Studying physics teaches you how to understand nature and its processes through observation, theory building, and measurement. In doing so, physics spans spatial scales from the smallest (approximately 10⁻³⁵ m) to the largest (approximately 10²⁷ m), as well as temporal scales from the shortest (approximately 10⁻⁴⁴ s) to the longest (approximately 10²⁴ s). Amazement, observation, measurement, and understanding form the core methods through which physicists gain new insights into natural phenomena. These four fundamental steps will be illustrated in a short lecture, accompanied by demonstration experiments based on two selected examples. Afterwards, we will open the doors of our laboratories exclusively, offering you a glimpse into our latest research projects.
A typical information day for prospective physics students begins at 9:15 a.m. in the Building of the Exact Sciences (ExWi) with an introductory lecture by the Dean. This lecture provides key information about the Faculty of Science, as well as an overview of physics as a field of study. This is followed by a presentation on the working methods of physicists, highlighting amazement, observation, measurement, and understanding as central elements of scientific inquiry. Demonstration experiments, presented and explained live in the lecture hall, offer an introduction to the study of physics, which—particularly in the early semesters—places strong emphasis on supporting theoretical concepts through experimentation. In the afternoon, starting at 1:00 p.m., participants take part in guided tours of the physics laboratories at the University of Bern in small groups. These tours provide insight into the work of the various research groups in climate and environmental physics, space research and planetary science, quantum optics, and high-energy physics, as well as the experimental equipment they use. The information day typically concludes shortly before 3:00 p.m.
Further information and the exact date of this annual information day can be found on the University of Bern’s Bachelor’s information page.
