“Who knew physics could have such a vibrant history?” I asked myself standing before the Department of Physics in Shanghai. Founded in 1952 the Department of Physics at Fudan University has a rich story. It began from the physics group within Fudan’s Department of Mathematics and Physics.
Imagine East China in that era. Eight universities merged their physics departments into one. Fudan University became the center. This included Jiaotong University and Zhejiang University. Tongji University, Hujiang University, and Datong University also joined.
Over six decades the Department of Physics experienced growth. It also experienced division. New departments spun off from it. These included Electronic Engineering and Material Science. Also, the Light and Illumination Department and Computer Science Department were created. The Department of Physics significantly contributed to Fudan University’s expansion.
Today the Department of Physics remains a key center. It excels in both physics research and education in China. The faculty consists of 42 full professors. There are also 23 associate professors and 22 technicians. Six faculty members are academicians. They belong to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Eleven have received National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists. Four led National Basic Research Programs. Three were awarded the APS Fellowship.
The Department includes three key academic disciplines. These are theoretical physics and condensed matter physics. Optics is also one of them. Each discipline offers specialties for graduate students. Undergraduates can specialize in physics or applied physics.
The Department operates three key labs. These are the State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics. There is also the Key Laboratory of Matter Computational Sciences. Lastly, the Key Laboratory of Micro/Nano-Photonic Structure exists. The Ministry of Education sponsors the latter two.
Research spans diverse fields. Atomic, molecular, and optical physics are studied here. Condensed matter physics is also a focus. Particle physics, gravitation, and cosmology are investigated. Black hole physics and physical biology are studied, too. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged.
Five courses are recognized as national exquisite courses. Fudan Physics Teaching Lab is a National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center. The faculty actively participates in national research projects. Valuable papers are published in international journals. Since 2006 over 30 papers appeared in Physical Review Letters. Six papers were published in Nature and its related journals. Faculty members have received high-level research awards.
Each year the Department enrolls about 100 undergraduates. In 2012 it began a “long cultivation system” for doctoral students. Eighty to ninety Ph.D. candidates are enrolled yearly. Bachelor’s degree holders can directly enter the doctoral program. They spend five to seven years completing it. Master’s degree holders can also pursue doctoral studies. They spend three to five years. Direct doctoral candidates must meet specific qualifications. Otherwise, they may be reconsidered for a Master’s Degree.
Many students have won prizes. Five graduated doctors authored National Outstanding Doctoral Theses. The Department has educated over 9000 students. They have excelled in various careers. Over 20 graduates became academicians. They belong to the Chinese Academy of Sciences or Engineering. Two graduates received the Oliver E. Buckley Prize. The Department of Physics stands as a testament to China’s commitment to scientific advancement. It fosters talent and pushes the boundaries of knowledge. Its contributions resonate globally.