All science is physics, or it is stamp collecting.
But there is no denying the centrality of physics and its underpinning of major scientific and technological developments such as the telecommunications revolution that are shaping the world for the next century. Now Murdoch University physicists are leading Australian efforts to get that message to students who have, since the 1970s, deserted physics for other, seemingly more 'vocational', fields of science. Western Australia's Deputy Premier, Hendy Cowan, recently launched the new image for physics at Murdoch University by challenging the community to recognise the benefits they enjoyed because of physics even if they never enjoyed studying the subject. He warned that the uncertainty and even negativity in the community about science and technology could not be countered if people turned their backs on science. The Applied Computational Physics degree opened up new opportunities for students with an interest in physics who were looking for a degree with more immediate job opportunities.