Program overview
Condensed matter physics is one of the most "down-to-earth" branches of physics, studying the fascinating properties that emerge when large numbers of atoms and molecules come together in everyday materials like solids and liquids. For example, why do some materials lose all electrical resistance at low temperatures (superconductivity), how does silicon in chips control electric current, or how can we create magnetic materials thinner than a human hair? Core courses include solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, computational physics, and various experimental methods. If you enjoy hands-on experiments, coding material simulations, or are curious about "why this material is so special," this major is a great fit. Chinese universities are very strong in condensed matter physics—for instance, the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, and Nanjing University—with world-class research groups in high-temperature superconductivity, topological insulators, and two-dimensional materials (like graphene), as well as advanced experimental facilities.