Careers in Physics

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Careers in Physics

• M. Billing
• Director of Operations

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Branches of Physics
Physics is the study of the nature of matter
and the way that it reacts with its surroundings.

• Astronomy/Astrophysics
• Classical Physics
• Low Temperature Physics
• Plasma Physics
• Quantum Physics
• Atomic Solid State Physics
• Relativistic Physics

• Stars, Galaxies, Cosmos
• Light, Heat, Motion, Electricity, Magnetism
• Superconductivity
• Discharge tubes, Fusion
• Lasers, LED's, Fiber Optics, Quantum Dots
• Material Science, Semiconductors, Surface
  Physics, Nanotechnology
• Stars, Cosmology, Particle Physics

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Branches of Physics
Physics is the study of the nature of matter
and the way that it reacts with its surroundings.

• Macromolecular Biology
• Accelerator Physics
• Nuclear Physics
• High Energy Particle Physics

• Virus crystallography
• Particle Accelerators, RF Devices, X-ray
• Nuclei, Fission, Radiation Therapy
• Subatomic Physics, Quarks, Tomography

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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Astronomer / Astrophysicist
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Engineering Electrical, Chemical, Ceramic,
Mechanical, Industrial, etc.
Cornell Big Red and the RoboRoos from University
of Queensland, Australia, after Big Red defeated
the RoboRoos by a score of 1-0 in overtime to win
the 2003 World Championship in Padua, Italy.
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Material Scientist / Low Temperature Scientist
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Plasma Physicist
Magnetohydrodynamics
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Macromolecular Biologist
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Atomic Physicist Nanotechnologist
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Particle Accelerator Physicist
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
Nuclear Physicist Nuclear Medicine
Tomography
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Quick Tour of Some Professions
High Energy Particle Physicist
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Subdivisions within Physics

• Theoretical - creates theories and models
• Experimental - observes measures effects
• Research - creates knowledge
• Applied - engineers solutions to future problems
• Academic - teaches performs scholarly research
• Industrial - creates practical products
• Managerial - oversees research or engineering

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Conclusions from the Quick Tour

• Some Basic Conclusions about a Physics Education
• Learn Underlying Principles Concepts of Physics
• Learn How to Apply these to a Wide Variety of
  Problems
• Learn to View Problems as a Generalist
• Able to Crossover Between Different Disciplines
  of Study
• Physicists Tend to be Employed as Persons with
  Many Skills

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Educational Levels in Physics

• (High School preparation)
• Mathematics, natural sciences
• Bachelors Degree (4-5 years)
• BA or BS in Physics, BS in Engineering Physics
• Vector calculus, differential equations,
  chemistry Physics mechanics, EM, optics,
  quantum, thermodynamics
• Masters Degree (typically 2 years) - MS in
  Physics
• Advanced math Physics advanced levels of above
  solid state, particle theory, nuclear, plasma,
  astrophysics,
• Doctors Degree (typically 3-5 years) - PhD in
  Physics
• Research write a doctoral thesis

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More Information Found
http//www.aip.org/statistics/trends/phystrends.ht
m
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My Experiences First Indications

• Always was asking How does this or that work?
• Not afraid to ask questions
• Liked to solve puzzles, create things
• Looked for ways to learn about science or math
• Looked things up in library, Read, Drew sketches,
  Thought about different ideas, (Search Web)

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My Experiences Middle School High School

• Enjoyed science Especially chemistry physics
• Enjoyed science exhibits or museums
• Wanted to learn more, to visualize
• Liked to do science projects
• Became good at math
• Began with solving math puzzles
• Problem solving, geometry, trig
• Enjoyed reading books about science
• Not science texts, but books that allowed me to
  see the science and its applications

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Additional Useful Information for Physics as a
Career
http//www.physics.cornell.edu/physics/undergradst
udies/majors.menu.html http//www.aip.org/educatio
n.html http//www.aps.org/jobs/index.cfm http//ww
w.aps.org/educ/program.cfm http//www.aip.org/stat
istics/trends/phystrends.htm