Albert Einstein was of the opinion that physics is an attempt to conceptually grasp reality as something that is considered to be independent of its being observed. In simple words, physics is all about understanding how the universe behaves. The word ‘Physics’ literally translates to ‘knowledge from nature’. It falls under the category of natural science and its main objective is to study matter, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. This gives you a glimpse of what this particular discipline is about. Great physicists who played a role in identifying the natural laws and theories that supported the modern scientific understanding of the world include Albert Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Erwin Schrodinger, Sir Isaac Newton, and Max Planck. Those choosing to study physics could be among the next generation of revolutionary thinkers in this field. Physics has made a huge difference and contribution to the field of science and technology. Classical Physics deals with various concepts like the speed of light, sound, electricity, heat, and magnetism. However, modern physics is more advanced and deals with higher speed, massive objects as well as tiny elements like protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Study Levels
The different study levels that are offered in this sub-discipline are:
- B.Sc Physics (Hons)
- B.Sc Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- B.Sc Mathematics and Physics
- B.Sc Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering
- B.Sc Engineering Physics
- M.Sc in Physics
- M.Sc in Applied Physics
- Master in Climate Physics
- M.Sc in Physics and Astronomy
- M.Sc in Physics and Materials Science
- M.Sc in Mechanics and Physics
- Master in Particle Physics and Astrophysical Sciences
- MPhil in Physics
- M.Sc in Experimental Physics
- M.Sc in Theoretical Physics
- Master of Science in Physics of Data
- MPhil in Physics – Scientific Computation Concentration
- M.Sc in Physics – Physics Education
- M.Sc in Engineering – Physics, and Technology
- Ph.D. in Physics
- Master in Physics and Technology of Advanced Materials
Specializations
Physics, like most sciences, is a vast discipline. Therefore, you will find that there are a variety of specifications to further explore within this subject.
The various specializations that can be found are:
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Space and Time
- Thermodynamics
- Nuclear Physics
- Relativity
- Geophysics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mathematical Physics
- Medical/Health Physics
- Quantum Physics
- Optics and Acoustics
- Mathematics
- Cosmology
- Fluid Physics
- Fibre Optical Physics
- Biophysics
- Plasma Physics
Employability
After completing a Physics degree graduates usually develop a set of skills are namely, highly advanced numeracy, computer expertise, familiarity with current scientific software, specialized knowledge of physics topics, ability to grasp and analyze complex data sets. Besides these, they also possess advanced reasoning skills, the ability to construct logical arguments, general research skills, practical experimentation skills, a pragmatic and analytical approach to problem-solving, ability to pay close attention to detail, to communicate complex ideas, knowledge of technical language and self-management, including planning and meeting deadlines. These skills are what most potential employers look for, thus increasing their employability. There is an open market for career opportunities in the field of physics and this is one of the subjects that is needed in almost every industry.
The various career choices include:
- Astronomer
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Clinical Scientist
- Geophysicist
- University Lecturer/ Professor
- Meteorologist
- Research Scientist
- Sound Engineer
- Accelerator Operator
- Applications Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Design Engineer
- IT Consultant
- Lab Technician
- Laser Engineer
- Optical Engineer
- Research Associate
- Software Developer
- Systems Analyst
- Technical Specialist
- Web Developer
The top companies that offer recruitment for Physics graduates are:
- Accenture
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Ajax Tocco Magnethermic
- Battelle
- Boeing
- CAR Technologies, LLC
- Center for Automotive Research
- Cisco Systems
- Cook Nuclear Plant
- Electroscience Laboratory
- Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station
- General Electric Aviation
- IBM
- ITT Industries
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab
- JP Morgan Chase
- Meyer Sound, Inc.
- Microsoft
- NASA
- Nationwide Financial
- Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base