In fundamental physics, you learn about the fundamental laws that govern the universe as a whole as well as its fundamental constituents.

We cover physics at the largest possible scales, for instance in General Relativity and cosmology, where we explore the universe as a whole. We cover physics at the smallest possible scales, for instance in Quantum Field Theory and astroparticle physics, where we discuss elementary particles and their fundamental interactions.

Moreover, we cover physics at some of its most extreme frontiers when we explore black holes. Finally, we also cover some of the most fascinating mysteries in modern physics in dark matter and in quantum gravity.

Recommended constituent courses

• FY809: Quantum Field Theory (10 ECTS)
• FY812: General relativity and cosmology (5 ECTS)
• FY828: Advanced statistical physics (10 ECTS)

Recommended activities to put the main subject into perspective

• FY8xx: Quantum field theory II
• FY8xx: Theory and observation of black holes
• FY8xx: Astroparticle physics
• FY824: Quantum field theory in curved space (5 ECTS)
• FY825: Galactic dynamics and dark matter (5 ECTS)
• FY826: Observational astronomy (5 ECTS) (NB: taught in Danish)
• FY831: Introduction to quantum gravity (5 ECTS)

Historically, physics has been driven by theories and experiments, but today computational physics is also a strong driving force in many areas. Instead of laboratories we use supercomputers, instead of samples we use mathematical models, and instead of analytical theories we develop algorithms and write software.

By simulating models of everything from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos, we gain fundamental insights into nature that can be difficult to obtain by experiment and theory alone.

By visualising our simulation results, we can make pictures or films that illustrate the fascinating physics behind complex phenomena: For example how electrons in certain proteins allow birds to sense the magnetic field, how molecules in rubber respond to deformation and hence how elasticity emerges at molecular scale, or how proteins transport molecules across the cell membrane. Visualisation is also an ideal tool for teaching and learning the physics of complicated systems. By simulating models of complex systems students can conduct virtual experiments and even change the fundamental laws of nature, and study how “our” universe emerges out of “our” particular laws of nature.

At SDU, our main focus is the physics of molecules of light and heavy atoms, cell membranes, nucleic acids, what makes living matter different from non-living matter, bird navigation, glassy systems and aging, soft-condensed materials, and ecosystems. These interdisciplinary topics touch on biology, materials science, artificial life, chemistry and sociology. We also collaborate with industry and apply our models to addressing practical problems such as improving drug delivery systems, rubber materials for car tires, or how milk turns into yoghurt and cheese.

We are unique in offering projects within such a wide range of computational topics to students. SDU also hosts the Abacus 2.0 supercomputer which has in excess of 14,000 cores. Abacus 2.0 is not only our laboratory for studying physics, but also the laboratory where we teach physics to students and where students work on their projects.

Recommended spring courses

• FY823: Bayesian inference and information theory (5 ECTS)
• KE824: Biomolecular Simulations (5 ECTS)
• KE829: Computational Quantum Chemistry II: Optical, electrical and magnetic properties (5 ECTS)

In biophysics you learn how the principles of physics determine the behaviour of living systems and soft materials.

Biological systems can often be modelled by well-known interactions and properties on a short scale, resulting in a complex emergent behaviour at a larger scale. If mechanisms for biological processes can be identified, they can be used for treatment of diseases or development of new technological materials.

Examples of biophysical systems include live cells, cell membranes, liquid crystals and polymers. The Biophysics track involves concepts from Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Optics, Experimental methods and Microscopy.

Particularly recommended constituent course

• FY828: Advanced statistical physics (10 ECTS)

Recommended activities to put your main subject into perspective

• BMB825: Bioimaging (5 ECTS)
• FY8xx: Imaging and image processing in medical physics
• FY827: Liquid crystals from nanotechnology to topology (5 ECTS)
• FY833: Biophysics (5 ECTS)
• FY835: Information theory, inference and learning algorithms (5 ECTS)
• KE824: Biomolecular Simulations (5 ECTS)

In optics and laser physics you learn how light and matter interact, from the classical scale with ray and wave optics down to the scale where quantum mechanics govern the interactions of atoms and photons. You also learn how this is applied in laser physics and through advanced microscopy techniques. You can also learn how these techniques are used to study systems, such as biological cells and liquid crystals.

This track in particular shares content with the Physics and Technology Engineering programme offered by the Faculty of Engineering, but also provides the opportunity to follow fundamental theoretical physics courses, such as Quantum physics and Advanced statistical physics.

Particularly recommended constituent course

• TK-LASE: Laser Physics and Technology (5 ECTS)

Recommended activities to put your main subject into perspective

• BMB825: Bioimaging (5 ECTS)
• FY827: Liquid crystals from nanotechnology to topology (5 ECTS)
• TK-APOP: Advanced Physical Optics (10 ECTS)
• TK-OSEN: Optical System Engineering (5 ECTS)