Program Overview

Physics Program Overview

The Physics program at NYUAD is a broad discipline that ranges from asking fundamental scientific questions to developing sophisticated technological applications. At its most basic, it is the study of matter and energy and their manifold interactions. Physicists at NYUAD study topics as wide-ranging as the underlying nature of space and time; the origins, large-scale structure, and future evolution of the universe; the behavior of stars and galaxies; the fundamental constituents of matter; the many different patterns in which matter is organized, including superconductivity, liquid crystals, or the various forms of magnetism in solids; the workings of biological matter, whether in molecules such as DNA, or cellular structures, or the transport of matter and energy in and across cells; and many others.

Meet Our Faculty

The Physics program at NYUAD is led by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Our Research

The Physics program at NYUAD is committed to advancing our understanding of the universe through cutting-edge research. Our research areas include:

• The underlying nature of space and time
• The origins, large-scale structure, and future evolution of the universe
• The behavior of stars and galaxies
• The fundamental constituents of matter
• The many different patterns in which matter is organized, including superconductivity, liquid crystals, or the various forms of magnetism in solids
• The workings of biological matter, whether in molecules such as DNA, or cellular structures, or the transport of matter and energy in and across cells

Academic Offerings

The Physics program at NYUAD offers a range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in Physics provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles of physics and prepares them for a wide range of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

PhD in Astrophysics and Space Systems

The PhD program in Astrophysics and Space Systems is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research in astrophysics and space systems.

Global PhD Fellowship in Physics

The Global PhD Fellowship in Physics is a prestigious award that provides funding and support for PhD students in Physics.

Program Benefits

According to Ingyin Zaw, Program Head and Associate Professor of Physics, "Physics underlies all the phenomena in the universe. Physics majors learn fundamental laws of nature and get to pursue exciting research on topics such as black holes, pulsars, extra solar planets, galaxies, and dark matter. More practically, physics students learn to wrestle difficult concepts, reason quantitatively, and develop programming skills which are useful in a variety of fields including finance and data science." Susan Burke, Instructor of Physics, adds that "Physicists don't all work in labs or teach physics, although many do, and love their jobs. Studying Physics strengthens quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills that are valuable in many different areas. Students who study Physics are prepared to work on forefront ideas in science and technology, in academia, the government, or the private sector."