From Mr A. Tua

As a student at the University of Malta reading for a degree in mathematics and physics there are a couple of remarks I would like to make with reference to the letter from Mr M. Portelli entitled “Physics after university” (TMIS 13 April) regarding the Department of Physics. The department is, of course, not perfect and, as in any other university department, there is ample room for improvement. However, statements that it is the majority of lecturers who should improve the way they teach physics are a bit extreme. In my opinion, most lecturers do, in fact, perform well and present their subjects appropriately for physics students. This implies the right mix of theory and applications for a science course, and not an engineering one, where a student would expect a far heavier emphasis on applications than on theory.

Mr Portelli’s frustration regarding employment is understandable. However, it should be noted that for one to maximize his or her chances of finding employment relevant to the physical sciences, the obvious preparation would be to carry out a fourth year project in physics. The project and the accompanying thesis are usually the first thing an employer looks at when considering a potential employee.

I would also like to say something vis-à-vis the amount of theory studied at university. First of all, as any mathematics and physics graduate should know, theoretical physics is a vast and beautiful subject in its own right, and deserves its place on any university curriculum. In fact, there are some students, including myself, who think that not enough theoretical physics is taught and that too great an emphasis is placed on applied physics in the department. Recent modifications to the course structure have fortunately done a great deal to remedy this, now allowing a student to choose whether to put more emphasis on theoretical or applied subject matter in his or her final year. This allows a student ample preparation for life after university, in either industry or academia.

The second point to be made is that some areas of physics are inherently theoretical and, like all other courses at university level, there is complex material that requires a fair amount of determination and study to comprehend fully. This is usually irrespective of the lecturer presenting the module and should not be a cause for parrot-like study. Nothing ever should, especially when studying subjects that pride analytical skills above all others.

Despite the difficulties, I can say from my experience that the satisfaction to be gained from a physics degree is well worth the effort required. In agreement with Mr Portelli’s final comment, I do encourage sixth form students to do their homework well, prior to choosing a university degree. They should be aware of what they would be missing out on if they do not opt for a science degree, especially one in mathematics and physics.

Alan Tua

ATTARD