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Graduate Careers Australia
Physics
Where will Physics Take Me?
How Do Different Levels of Study Translate into Employment?
Generally speaking, a bachelor degree involving Physics will qualify you for positions such as research assistant, high level technician, computer specialist or engineer, as well as non-technical work in publishing and sales, however postgraduate degrees will allow for more responsibility and advancement. Remember also that some organisations will train you in their particular area of industry, for example manufacturing electrical devices.
It is always a good idea to combine a basic Physics degree with further training. Post Doctoral training is highly regarded by many employers and is necessary for teaching positions in universities.
Teaching Physics
To teach secondary students you will need a bachelor degree in addition to educational certification/licensure, and you can also pursue postgraduate degrees in other areas such as law, business and accounting to add to your employability.
There are many areas of work and research accessible to those who have studied Physics, including:
- Astronomy - teaching, research, writing
Astronomy is the the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere, particularly their physical and chemical properties; physics is a vital part of astronomy and a specialised group of physicists are often referred to as 'astrophysicists'. Some sub-fields include Cosmologists, Astrometrists, Planetologists, Radio Astronomers and Mathematical Astronomers.
- Acoustical Physics - Research/Development, Testing, Teaching, Consulting, Administration
Acoustical Physics is the 'Science of Sound'; acoustical physicists work in fields relating to physical, biological and technical acoustics and the sense of hearing.
- Astrophysics - Teaching, R&D, Consulting, Astronautics, Administration
Astrophysicists explore the fundamental processes of the universe which underpin astronomical research and the practical use of space. Astrophysics enhances understanding of the universe as a whole and therefore of the environment within which space vehicles and the earth operate.
- Biophysics - Teaching, Basic and Applied R&D, Consulting, Administration
Biophysics is the scientific study of the physics of organisms and biological structure and processes; it is the understanding of physical processes as they relate to biological systems, and the application of physical tools to solve biological problems. At a basic level it underlies molecular biology.
- Condensed Matter Physics - Research/Development, Testing, Teaching, Consulting, Administration
Condensed Matter Physics refers to the body of scientific knowledge about the characteristics displayed by different classes of liquids and solids. The uses of this knowledge range from pure applications such as investigating the quantum mechanics of solids, to practical applications like the manufacture of computer chips.
- Fluid and Plasma Physics - Teaching, Basic and Applied R&D, Consulting, Administration
Fluid Physics is the study of the motion of fluids and the effects of this motion, and Plasma Physics is the study of plasmas - quasi-neutral gases of charged and neutral particles which exhibit collective behaviour. Fluid and Plasma Physics are vital to understanding, controlling and improving many of our industrial and natural processes.
- Geophysics - Teaching, Basic and Applied R&D, Consulting, Administration, Exploration
Geophysics involves the application of physical theories and measurements to discover the properties of the earth. Some sub-fields include seismology, hydrology, meteorology, engineering geophysics, petrophysics and mineral exploration.
- Health Physics - Teaching, Basic and Applied R&D, Consulting, Administration, Exploration
Health physicists investigate principles by which nuclear and other radiation interacts with matter and living systems, studying environmental levels of radioactivity and the effects on biological systems. Different areas of employment include Power Reactor Health Physicists, Medical Health Physicists, Nuclear Weapons Health Physicists and those in Regulatory Enforcement and Occupational Safety, Education and the Environment. It also includes the control of noise and atmospheric pollution.
- Medical Physics - Teaching, Basic and Applied R&D, Consulting, Administration
Medical physics applies the principles of various branches of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Subfields include Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. In 2001-02 Medical Physics was the fastest-growing Physics discipline in Australia.
- Nuclear Physics - Teaching, Basic and Applied R&D, Consulting, Administration, Training, Quality Control, Operation and Maintenance, Law
Nuclear physics is the study of the properties of the nucleus and the forces that hold the nucleus together. Some nuclear physicists specialise in the use of radioactive materials for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
- Optical Physics - Teaching, Basic and Applied R&D, Consulting, Administration
Optical physics is concerned with light controlling matter and vice versa, in areas ranging from the manipulation of atoms to information processing. It forms the basis for optoelectonics.
- Science Education - Teaching, Software development, Educational Research, Writing and Editing, Public Relations, Library and Information Services
Teaching and informing others about Science is one of the most important roles in the field, and one of the fastest growing; physics is at the heart of much scientific endeavour.
- Technical - Engineering, Quality Control, Industrial Hygiene, Design Development, Technical Writing, IT, Research Associate/Assistant
The range of technical positions available for physicists continues to diversify and expand around the world.
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