Physicist

Albert Einstein, a key physicist of the 20th century who developed the theory of relativity and parts of early quantum theory

A physicist is a scientist trained to understand the interactions of matter and energy across the physical universe. Physicists study a wide range of phenomena in many branches of their field, spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic particles of which all ordinary matter is made (particle physics), to molecular length scales of chemical and biological interest, to cosmological length scales encompassing the Universe as a whole. Physicists generally are interested in the root or ultimate causes of phenomena, and usually frame their understanding in mathematical terms.

The term "physicist" was coined by William Whewell in his 1840 book The Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences.^[1]

Education

The material a student encounters in the undergraduate physics curriculum is based on an intellectual ladder of discoveries and insights from ancient times to the present. Many mathematical and physical ideas used today found their earliest expression in ancient Greek culture (for example Euclid, Thales of Miletus, Archimedes and Aristarchus) and Asian culture, as well as the Islamic medieval period (for example the work of Alhazen in the 11th century). However, the bulk of physics education can be said to flow from the scientific revolution in Europe, starting with the work of Galileo and Kepler in the early 1600s. Newton's laws of motion and Newton's law of universal gravitation were formulated in the 17th century, Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism in the 19th century, and quantum mechanics in the early-to-mid 20th century. New knowledge in the early 21st century includes a large increase in understanding cosmology. The undergraduate physics curriculum generally includes the following range of courses: classical mechanics, astronomy and astrophysics, physics laboratory, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, modern physics, quantum physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, and condensed matter physics. Undergraduate physics students also need mathematical training in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, complex analysis, etc., and also in computer science and programming. The goal of undergraduate education is basic competence in all areas of physics endeavor. Undergraduate physics students sometimes perform research with faculty members.

Many positions, especially in research, require a doctoral degree. At the Master's level and higher, students tend to specialize in a particular field. Fields of specialization include experimental and theoretical astrophysics, atomic physics, molecular physics, biophysics, chemical physics, medical physics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, geophysics, gravitational physics, material science, nuclear physics, optics, particle physics, and plasma physics. Post-doctoral experience may be required for certain positions.

Honors and awards

The highest honor awarded to physicists is the Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded since 1901 by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Employment

The three major employers of career physicists are academic institutions, government laboratories, and private industries, with the largest employer being the last.^[2] Physicists in academia or government labs tend to have titles such as postdocs, professors or Sr./Jr. Scientist (esp. government labs).

Physics training has been applied for several decades to private industry in areas such as engineering, computing, and finance that need intensive computational and mathematical skills. As per the American Institute for Physics, some 20% of new physics Ph.D.s holding permanent jobs work in engineering, while 14% build computer software and about 11% are in business / finance.^[3] Some physicists take up additional careers where their knowledge of physics can be combined with further training in other disciplines, such as patent law in industry or private practice. In the United States, a majority of physicists working in private firms apply their skills to interdisciplinary areas.^[4]

Nobel laureate Sir Joseph Rotblat has suggested that physicists going into employment in scientific research should honour a Hippocratic Oath for Scientists.

See also

• American Institute of Physics
• Engineering physics
• History of physics
• Institute of Physics (UK & Ireland)
• List of physicists
• Nobel Prize in physics
• Professional physicist

References

1. Whewell, William. The Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences Part 1. Cambridge: John W Parker J&J Deighton. p. cxiii.
2. American Institute for Physics (AIP) Statistical Research Center employment reports (published 2015-16) for Physics degree holders at the Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. levels.
3. "Physics Doctorates Initial Employment" (PDF). American Institute for Physics. March 2016.
4. AIP Statistical Research Center. "Initial Employment Report, Table 1". Retrieved August 21, 2006.

Further reading

• Whitten, Barbara L.; Foster, Suzanne R.; Duncombe, Margaret L. (2003). "What works for women in physics?". Physics Today 56 (9): 46. Bibcode:2003PhT....56i..46W. doi:10.1063/1.1620834.
• Kirby, Kate; Czujko, Roman; Mulvey, Patrick (2001). "The Physics Job Market: From Bear to Bull in a Decade". Physics Today 54 (4): 36. Bibcode:2001PhT....54d..36K. doi:10.1063/1.1372112.
• Hermanowicz, Joseph C. (1998). The Stars Are Not Enough: Scientists--Their Passions and Professions. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-32767-9.
• Hermanowicz, Joseph C. (2009). Lives in Science: How Institutions Affect Academic Careers. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-32761-7.

External links

• Education and employment statistics from the American Institute of Physics
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Physicists and Astronomers; US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physicists and Astronomers