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"All science is physics, or it is stamp collecting."  a view attributed to the distinguished British scientist Lord Kelvin would undoubtedly buy an argument from scientists in other disciplines.
 But there is no denying the centrality of physics and its underpinning of major scientific and technological developments such as the telecommunications revolution that are shaping the world for the next century.
Now Murdoch University physicists are leading Australian efforts to get that message to students who have, since the 1970s, deserted physics for other, seemingly more 'vocational', fields of science.
Murdoch's Bachelor of Science in Applied Computational Physics, a direct response to employer and industry feedback, offers students a foundation of physics units blended with applied areas such as remote sensing, energy studies, computer science, mineral processing and scientific/engineering simulation.
Western Australia's Deputy Premier, Hendy Cowan, recently launched the new image for physics at Murdoch University by challenging the community to recognise the benefits they enjoyed because of physics even if they never enjoyed studying the subject.
He warned that the uncertainty and even negativity in the community about science and technology could not be countered if people turned their backs on science.
"Most modern science and technology relies fundamentally on physics and its findings remain as relevant as ever," Mr Cowan said. "Murdoch's initiative in developing the degree in Applied Computational Physics fits well with our need to build a culture of innovation that is socially and environmentally sustainable."
Physics' success over the past century may, however, have been responsible for the present difficulties faced by physics departments world-wide, because the positive outcomes of physics were everywhere, and there were many new areas of endeavour to compete for students' attention.
The Applied Computational Physics degree opened up new opportunities for students with an interest in physics who were looking for a degree with more immediate job opportunities.
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 "The Murdoch degree encourages students to combine physics with such areas as computing, energy studies, mineral processing, environmental simulation and remote sensing all attractive options and highly relevant to Western Australia," Mr Cowan said.
Murdoch's Vice Chancellor, Professor Steven Schwartz, said the University's physicists had devised "an absolutely brilliant solution" to meet the challenges of change facing universities and society, and breathed life into physics.
"We know that as an institution that wishes to remain vibrant; to remain a part of society, we have to change as things change around us," Professor Schwartz said.
The new degree accepted that challenge by providing students with a strong grounding in physics, but allied with training in other subjects which would help them to apply their knowledge to meet the needs of industry.
"This blending of physics and vocational aspects will provide Murdoch physics graduates with the skills they can market to employers," the Vice Chancellor said.
"It is an example of the innovation that's possible at Murdoch in science as well as other areas, and how we intend to redevelop our courses to remain relevant into the next century."
Associate Professor Andris Stelbovics, Head of the Department of Physics and Energy Studies, said this was the first physics degree in Australia to be restructured to fulfil industry demands caused by the rapid advances in information technology.
"Students will become familiar with some of the latest scientific computer software and programming tools," Professor Stelbovics said. "Effectively, this will provide our graduates with a professional head start in pursuing job opportunities in fields as diverse as mining and telecommunications, where the role and applications of computers are expanding."
Murdoch's physicists also have responded to the need to help change community perceptions about physics.
"Employers, and many in the community, are not sure what a physicist does," Professor Stelbovics said. "In response to this issue our Department has employed a full-time Promotions Officer who conducts schools visits and promotes the new degree to students, industry and the general public."
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