Physics career Definition and 54 Threads

Physics (from Ancient Greek: φυσική (ἐπιστήμη), romanized: physikḗ (epistḗmē), lit. 'knowledge of nature', from φύσις phýsis 'nature') is the natural science that studies matter, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines and, through its inclusion of astronomy, perhaps the oldest. Over much of the past two millennia, physics, chemistry, biology, and certain branches of mathematics were a part of natural philosophy, but during the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century these natural sciences emerged as unique research endeavors in their own right. Physics intersects with many interdisciplinary areas of research, such as biophysics and quantum chemistry, and the boundaries of physics are not rigidly defined. New ideas in physics often explain the fundamental mechanisms studied by other sciences and suggest new avenues of research in academic disciplines such as mathematics and philosophy.
Advances in physics often enable advances in new technologies. For example, advances in the understanding of electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear weapons; advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization; and advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.

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  1. Pirx

    Other Leveraging engineering B.E. after pivoting to Physics - impossible?

    Hello, fellow users of the Forum. Excuse my English, as I'm writing in a hurry. What I'm going to describe here is mostly another case of a (potential) Physics after Engineering Syndrome. I'm aware that this is an neverending topic on the Forum and have read a lot of posts on this subject...
  2. S

    How to switch from engineering with unknown undergrad name to Physics?

    Hello, first of all, I would like to apologize if this type of question has been asked too many times and has made people bored. But this question really affected me to the point of depression. So I thought some kind but realistic people here could give me really sensible advice and I decided to...
  3. S

    Physics Most Common Programming Language in Physics Career

    HELLO ALL, First off, my apologies if this topic is redundant, but I was wondering which programming language is widely applicable to a physics career. What positions in a Physics related career use what specific languages? What is one's best option if one is pursuing a research position versus...
  4. M

    Lost in a physics career and willing to return

    Hello, I am remembering that I started a bachelor in physics from 2005/6, 15/16 years ago but I feel I got stuck in that, I graduated in 2012 after many personal struggles to cope with. I loved physics and the idea to find something new and it was hard to cope with the reality that there is a...
  5. E

    Other Quantum Physics Career With Bachelor's Degree?

    Hello! I wanted to work first before I go to grad school for Ph.D in physics (especially in quantum). I wanted to work in a field close to quantum physics, but I was wondering if there were such jobs for those with bachelor's degree in physics?
  6. brymcfly21

    Job Skills After a BS in physics, what are the skills needed for employment?

    Hello all, So I am looking for advice on what my next move should be after graduating with my bachelors in physics this May. I have quality engineering internship experience but every job I’ve applied to only wants to hire people with actually engineering experience and not entry level type...
  7. astroman707

    Physics What should be my plan if I wish to do physics in Europe?

    I'm currently an undergrad in the United States, and plan on pursuing my PhD in physics. I'm most interested in astrophysics and cosmology, and an ideal job would be a faculty position. I really want to work in Europe, and am willing to choose another focus area of physics, as well as different...
  8. S

    Physics Can Physics Lead to a Successful Career and Astronaut Dreams?

    Hello everyone I am 23 years old mechanical engineering student getting his associates this year. I am very determined to pursue a career in physics I have basically taken all of my physics courses and pre requisite for the core physics courses so at my senior college I can declare physics as a...
  9. Q

    Admissions Computational physics career change

    Hi, I am confused about which to choose between computational physics and data science. Actually I am a computer science undergraduate and I have 4 years of experience in data mining. I discovered my interest in physics, so I planned to do a graduate degree with the focus of physics. But the...
  10. VoloD

    Engineering Resume advice for Engineering/Physics Job Search

    Hello Everyone I have recently been working at a construction department for my state ( I live in the USA). I have learned so many things from this job, but I am looking for something more related to electronics, programming, or technical consulting. One of my points mentions creating...
  11. 1

    Engineering I don't know what to get a master's in -- Medical physics? Engineering?

    I'm a Physics Undergrad Junior, and I'm currently studying for the GRE's but I don't even know what I want to get a masters in. I refuse to go for a PhD in anything primarily because I don't want to be used as slave for 4+ years, and I have no direct passion in anything. My ideal requirements...
  12. S

    Is it Possible to Earn a Masters Degree in Physics in Spain in Just 1 Year?

    Hi to all, I plan to get a masters degree in physics in Spain, but from the information I got, it only lasts for 1 year. Do anyone know if this is possible or plausible? As I know, the standard duration is 2 years. Thanks!
  13. J

    Exploring Physics Career Paths - Senior in High School

    Hey so first let me say I am a senior in high school and I absolutely love physics. Especially astrophysics but I don't know much about the field or how the job market is or even what kind of places I could work. Physics is my first choice as a college major but I just don't know enough about...
  14. Kelson Adams

    Physics We colonize Mars, emerging industries?

    Let's say we colonize Mars today. What will some of the leading emerging industries be? I can imagine the energy sector (nuclear power, etc.), heavy materials sector (mining, etc.) and communications sector (internet, etc.) will be robust. What emerging industries could you imagine forming on...
  15. gauss44

    Turning career toward physics with a non-physics major

    Hi Everyone, I'm in my early '30s and majored in liberal arts. In doing so, I took a couple years of physics as electives toward the end of undergrad. Between then and now, I've developed a strong interest in physics and it seems to be the one subject, out of every school and life subject...
  16. M

    Is my whole physics career a joke?

    Throughout my undergrad career I relied on help from others, the internet, and the teachers allowing us to use equation sheets during examinations. I received all A's in my upper level physics classes, and B's in the introduction classes (which I used Yahoo answers for almost every homework...
  17. J

    Difference in Physics Career Fields

    I am 15 and in high school and recently there has been a big push in our school system to decide on your career now. For the past 7 years I have had it in my mind to become a nuclear physicist. Now, however, I can not decide on what physics field to go into. I can not choose between nuclear...
  18. L

    Is double majoring necessary for a career in mathematical physics?

    Hello, I believe I presented myself before, but correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a math/physics major at a community college. I'm going to transfer to an university for spring. However, I don't know if I should major in astrophysics, Math, or Math/Astrophysics. I want to go to graduate school to...
  19. M

    Navigating Physics Career Paths from St. John's University

    Hello everyone. I am a junior standing physics students at a private liberal arts university (St. John's University in Collegeville, MN specifically). I will be graduating in 3 semesters (if all goes according to plan haha) with a BA in physics and I was just wondering if I could see any...
  20. R

    Start a New Physics Career at 25?

    New physics career?? Hi, I am 25 years old, and a medical doctor, I am have always loved physics, and thinking on studying it as a new career. I am here so you can give me your opinion on this. Is my age going to be a problem for me when I apply for post-graduate or a job? I live in venezuela...
  21. L

    What Are the Career Opportunities in Atomic Physics?

    Hi, I am having a problem on career choice. I like astrophysics, but I am also interested in atomic physics. What do atomic physicists do as their job, can they get employment in industries?
  22. N

    Programs Physics major for applied physics career?

    If I was to major in physics in college, could I get a job in applied physics? If yes, would I need my PhD?
  23. B

    Physics Career vs Medical Career

    Hey guys! I've been a biochem major for a little while but I recently took a calculus course and received an 89 and I found that although mathematics may seem a little tedious, I truly love it. In addition, I really like chemistry but mainly the the manners in which physics impacts chemistry...
  24. S

    Advancing Towards a Theoretical Physics Career: What's Next?

    Question: What's next for me? What should I learn next in physics and math? (I want a career in theoretical physics - phd route). I've learned: Physics: Newtonian Mech w/ calc, Griffith's Intro to Electrodynamics, Goldstein's classical mechanics, griffith's intro to quantum mechanics...
  25. I

    Can I Transition from Engineering Undergrad to Physics Graduate Studies?

    So right now I'm a senior in high school. I intended to major in engineering physics at Cornell and probably also pursue a theoretical physics double major there as well. However, I also want to go to Cambridge for my masters/doctorate in physics. Since it gives no financial aid to international...
  26. S

    Physics Security clearance worth trying to keep for physics career?

    hi, I am currently a physics major undergraduate and i hold a security clearance from previous work. It expires in 2014 and I wanted to know if it was worth the hassel of trying to get it renewed? keeping in mind that i plan to pursue a phd in physics. getting it renewed won't be easy as i...
  27. C

    Physics How to begin path towards physics career

    Hello, I am a 14 year old about to become a freshmen and I already feel convinced I will become a physicist since I seem to have an good ability in the subject and I absolutely love science. I need some advice on how to start of high school on the right foot. I want to start getting a job...
  28. E

    Physics 7th Grader Interested In Future Physics Career

    Hi, I am in 7th grade and have a great interest in learning how the universe works. I also love math and programming. A few days ago we started a career project in class and that has made me think about a career as a physicist. I have done lots of research onto being a physicist but I could...
  29. B

    Physics Pursue a Physics Career in US: Salaries Up to $100K

    I am a high school student and planning to study in physics-> Quantum -> QFT//Standard model. Physics career in my country, Thailand, is very unexpected because of its very low salary;5,000-10,000 US dollars per years. While in US, it's up to 100,000 dollars. I don't really mean to specify on...
  30. C

    Physics BS in Chem, MS in Physics career?

    I am finishing my BS in Chemistry, minor in Materials Science, looking to go to grad school as a MS in Physics. In the past year, I've struggled a lot with what graduate school to go to, and decided on Physics. I did this because in Chemistry, I learned all about applications of physics in...
  31. P

    Physics career and guy with long hair?

    Silly question I know but can you have a career as a physicist and be a guy with longer hair?
  32. T

    What is the hardest equation you have come across in your Physics career?

    Hi! I want to test my Physics teachers knowledge with a really complex question. Possibly something like the tie break question in the TBBT episode 'The Bat Jat Conjecture' even though it is not correct, but something similar which is hard! So, what is the hardest question you have come across...
  33. R

    Advice Needed: Pursuing Physics Career from Mechanical Engineering

    Summary: I'm a mechanical engineering student from a developing country who wants to pursue an academic career in physics. However, there are several obstacles such as financial dependence, conflicts of interest with family members, and the probability of doing undergraduate education in...
  34. D

    Physics Current and Future Requirements for Medical Physics Career

    Hello Currently I am nearing the end of my BSc in Physics and I am leaning towards medical physics. I have heard that a MSc in Medical Physics is sufficient to land a job in the hospital, but recently I talked to a PhD candidate and she told me that nowadays a PhD is required to get a job in...
  35. V

    Physics Exploring Physics Career Paths for Cancer Research

    I've got one more year left of undergraduate study and I need to decide what area I want to specialize in, I want to specialize in an area that deals with cancer/chemo kind of stuff (i.e I want to implement physics in cancer research) So was thinking of specializing in either Optics or...
  36. W

    Overcoming High School Slacking: Looking for a Path to a Physics Career

    Im currently a senior in high school and have fallen in love with the deepest mysteries of the universe. However, during my first three years of high school I slacked off, something i deeply regret. Now I am stuck with my poor GPA and I am wondering what steps i can take to pursue a career in...
  37. P

    Physics Gaining a PRL Publication: Value and Impact on a Theoretical Physics Career

    Hello, the professor supervising my bachelor thesis is happy with the results. Together with another co-author, he is currently writing a paper for Physical Review Letters and is considering adding my results to it. However, for this purpose, he needs more general results. In other words, if...
  38. B

    Physics Can I Make a Physics Career at 40?

    I am 40. I finished physics (BS) 15 years ago. But I din't work as a physicist. Can I make phyics career or PHD on physics now?
  39. D

    Physics Become a Medical Physicist in 3653 Easy Steps

    Greetings all! I've been interested in switching careers to the medical community so I hope you have input. I have a B.S. and M.S. in physics - nuclear concentration (last graduating in 2005). After reading various forums and websites I'm more confused than ever! I'm currently looking into...
  40. C

    Physics Is a Bachelor's Degree Enough for a Career in Physics and Racing?

    Ok, I will be going to college in the fall at Coastal Carolina University as an Applied Physics Major. I will also either be getting an Applied Mathematics Minor or Double Major. Career wise, I want to either work for a Defense Contracting Company, or in the Aerospace Field. My question is would...
  41. R

    Welcome Rohan! Starting a Physics Career at 13

    Hello, I am new :) Hello, I'm Rohan I am 13 years of age and think it's time to start a physic's career much to my utter disgust since there's not much opportunity for me since I'm from Australia :rolleyes:. I have had a long thought and decided that i think physic's is a good career for me...
  42. W

    Physics Looking For Physics Career Advice

    Hi, I am currently an undergrad in physics/astronomy in my senior year. I am interested in doing work of a theoretical (or semi-theoretical) nature in the future. My reasoning for this is that it seems it does not require a lot of resources other than access to data and I think I would enjoy it...
  43. M

    Become a Medical Physicist | MedPhysGuru

    Hello! I am not a student but a senior medical physicist at a cancer center in California. I am offering my experiences as a medical physicist if anyone is interested in pursuing that field as a career. If you would like to do some research on the field before contacting me, there is an...
  44. J

    Physics Exploring the Relationship Between Physics and Mathematics in Career Paths

    I don't think Mathematics = Physics. Math doesn't use physics, but nature of physics just use some math, but still physics is NOT 100% mathematics. I really want to be an computer scientist (and I love mathematics, too), but I have this one bad feeling that physics is the king of...
  45. A

    Physics Audio and Physics career choices?

    Hi, I want to get a bachelor's in physics and math, with a master's in engineering... that's the plan, but what I'm really into is high tech audio hardware; monitors, mixers, etc... I'd really like to design this type of technology---does anyone know how I would go about getting to this...
  46. R

    Employment Rate in Physics and Suggestions for a Physics Career

    Hi people! I am 23 years old and I graduate form BS in Electronic Systems Engineering but I love physics and I am interested in chaos, nonlinear dynamics and statistical mechanics, right know I am in BS in Physics and I am planning to get an MSc in Physics and a PhD in Physics because I want...
  47. C

    Physics Can I Pursue a Physics Career With a Disability?

    Hi all, I'm 21 years old and I will be graduating in May 2008 with a math/physics double degree. In fall 2008 I plan to go to graduate school and pursue a PhD in physics. My problem is that my dominant hand became stricken with pain, 6 months ago. I can't really use it for anything other...
  48. J

    Physics Medical Physics Career Advice for MS

    Sorry if this post appears twice; I couldn't figure out if it actually posted the first time. I'd really like some career advice about medical physics. I've just finished an M.S. (with thesis) in accelerator physics, my research was about radiation and superconducting magnets. I'm very...
  49. S

    Physics Medical Physics Career: Advice on Classes & Programs

    I am considering medical physics for a career. I got a two year degree in business about 10 years ago, and I have looked around at programs on the internet. Some masters programs recommend taking organic chemistry as an undergrad student. Others just say you have to take a certain number of...
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