De La Salle University - Manila

Physics Department

Overview

Physics deals with the fundamental laws of nature, and forms the backbone of scientific knowledge. Because physics majors are trained to solve problems with a minimum of assumptions and using only the most fundamental principles, physicists are valued for their ability to solve novel problems that usually require innovative solutions. The development of technology in the past century has demonstrated that more often than not, the technology of tomorrow starts with Physics today.

Aside from their output of scientific knowledge, physicists are also recognized for their mathematical analytical skills. During the past decade, physicists have proven their usefulness in the financial capitals of the world, by bringing the mathematical machineries that they typically use in solving physical problems to solve problems in economics and finance. The year 1997 saw the emergence of a subdiscipline of physics called Econophysics or alternatively, Financial Physics. This is another example of how input from one discipline proved to be fruitful for another discipline. Already, because graduate programs in Economics departments in developed countries prefer applicants from courses with a lot of mathematics - such as physics - their programs are increasingly populated by those with background in physics.

Because the world is complex, problems in the workplace require varied solutions. The combination of skills and knowledge you have acquired from different disciplines will be your distinct mark and your comparative advantage. And your ability to bring together this combination of skills and knowledge in problem solving essentially determines your usefulness to your organization.

Recognizing these matters, the Physics Department of De La Salle University offers degree programs that provides students with flexibility and adaptability to the demands of the workplace:

• Bachelor of Science in Physics with specialization in Materials Science
• Bachelor of Science in Physics with specialization in Medical Instrumentation
• Bachelor of Science in Premed Physics
• Bachelor of Science in Physics Minor in Economics or Finance

The De La Salle University-Manila Physics Department is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Excellence.

The BS Physics programs provide full training in physics that would allow you to pursue graduate studies and establish a traditional career as a physicist in the academe and research. The specializations an minors open up career tracks that many other physicists around the world has chosen. The Materials Science track offers additional training in electronics and materials science that would allow you to readily work in industry, particularly in semiconductors. The Medical Instrumentation track allows you to pursue a career track in medical physics, a rapidly growing area considering the increasing use of high technology - products of physics - that are used in medicine. The Economics/Finance tracks open up career opportunities for you as analysts in banks, insurance companies, stock brokerages and other financial institutions. The BS Premed Physics track on the other hand, allows you to pursue a career in medicine.