Physics has developed and grown throughout history as a result of the intricate but essential interplay of theory and experiment. Department programs emphasize this theme as the student takes courses involving both theoretical and laboratory work, which become progressively more complex and rigorous. At the same time, there is an emphasis on the development of a variety of skills and techniques necessary in the pursuit of physics and also highly valuable in almost any career in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) the student might choose. These skills include experimental design, instrumentation, data analysis and evaluation of experimental results; the application of mathematics and the computer to the solution of problems; communication of results and understanding to others; and, perhaps most important, the application of general principles to the analysis of specific problems.