Physicist
|
Physicists working in a government lab |
A
physicist is a
scientist who studies or practices
physics. Physicists investigate a wide range of physical phenomena spanning all length scales: from the
sub-atomic particles from which all ordinary matter is made (
particle physics) to the behavior of the material
Universe as a whole (
cosmology). There are numerous
branches of physics and each has its corresponding specialists.
Physicists are employed in a variety of fields, most of which require at least a
bachelor's degree, but many positions, especially those in research, require a
doctoral degree. Most undergraduate programs emphasize
mathematics and
chemistry as well as physics. At the
Master's level and higher, students tend to specialize in a particular field. Fields of specialization include
biophysics,
geophysics,
astrophysics,
particle physics,
plasma physics,
material science,
chemical physics and
optics. Post-doctorate experience may be required for certain positions.
The three major employers of career physicists are academic institutions, government laboratories, and private industry, with the largest employer being the latter.
[AIP Statistical Research Center, Initial Employment Report, Fig. 7. Also relevant is the Institute of Physics Education Statistics, Graph 4.11] Many people who are trained as physicists, however, use their skills in other parts of the economy, in particular in
engineering,
computing, and
finance. Some physicists take up careers where their knowledge of physics can be combined with further training in other disciplines, such as
patent attorney in industry or private practice. In the United States, a majority of those in the private sector with a physics degree work outside physics, astronomy and engineering altogether.
[AIP Statistical Research Center, Initial Employment Report, Table 1]*
Institute of Physics (UK)
*
American Institute of Physics*
List of physicists*
Nobel Prize in physics*
Engineering*
*
Occupational Outlook Handbook*
Physicists and Astronomers; US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
*
Education and employment statistics from the
American Institute of Physics
