Ready to explore the universe from Aarhus? Here at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, scientific breakthroughs happen. This department is a cornerstone of Aarhus University. It has shaped minds and expanded our understanding of the cosmos for decades.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy started in 1933. It shared space with the Departments of Anatomy and Chemistry. The Danish royal family inaugurated the building. The king hoped for scientific research in spirit and truth.
Initially, the department focused on teaching physics to medical students. A professor and two assistants taught 60 to 80 students. Despite teaching obligations, staff researched radioactive isotopes. They also built electronic equipment to detect radiation. Atomic physics generated massive interest. By 1938, the Department began constructing a high-voltage hall. It housed a 1 million volt high-voltage plant.
In 1954, the Faculty of Science was established. The Department then began teaching physics and chemistry. New professors were hired. Research took off. The department’s experimental facilities were expanded in the mid-1960s. Accelerators boosted the experimental facilities.
By the 1970s, the department grew significantly. From a small group, the staff rose to around 130. The expansion caused a shortage of space. In 1974, the Department moved to its current building. The floor area was 14,000 m2. The Institute of Astronomy moved to the University Park too. In 1992, the two merged. They formed the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
The Ole Rømer Observatory became part of the Department. It is still used for public presentations. About 120 presentations occur each year. It also supports teaching and research. The observatory is located in Højbjerg. Anton Rosen designed the protected buildings. The municipality built it in 1911. It was for the German astronomer Friedrich Krüger. The municipality managed it until 1956. Then, Aarhus University established the Department of Astronomy. The observatory is currently undergoing major renovations.
The Department’s floor area increased in 1988 and 1996. Subterranean laboratories were added. The storage rings ASTRID and SAPHIRA were built. The world’s first entire electrical storage ring ELISA was previously located here.
Today, the Department of Physics and Astronomy attracts significant funding. Private and public foundations support it. These include Carlsbergfondet and the Danish National Research Foundation.
The MSc programme in Physics actively involves students in research. They discuss new discoveries and theories. Lecturers are active researchers. Students benefit from informal relationships with academic staff. For their thesis, students join research groups. They participate in ongoing projects. Specialization options include atomic and molecular physics. Solid-state physics, subatomic physics, and astrophysics are also options. Graduates pursue careers in modern optics. They also find jobs in materials physics or surface physics. IT companies, patent agencies, and the financial sector hire physicists. Hospitals employ graduates in radiation physics and therapy. Some graduates hold research positions at universities. They also work at public research institutions.
The Department aims to create a good student environment. This includes working methods and social facilities. Thesis students get their own desk in a shared office. Many social and academic associations exist. They organize events like the “chat party”. The Physics Friday bar is another tradition. Here, students enjoy drinks and catch up.
From humble beginnings to cutting-edge research, the Department of Physics and Astronomy continues to inspire. It drives innovation. So, as you stand here, remember you are at a place where the secrets of the universe are being unlocked, one experiment, one theory, one discovery at a time.