices of graduate programs for a MS in applied physics are reputable. I was accepted to both CSU long Beach, SFSU, and Fresno.. Does anyone have an opinion on these schools? Is it normal that they don't offer tuition waivers? They are very vague on what they...
  4. S

    Job Market for Applied Physics?

    How's the current job market for Applied Physics? Anyone with an applied physics degree(BS, MS, PhD) on here want to comment? It seems from reading some of the posts in this sub-forum that the overall job market for pure physics or mathematics isn't very good and people are having to apply to...
  5. F

    Bsc Applied Physics, Msc Financial Maths? Worth it?

    So I've been reading that physicists are good candidates for jobs in the financial sector, and there was even huge demand for them on Wall St. a few years ago. After obtaining a BSc in Applied Physics, would it help securing a job in the financial sector by having an MSc in Financial...
  6. M

    Engineering Physics vs. Applied Physics

    Hi all, I'm currently an undergraduate going into my third year enrolled in a 3/2 dual degree physics/engineering program at a state school in Wisconsin. This will be my last year studying physics and I will then transfer over to UW-Madison to study nuclear engineering. I am particularly...
  7. F

    Is there a negative stigma with applied physics

    I'm currently a physics major. I plan to study robotics engineering in grad school (haven't decided if I'll do it through ME, EE, CS, or a robotics specific program). I've recently realized, though, that if I change my major to applied physics, I'll be able to take electives that will be more...
  8. M

    Applied Physics Major with Minor in SysCon .where do I fit in?

    I am studying Applied Physics at the undergraduate level right now, and I have recently become interested in Systems and Control Engineering. I am working in a student robotics lab, and do a lot of SCE (Systems and Control Engineering) - related work there. I understand that SCE has direct...
  9. laramman2

    Is this a good applied physics curriculum?

    The program is called 'Applied Physics major in Instrumentation' The courses of the program are (in no particular order) Math: College Algebra Trigonometry Analytic Geometry Calc I Calc II Vector Calculus Differential Equations Linear Algebra Probability and Statistics...
  10. F

    Difference Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, traditional engineer

    Hi, what is the difference between engineering physics, applied physics, traditional engineering(mech E, elec E)? Thanks!
  11. B

    Applied physics, theoretical physics and engineering

    I have a question regarding the different fields I mentioned in the title. What exactly are the differences? I'm currently majoring in mechanical engineering, with plans of going into aerospace engineering. However, I was wondering what different fields are involved in coming up with new...
  12. P

    Applied Physics vs Physics: What's the Difference?

    what is the difference between these two programs? Does applied lean more on being an experimental physicists?
  13. K

    Is an Applied Physics Major Employable?

    My university offers an Applied Physics major with seven specialties: atmospheric physics, chemical physics, computational physics, geophysics, materials science, physical electronics or physical oceanography. I could also pursue a B.S./M.S. degree in electrical engineering if I choose the...
  14. A

    Moving from electrical engineering to applied physics.

    I have completed a bachelor in electrical engineering. Because of my interest in physics I have decided to move to applied physics and I have been accepted for a Master program ''Physical Energy and measurement engineering'' from a prestigious technical university in Europe, of course with some...
  15. B

    Suggestions for applied physics in europe

    Hi all, First of all to give a background about myself I am having a bachelors in Electronics and Comm Engineering from India with 2+ years of experience in control systems, embedded systems and vlsi. I would like to pursue my masters in applied physics and would like to go for either...
  16. N

    Programs Language for an Applied Physics major

    I just started at my four year university, after doing my AA at a community college simply to save some money and get my gen ed requirements out of the way as much as I could. However, the university I started at has a language requirement in order to graduate. I only have to take 2 semesters...
  17. N

    Programs Physics major for applied physics career?

    If I was to major in physics in college, could I get a job in applied physics? If yes, would I need my PhD?
  18. J

    Still one school year left , I think it will be applied physics

    still one school year left , I think it will be "applied physics" Well anyone would normally pursue an engineering career in my school , especially in the "General sciences" section . I first considered doing Astrophysics , but having seen how incompatible it is with what I thought it would be...
  19. O

    Programs Master's Degree in Applied Physics?

    I'm sorry if this has been discussed before. I've searched for a thread about this topic, but I haven't found anything that directly answered my question. I will be studying engineering physics at Ohio State this fall and I'm not entirely sure if I will need graduate school to get the most out...
  20. B

    Applied physics Vs Engineering?

    Dear all, I basically did my bachelors in electronics and communication engineering and currently working as embedded design engineer(2 yrs of experience). However I felt that I really wanted to do physics for my graduation. But I am confused between applied physics and pure physics. How does...
  21. N

    Applied physics to theoretical

    Okay, so, the college I will probably attend is more of a applied physics program. If I want to go on to study particle physics or even theoretical physics would I have a chance if my bachelors is in applied physics? I talked with the head of physics and he said they have a combined math...
  22. A

    Can you get into archeology after studying applied physics?

    I'm planning on doing a BSc in applied physics next year, but my real passion has always been history and archeology. The reason I chose for applied physics and not history or archeology is because the odds of getting a good job after the study are much greater. Now I was wondering, what are...
  23. A

    Can you get into archeology with a study applied physics?

    I'm planning on doing a BSc in applied physics next year, but my real passion has always been history and archeology. The reason I chose for applied physics and not history or archeology is because the odds of getting a good job after the study is much greater. Now I was wondering, what are...
  24. N

    Engineering Engineering and Applied Physics

    Hi everyone, i was asking myself , can engineers be considered applied physicist ?
  25. S

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering to Applied Physics

    Here's my current story: I'm at CC right now double majoring in Physics and Engineering Science. When I transfer (Rutgers) I will continue to Mechanical Engineering and plan to continue Physics as a minor. I am highly interested in Mech. Engineering and I love physics, I would major in...
  26. E

    Theoretical or Experimental Applied Physics?

    Hello everyone, I'm considering becoming an Applied Physicist. I just need some help. Here are the questions I would like answered. -What would a Theoretical Applied Physicist research? -What would a Experimental Applied Physicist research? -Which one would have more of a likely...
  27. W

    3-2 B.S. in Applied Physics and Engineering

    Everyone on this website probably gets this question a lot, or something like it. But, I'm currently enrolled in a 3-2 program which allows you to get a B.S. in Applied Physics then a B.S. in your selected engineering field. The problem is Penn State, the school in which I would get my...
  28. V

    Engineering Career options for BSc in Physics Engineering or Applied Physics?

    What sort of job prospects would I have with a BSc in Physics Engineering or Applied Physics? Are the odds good, or is this field an exceptionally competitive one? Can anyone here tell me what I should expect while studying for this degree and what I should prepare? Any help at all would...
  29. A

    Physics Applied Physics M.S. and M.B.A.

    I'm surprised that I didn't find this topic in any other threads on here so I'll bring it up. I'm finishing my MS in Applied Physics, paid for by my employer. Now I have some choices; I could apply to a PhD program (given my interests probably NE), I could apply to a MBA program, or I could...
  30. D

    HELP-how to make career in applied physics

    hi all just completed my 12th... since childhood i have always been interested in studying science and always dreamt of applying it for the inventing new technologies and like... can anyone help how to select courses for the same... i figured out two ways a) i go for engineering in ece...
  31. P

    Programs Applied Physics BS going into Biophysics PhD

    Hi, So I am currently interested in attaining an advanced degree in Biophysics (preferably a PhD) but have half a year before I start applying to programs since I have already graduated. I dot want to waste the extra time I have and will be seeking an appropriate internship meanwhile. I will...
  32. K

    Applied Physics and an Engineering Program in NL

    Hello everyone, I'm new to PF. (My favorite fish is herring, so slap away. :smile:) My question might be a bit complicated, because I suspect the answer depends a lot on location. I live in the Netherlands, and that's where I'm going to uni in september. (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, RuG) I'm...
  33. X

    Physics Jobs for someone with a Bachelors in Applied Physics

    Hello all! I will be getting my bachelors in applied physics by this time next year and I was wondering what types of jobs are open to someone with such a degree? I am studying physics, not for financial ease, but simply because I truly love physics. So I am ignorant in the job a Physics...
  34. R

    Physics Would switching to Applied Physics be a good idea?

    Hello physics forums! Looking for some informed input on this subject as many of you are involved in job searches (or maybe you do the hiring) or have been involved and have a better idea of what goes on out there in the real world then I do. Right now I have a junior Physics major, and my...
  35. A

    Difference between Engineering Physics and Applied Physics

    What's the difference betweeen the 2 degrees, does any school offer both degrees?
  36. I

    Math MsC in applied physics or mathematics?

    I'm an undergrad student in engineering with no work experience and limited knowledge about what's to come after I finish my studies. I still have a lot of time to decide, over 1 year more or less. Up until now I've been interested and fascinated by applied physics. More specifically...
  37. G

    Applied Physics OR Physics OR Insert Better Option Here

    Hey, This is my first post on here, but I've been browsing PF for years now. I'm in a bit of a snag. I'm starting as a freshman in college this fall, and I'm not exactly sure what subject I can major in that will satisfy my interests. Basically I'm really interested in every field of...
  38. D

    Applied Physics Job Opportunities?

    I am a high school senior, and currently trying to figure out what to do next as far as my education goes. I'm very interested in Physics, as I love learning how the things I often take for granted work. A school I applied for has not only Physics, but also Applied Physics. Are the job...
  39. K

    Programs Electives for an Applied Physics degree

    So as my first year of undergraduate Applied Physics comes to a close I have to start picking electives for next year. I have two options, I can either do 'bludgy' subjects so I can focus more on my core subjects and hence get better marks in them, or I can do a sub major which would probably...
  40. R

    Engineering Can you get an engineering job with an Applied Physics degree?

    How likely is it for someone with a Bachelor's in Applied Physics to land a job as an electrical or mechanical engineer?
  41. S

    EE vs. Applied Physics (different than become an engineer thread I think)

    EE vs. Applied Physics (different than "become an engineer thread" I think) Hello all, I read through the first few pages of the "So U want to Engineer" thread, but the gist was not quite was I was hoping. Ok, I am about to be a senior in an Applied Physics program in North Carolina. I...
  42. I

    What Mathematics would be useful for Applied Physics?

    I am an undergraduate working towards a degree in Engineering Physics at Berkeley and I want to go to graduate school in Applied Physics, probably specializing in electronics. I have plenty of math major friends and they tell me all the time about how they keep running into physics majors in...
  43. A

    Difference in Research in Physics and Applied Physics?

    I am sorry if this question is stupid, but I haven't been able to find a clear answer. Say a person were to have a PhD in Physics, and another in Applied Physics. What is the difference in what they research? Can an Applied Physicist do the same type of original Physics research (even if on his...
  44. M

    Careers paths of fundamental vs. applied physics

    I have a decision to make in my physics PhD of where to start my research between physics, applied physics, or even ECE/physics. I know that I could always switch fields part way in, but I really don't want to be set back and I want to make the right decision to start with. Anyway, as I am...
  45. T

    Career Paths with BS Applied Physics: What Now?

    I guess i posted in the wrong section and so i reposted it. Sorry. Newbie :D I am from the Philippines. I just graduated from High School and will continue my studies at the University of the Philippine Los Banos under the College of Arts and Sciences, BS Applied Physics. Now I would...
  46. N

    Schools Chemist ISO Grad school advice: Applied physics? International vs. US?

    Hello all. I am a currently working as a chemist (University of Delaware B.Sc. Chemistry 2010) in the US and have been sorting through my options for graduate school. My original plan was to work toward a M.Sc. in Applied Physics at the University of Granada (UGR) in Spain, and to follow that...
  47. L

    Programs Exploring Applied Physics: From Passion to Career Aspirations

    Its what I'm passionate about, Physics. I'm a first year Applied Physics student and I have lots of questions and problems, firstly what is Applied physics and how does it differ from pure Physics. Initially I was hellbent on Astrophysics I still am, to me Astrophysics makes every other...
  48. W

    Programs How to get to a PhD in Applied Physics ?

    Hey everyone! I've spent a lot of time checking out various posts through this site but I'm definitely in need of some guidance right now so I figured I'd ask a question of my own. Basically I'm an undergrad (sophomore) right now, and I'm pretty positive I want to work my way up to an...
  49. J

    Chances of getting into Aerospace MS with Applied Physics BS

    I'm a Applied Physics major at a UC and will be graduating in April. I will be applying to grad school in the fall and I am considering trying to get into a masters program in aerospace engineering. I am curious about the chances of making that transition. I have taken an upper division...
  50. A

    Which elective on applied physics? Optics vs Material Science

    I am pursuing my Bsc in Physics. I am still in sophomore year. This semester and next year I am intending to take some applied physics courses as electives. I got choices for Junior level electives, which are: -Optics: covers geometrical optics, interference, diffraction etc. -Fiber...
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