INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL PHYSICS SPECIALIZATION

Theoretical Physics - Empowering Currents - Liberating Oneself - Nurturing the Future

The Theoretical Physics Department (TPD) is a traditional department of the Faculty of Physics - Engineering Physics (FP-EP), University of Natural Sciences - VNU Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout its long history since 1975, the TPD has consistently been a trusted and chosen place for theoretical physics students to cultivate knowledge. It serves as a "family" for sharing joys and sorrows, an environment for self-improvement, and a bridge to the future.

After completing the foundational stage, students in the Department of Physics - Engineering Physics (FP-EP) can choose to specialize in Theoretical Physics (TPD) from the beginning of the third year. The specialized knowledge block in TPD builds on the second-year foundational knowledge by expanding and developing more profound forms of discourse to explain and generalize the laws governing the micro or macroscopic world.

In the final two years of studying in TPD, students will take 13 courses organized into four research areas. In the first semester of the third year, students will study fundamental courses to gain an introduction to Theoretical Physics: Group Theory, Advanced Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Theory, Electrodynamics Theory, and a computational algorithm course called Computational Methods in Theoretical Physics.

According to statistics through 2022, the annual number of students entering Theoretical Physics (TPD) ranges from 8 to 16 students, with the maximum capacity for TPD being 20 students. Among them, approximately 50% of TPD students are enrolled in the Talented Bachelor's Program.

The Theoretical Physics Department currently consists of 1 Professor, 5 PhDs, 1 Master's degree holder, and 1 graduate student - teaching assistant. Currently, the TPD is making efforts to maintain and develop its team to create a more solid foundation, aiming to unleash not only the potential of TPD but also that of the entire Department of Physics - Engineering Physics.

After graduating from Theoretical Physics (TPD), as annual data indicates, approximately 30%-50% of TPD students will pursue further education after obtaining their bachelor's degree, with around 30% of them choosing to study abroad. In addition, TPD graduates can seek employment in various environments such as educational institutions (high schools, colleges, or universities), research environments, information technology companies, etc. For more information, you can refer to the website: https://phys.hcmus.edu.vn/vat-ly-ly-thuyet.

The TPD collaborates with various research groups such as the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Physics, the Hanoi Institute of Physics, the Physics Research Group at Phenikaa University, the Physics Group at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, and other research groups depending on each academic year.

TPD students may have the opportunity to join different research groups mentioned above to conduct their graduation projects. Students can also participate in international classes, such as the annual VSOP class in Quy Nhon.

Another interesting piece of information is that the Nobel Prize in Physics is often understood as an award recognizing outstanding physics research or unique discoveries related to the fundamental nature of the physical world. These studies typically have foundations in the basic principles of Theoretical Physics in general. Below is a list of some recent Nobel Prizes in Physics that serve as examples.

It can be said that the Theoretical Physics Department (BM VLLT) provides the most fundamental knowledge to help students/scholars access unique and in-depth research in the future. However, the process of reaching large-scale and profound research is an ongoing development effort that requires a wide range of diverse skills. The direction beyond research also demands such skills for success. Therefore, in teaching, BM VLLT is also very concerned about and integrates the necessary abilities and skills to help students/scholars research, work, and effectively "integrate into life"; expanding various dimensions for more comprehensive development.

Entering VLLT, all students/scholars bring higher aspirations in studying/researching, nurturing a long-lasting love for exploring the world of physics. But sometimes, those initial aspirations and love must face difficult circumstances, not having enough strength to continue the dream path. Therefore, BM VLLT has established a scholarship fund to encourage learning, in the spirit of nurturing, supporting the love for physics, and fulfilling dreams of dedication to science.

Finally, BM VLLT, along with the common spirit of the Faculty of Physics - Engineering Physics, always desires and strives to contribute to supporting generations of students/scholars to have a strong leap from today, opening up and maximizing their own potential to reap meaningful and beautiful achievements in the future:

"Theoretical Physics - Empowering the Present - Liberating the Self - Nurturing the Future"

Additional reference links for students/scholars:

Research directions at BM VLLT: Research Directions

References to former students' evaluations with BM VLLT: Student Evaluations

References to scientists' evaluations with BM VLLT: Scientist Evaluations

List of students studying abroad from BM VLLT: Study Abroad Students

Career-related issues: Career Information

VLLT scholarship fund: Scholarship Fund

Contributors to the Scholarship Fund