By Amber Gragert

Physics is the branch of science concerned with matter, energy, motion and force. The bulk of course work includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism and the structure of atoms. Physics majors aim to understand the laws that govern the way the universe works and exists. What are atoms made of? How do the planets not collide? Those are but two questions on completely different ends of the size spectrum and both are within the realm of physics.

As Neil deGrasse Tyson famously said, "There is no science in the world like physics. Nothing comes close to the precision with which enables you to understand the world around you. It's the laws of physics that allow us to say exactly what time the sun is going to hide..." Physics is life all around us. What a privilege to study all of the intricacies God merely spoke into existence.

It helps if you are a person who enjoys figuring out and learning how things work - more specifically, in the natural world. If you enjoy solving puzzles, if you seek out logical solutions to problems, then this major is well suited for you. Physicists have always been world changers in breaking new ground and finding new discoveries in the natural world. If that excites you, then you are in the right place.

"All of physics is either impossible or trivial. It is impossible until you understand it, and then it becomes trivial." - Ernest Rutherford

It might be more appropriate to define physics as a thought process instead of a profession. This field of study molds students into logical problem-solvers. Students become so trained in this method of thinking, they can use this approach in any given situation. They study and explore concepts and methods of science that can be applied and practically used in many different professional arenas. Because the laws of physics are applied to fields such as biology, communications, engineering, and electronics, a student's logic and problem solving skills are not only necessary, but indispensable. Other tools and skills physics majors tend to have and develop more fully through coursework are deduction, imagination and prediction. They tend to be "tinkerers", creators and model builders.

"We live in a Newtonian world of Einsteinian physics ruled by Frankenstein logic." - David Russel

Without the curiosity and testing of past pioneers of physics, we would not have so many of the basic necessities like electricity to cook our food or fuel for our vehicles. You would not be able to read this article if it weren't for physics. Virtually every form of communication we use today is tethered to electromagnetism and quantum optics; without those we would be relying on carrier pigeons or mail by horseback. Blessed are we by physics!

There is still so much more to learn, discover, and create! New ground is being broken in the science world every day. New technologies developed, new techniques invented, new environments to explore. You can take part in all of those areas and get firsthand glimpses of the marvelous creation that God has given us - all through the study of physics.