Physicists explore and identify basic principles governing the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interaction of matter and energy. Some physicists use these principles in theoretical areas, such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe, while others work in practical areas such as the development of advanced materials, electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment.
Physicists design and perform experiments with lasers, cyclotrons, telescopes, mass spectrometers, and other equipment. Based on observations and analysis, they attempt to discover the laws that describe the forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. They also find ways to apply physical laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communications, aerospace technology, and medical instrumentation.
Astronomy is sometimes considered a subfield of physics. Astronomers use the principles of physics and mathematics to learn about the fundamental nature of the universe, including the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. They apply their knowledge to problems in navigation and space flight.
Most physicists work in research and development. Some do basic research to increase scientific knowledge. For example, they investigate the structure of the atom or the nature of gravity.
Physicists who conduct applied research build upon the discoveries made through basic research and work to develop new devices, products, and processes. For instance, basic research in solid-state physics led to the development of transistors and then to the integrated circuits used in computers.
Physicists also design research equipment. This equipment often has additional unanticipated uses. For example, lasers are used in surgery; microwave devices are used for ovens; and measuring instruments can analyze blood or the chemical content of foods. A small number work in inspection, testing, quality control, and other production-related jobs in industry.
Much physics research is done in small or medium-size laboratories. However, experiments in plasma, nuclear, high energy, and some other areas of physics require extremely large, expensive equipment such as particle accelerators. Physicists in these subfields often work in large teams. Although physics research may require extensive experimentation in laboratories, research physicists still spend time in offices planning, recording, analyzing, and reporting on research.
Almost all astronomers do research. They analyze large quantities of data gathered by observatories and satellites and write scientific papers or reports on their findings. Most astronomers spend only a few weeks each year making observations with optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and other instruments. Contrary to the popular image, astronomers almost never make observations by looking directly through a telescope because enhanced photographic and electronic detecting equipment can see more than the human eye.
Most physicists specialize in one of many subfields elementary particle physics; nuclear physics; atomic and molecular physics; physics of condensed matter (solid-state physics); optics; acoustics; plasma physics; or the physics of fluids. Some specialize in a subdivision of one of these subfields; for example, within condensed matter physics, specialties include superconductivity, crystallography, and semiconductors. However, all physics involves the same fundamental principles, so specialties may overlap, and physicists may switch from one subfield to another. Also, growing numbers of physicists work in combined fields such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics.
Research and development work is an integral part of most physicists' jobs.
Physicists often work regular hours in laboratories and offices. At times, however, those who are deeply involved in research may work long or irregular hours. Most do not encounter unusual hazards in their work. Some physicists work away from home temporarily at national or international facilities with unique equipment such as particle accelerators. Astronomers who make observations may travel to observatories, which are usually in remote locations, and routinely work at night.
Physicists and astronomers held nearly 21,000 jobs in 1992. Also, a significant number held physics or astronomy faculty positions in colleges and universities. (See the statement on college and university faculty elsewhere in the Handbook.) About two-fifths of all nonfaculty physicists worked for research, development, and testing laboratories in industry. The Federal Government employed almost one-fifth, mostly in the Departments of Defense and Commerce and in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Others worked in colleges and universities in nonfaculty positions and for aerospace firms, noncommercial research laboratories, electrical equipment manufacturers, engineering services firms, and the transportation equipment industry.
Although physicists are employed in all parts of the country, most work in areas that have universities and large research and development laboratories.
A doctoral degree is the usual educational requirement for physicists and astronomers, because most jobs are in research and development or in teaching at large universities or 4-year colleges.
Those having bachelor's or master's degrees in physics are generally qualified to work in an engineering-related area or other scientific fields, to work as technicians, or to assist in setting up laboratories. Some may qualify for applied research jobs in private industry or nonresearch positions in the Federal Government, and a master's degree often suffices for teaching jobs in 2-year colleges. Astronomy bachelor's degree holders often enter a field unrelated to astronomy, but they are also qualified to work in planetariums running science shows or to assist astronomers doing research. (See statements on engineers, geologists and geophysicists, computer programmers, and computer scientists and systems analysts elsewhere in the Handbook.)
About 750 colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in physics. The undergraduate program provides a broad background in the natural sciences and mathematics. Typical physics courses include mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, thermodynamics, atomic physics, and quantum mechanics.
About 180 colleges and universities have physics departments which offer Ph.D. degrees in physics. Graduate students usually concentrate in a subfield of physics such as elementary particles or condensed matter. Many begin studying for their doctorate immediately after their bachelor's degree.
About 72 universities offer the Ph.D. degree in astronomy, either through an astronomy department, a physics department, or a combined physics/astronomy department. Applicants to astronomy doctoral programs face keen competition for available slots. Those planning a career in astronomy should have a very strong physics background in fact, an undergraduate degree in physics is excellent preparation, followed by a Ph.D. in astronomy.
Mathematical ability, computer skills, an inquisitive mind, imagination, and the ability to work independently are important traits for anyone planning a career in physics or astronomy. Prospective physicists who hope to work in industrial laboratories applying physics knowledge to practical problems should broaden their educational background to include courses outside of physics, such as economics, computer technology, and current affairs. Good oral and written communication skills are also becoming increasingly important.
Most Ph.D. physics and astronomy graduates choose to take a postdoctoral position, which is helpful for those who want to continue research in their specialty and for those who plan a career teaching at the university level. Beginning physicists, especially those without a Ph.D., often do routine work under the close supervision of more senior scientists. After some experience, they are assigned more complex tasks and given more independence. Physicists who develop new products or processes sometimes form their own companies or join new firms to exploit their own ideas.
A large proportion of physicists and astronomers are employed on research projects, many of which, in the past, were defense related. Expected reductions in defense-related research and an expected slowdown in the growth of civilian physics-related research will cause employment of physicists and astronomers to decline through the year 2005. Since the number of doctorates granted in physics is not expected to decrease much from present levels, competition is expected for the kind of research and academic jobs that those with new doctorates in physics have traditionally sought.
Although research and development budgets in private industry will continue to grow, many research laboratories in private industry are expected to reduce basic research, which is where much physics research takes place, in favor of applied research and product and software development. Furthermore, although the number of retiring academic physicists is expected to increase in the late 1990's, it is possible that many of them will not be replaced or will be replaced by faculty in other disciplines.
Persons with only a bachelor's degree in physics are not qualified to enter most physicist jobs. However, many find jobs as high school physics teachers and in engineering, technician, mathematics, and computer-and environment-related occupations. (See the statements on these occupations elsewhere in the Handbook.) Also, those with advanced degrees in physics will find their skills transferrable to many other occupations.
Starting salaries for physicists averaged about $30,000 a year in 1992 for those with a bachelor's or master's degree, and about $41,000 for those with a doctoral degree, according to the College Placement Council.
The American Institute of Physics reported a median salary of $65,000 in 1992 for its members with Ph.D.'s. Those working in 4-year colleges (9-10 months a year) earned the least $43,000 while those employed in industry and hospitals earned the most $71,500 and 78,000, respectively.
Average earnings for physicists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions in the Federal Government in 1993 were $61,956 a year, and for astronomy and space scientists, $65,709.
The work of physicists and astronomers relates closely to that of other scientific and mathematic occupations such as chemist, geologist, geophysicist, and mathematician. Engineers and engineering and science technicians also use the principles of physics in their work.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor