Physics is a fundamental science and a practical subject. Many techniques used in medical imaging, nanotechnology and quantum computing are derived from physics instrumentation. Even the World Wide Web was a spin-off from the information processing and communications requirements of high-energy particle physics. Oxford has one of the largest university physics departments in the UK, with an outstanding and very diverse research programme in six sub-departments: Astrophysics; Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics; Atomic and Laser Physics; Condensed Matter Physics (including Biophysics); Particle Physics; Theoretical Physics. Physics at Oxford is challenging and mathematical with a strong emphasis on fundamental concepts such as optics and relativity. The fourth-year MPhys option courses bring you to the threshold of current research, and can lead to subject specialism. An accepted student can also complete in three years with a BA. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art lecture facilities and teaching laboratories. Tutorials give students direct and regular access to physicists actively involved in research and provide an opportunity to explore scientific ideas with experts in the field. A wide choice of fourth-year MPhys projects is available across all six physics sub-departments. Third-year MPhys students carry out a short project in the teaching laboratories. Those taking the three-year BA course do a group project investigating a real industrial physics problem.