Astronomy continues to yield intriguing scientific discoveries such as gravitational lenses, gamma-ray bursters, quasars, and extra solar planets using instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope and the Galileo probe orbiting Jupiter. Most professional astronomers start their education with a physics bachelor's degree and then earn an astronomy graduate degree. The modern thrust of Biological and Biochemical Sciences is toward a more fundamental understanding of molecular processes in biological phenomena. Physicists have always contributed to these interests, but as new methods of measurement and observation become available the role of physics has expanded. This major offers many opportunities in a challenging and interesting field.
Computers play a large role in almost all aspects of the physical sciences.
They take and analyze data and high-power computers perform experiments that may be otherwise unfeasible. Computers are also becoming the standard medium for information storage and retrieval. The link between computers and the physical sciences will continue to grow and so will the need for individuals with a strong foundation in computational science. Since radiation fields and waves are also continuous phenomena, the interplay of continuous media and the waves that propagate within them create a fascinating and challenging field of endeavor for the student who chooses this option. Physical aspects of environmental problems are very important.