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Astronomy & Astrophysics Astrophysics centres on the study of the origin, evolution, and fate of our Universe. Our research program addresses observational and theoretical investigations into the building blocks of the Universe. Observations are conducted with state-of-the-art international telescopes. Research topics include: i) the study of dark matter and hydrogen gas in galaxies; ii) the physics of neutron stars (including magnetars), supernova remnants and their interaction with the Interstellar Medium; iii) theoretical investigations into star formation, gravitational lensing, and planetary physics. Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics AMO science focuses on the properties of the common building blocks around us - namely, atoms, molecules and light. By examining the structure and interactions between atoms and molecules, and their interaction with light, AMO physics increases our fundamental understanding of nature. It is also a powerful "enabling" science that has led to developments important to research and industry (eg. the laser). Current research makes use of modern laser systems and spectroscopic equipment to investigate new physical phenomena at the atomic level. Bio- & Soft Condensed Matter Physics Soft condensed matter and biological physics is the most rapidly growing area of physics. Our research programs exemplify the diversity that makes this field so exciting. Interests include the mesoscale physics of novel wave phenemena in complex structured materials, studying large biomolecules using time-of-flight mass spectrometry and its pivotal role in proteomics, understanding the electronic properties of DNA with a view to future applications in nanoscale bio-electronics, and developing theoretical models of polymers and lipids. Condensed Matter Physics The study of condensed matter continues to be the largest branch of physics. Current research directions are in nanoscale physics, magnetism in nanoscale systems, and novel magnetic properties induced by various kinds of disorder. Phase tranitions and magnetic excitations in multi-dimensional systems are also of key interest. Subatomic & Particle Physics The subatomic physics group has a diverse experimental program based at major international facilities. Precision measurements are undertaken to test the Standard Model of nature's fundamental interactions and to elucidate subtle aspects of the structure of nucleons and nuclei. Theoretical efforts are geared towards understanding such things as nuclear structure and electron scattering using relativistic many-body theory. Medical Physics The multidisciplinary Medical Physics research programs are primarily focused on addressing problems in Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Oncology. Exciting and award winning research is being carried out in such diverse areas as: breast imaging using MR, microwaves and x-ray scattering, portal image dosimetry and treatment verification, image processing, radiation therapy treatment delivery optimisation, spectroscopic MRI, stereotactic radiosurgery, and the modeling, simulation and analysis of radiation transport. Theoretical Physics A principle goal of this research is to achieve a unification of classical and quantum mechanics in a common mathematical framework. The theory that emerges is called a quantum phase space and is an altered version of classical phase space. Current work aims at incorporating the full structure of general relativity and non-Abelian gauge theory into the quantum phase space picture.