Program overview
Physics is the natural science that studies the fundamental laws of matter, energy, space, and time. In Chinese universities, this major is typically divided into two main parts: general physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, atomic physics) and theoretical physics (theoretical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and statistical physics), along with extensive lab courses and computational physics training. You'll spend a lot of time setting up optical paths, measuring data, and writing reports in the lab, as well as deriving formulas on the blackboard until you question your existence. It's suitable for students who have a natural curiosity about questions like "Why do apples fall?" or "Is light a wave or a particle?" and who aren't afraid of math (calculus, linear algebra, differential equations are daily bread). Top physics departments in China (e.g., USTC, Peking University, Tsinghua University) have strong research capabilities in condensed matter physics, quantum information, high-energy physics, etc. Many labs directly participate in international mega-science projects (e.g., LHC, Daya Bay Neutrino Experiment), offering international students opportunities to join these teams and work with cutting-edge equipment.