Welcome from the Head of Department

Our department is a fantastic place to study physics. A Physics degree opens the door to a huge range of opportunities, and our vibrant research programme illustrates the enormous variety of topics tackled by physicists - and physics students!

Physicists seek to discover and understand the fundamental laws of nature: at Auckland, we explore the physics of the big bang, participate in particle physics experiments at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, and investigate the quantum properties of light and matter.

Physics underpins the natural world and biological systems. Auckland physicists discover planets around distant stars, work on understanding the earth's climate, probe the interior of the earth, and determine how bacterial colonies grow and thrive. We also create new tools and technologies, both on our own and in close collaboration with industry. Our scientists build new kinds of lasers, diagnose illnesses in living tissue, measure turbulent airflow around wind turbines, and create powerful new laser micromachining techniques.

Students in many fields need a sound understanding of the physical world. We are pleased to offer papers for medical and biomedical science students, and courses in Astronomy and Energy open to any interested student. Those seeking a deeper understanding of physics can pursue the BSc and BSc(Hons) degrees with a major in physics, and the research-based MSc and PhD. In addition, the department contributes to the Geophysics major and the Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) degree, including the MPIT [Medical Physics and Imaging Technology] and Optoelectronics specializations. Our students work in a friendly and supportive environment and we are proud to see our graduates go on to exciting, meaningful jobs in New Zealand and internationally.

Please contact me via email if you have any questions about the department or our activities.

Professor Richard Easther
Head of Department
Email: r.easther@auckland.ac.nz