UNC Chapel Hill’s Department of Physics boasts a long history of academic excellence and groundbreaking research. The department is recognized as one of the top physics programs in the nation, consistently ranking among the top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Cutting-Edge Research Facilities and Infrastructure
The department is home to state-of-the-art research facilities, including:
- The Joint Institute for Nuclear, Particle, and Astroparticle Physics (JINA)
- The Carolina Center for Liquid Crystal Research (CCLCR)
- The Southeastern Center for Electrical Engineering Education (SCEEE)
- The Materials Science Research Building
These facilities provide researchers with access to cutting-edge equipment and resources, enabling them to conduct groundbreaking research in various fields of physics, including particle physics, condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and quantum information science.
Renowned Faculty and Students
The department is composed of a team of internationally renowned faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields of expertise. The faculty includes:
- Eight members of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences
- Five members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Two recipients of the MacArthur Fellowship
- Numerous winners of the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship
The department also attracts a diverse and talented group of graduate and undergraduate students. Students benefit from exceptional mentorship, research opportunities, and academic support, preparing them for successful careers in academia, industry, and government.
Research Programs and Focus Areas
UNC Chapel Hill’s Department of Physics supports a wide range of research programs, including:
- Particle physics research at JINA, exploring fundamental particles and forces
- Condensed matter physics research at CCLCR, studying materials properties and behavior
- Astrophysics research at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, examining space and cosmic origins
- Quantum information science research in the Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory, developing advanced quantum technologies
The department also focuses on emerging research areas such as:
- Topological insulators
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Nanoengineering
- Biophysics
Impactful Research Innovations
The Department of Physics at UNC Chapel Hill has a long history of groundbreaking research that has shaped the field of physics. Some notable innovations include:
- Discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, led by department faculty member David Cox
- Development of topological insulators, a new class of materials with unique electrical properties
- Creation of artificial intelligence algorithms for materials discovery and optimization
- Advancements in biophysics, including the study of protein folding and disease mechanisms
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
UNC Chapel Hill’s Department of Physics is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators. The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in physics, as well as outreach programs for K-12 students and the general public.
The department’s outreach efforts include:
- The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, which offers educational programs and exhibits for all ages
- The Physics Education Outreach Program, which provides hands-on physics experiences for students and teachers
- The Carolina Girl Geek Assembly, which promotes STEM education for girls
Future Directions and Opportunities
The Department of Physics at UNC Chapel Hill is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of scientific research. The department is actively pursuing new research initiatives, including:
- Establishing a new center for quantum information science
- Expanding research in biophysics and nanotechnology
- Developing innovative educational programs to prepare students for the 21st-century workforce
Tables
Research Funding Sources
| Source | Funding Amount (FY2022) |
|---|---|
| National Science Foundation | $12.5 million |
| Department of Energy | $7.5 million |
| National Institutes of Health | $5.0 million |
| Private foundations and industry | $2.5 million |
| Total | $27.5 million |
Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees Awarded
| Degree | Number of Degrees Awarded (2022) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Physics | 60 |
| Master of Science in Physics | 25 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Physics | 15 |
Research Areas and Faculty
| Research Area | Faculty Members |
|---|---|
| Particle physics | 10 |
| Condensed matter physics | 5 |
| Astrophysics | 5 |
| Quantum information science | 5 |
| Biophysics | 3 |
Outreach Program Impact
| Program | Number of Participants (FY2022) |
|---|---|
| Morehead Planetarium and Science Center | 150,000 |
| Physics Education Outreach Program | 5,000 |
| Carolina Girl Geek Assembly | 1,000 |
Creative Idea for New Applications: “Physistics”
Combining the words “physics” and “biophysics” creates the term “physistics,” which refers to the application of physical principles to biological systems. This interdisciplinary field has the potential to revolutionize healthcare and medicine, leading to new treatments and diagnostic tools. For example, physistics can be used to:
- Develop targeted drug delivery systems
- Create new imaging techniques for disease detection
- Understand and manipulate biological processes
- Design biomaterials and tissue engineering scaffolds
Tips and Tricks for Physics Students at UNC Chapel Hill
- Attend office hours and get to know your professors.
- Join research groups and participate in summer research programs.
- Utilize the department’s tutoring and academic support services.
- Get involved in student organizations and clubs.
- Take advantage of the university’s career services and job fairs.
- Stay updated on the latest research and developments in physics.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed.
- Remember that physics is a challenging but rewarding field of study.