Investigating the top majors,
Sherlock Holmes is on the case. You can profile your picks and
review the evidence to find the sure-fire academic answers you've
been looking for...
Study Case #3
Physics
Faculty:
Arts, Liberal Arts, Science
Most common associations:
Research facilities, laboratories, various companies.
Quick description:
Physics is one of the oldest sciences around. You'll learn what makes the world go round and how the universe work, from tiny molecules to black holes in outer space. You will help develop theories and laws on how nature works. On a practical level, physics knowledge is involved in all other sciences, and it facilitates the development of sophisticated technologies.
What your major will do for you:
In one word- knowledge. You will know how the universe works. You will know why things fall down and not up, what causes motion, how electricity works and how to use it, why atoms behave in certain ways, and what outer space looks like. You will study how airplanes can stay up in the air without falling. You will research topics such as semiconductors, nuclear potential and other unexplored, complicated areas. In short, you will know what causes things to happen in our world. And remember- knowledge is power.
Careers:
About 10% of physics major go on to become professional physicists. They become involved in pure academic research, work in a laboratory and carry out experiments. Other physics majors work in a variety of fields- medicine, education, or industry. They can work as anything from weather forecasters or computer programmers to science teachers. They can research and design new products for companies- anything from more efficient cars to alternative energy sources. They can work out in nature, researching the movements of tectonic plates or glaciers. They can teach physics to others, or they can build better ways of treating diseases. They're everywhere, doing everything.
Arts, Liberal Arts, Science
Most common associations:
Research facilities, laboratories, various companies.
Quick description:
Physics is one of the oldest sciences around. You'll learn what makes the world go round and how the universe work, from tiny molecules to black holes in outer space. You will help develop theories and laws on how nature works. On a practical level, physics knowledge is involved in all other sciences, and it facilitates the development of sophisticated technologies.
What your major will do for you:
In one word- knowledge. You will know how the universe works. You will know why things fall down and not up, what causes motion, how electricity works and how to use it, why atoms behave in certain ways, and what outer space looks like. You will study how airplanes can stay up in the air without falling. You will research topics such as semiconductors, nuclear potential and other unexplored, complicated areas. In short, you will know what causes things to happen in our world. And remember- knowledge is power.
Careers:
About 10% of physics major go on to become professional physicists. They become involved in pure academic research, work in a laboratory and carry out experiments. Other physics majors work in a variety of fields- medicine, education, or industry. They can work as anything from weather forecasters or computer programmers to science teachers. They can research and design new products for companies- anything from more efficient cars to alternative energy sources. They can work out in nature, researching the movements of tectonic plates or glaciers. They can teach physics to others, or they can build better ways of treating diseases. They're everywhere, doing everything.
Skills:
Successful physics graduates come out of school with many skills and lessons learned.
Successful physics graduates come out of school with many skills and lessons learned.
- Understanding of nature and the universe:
You'll be learning so much about so many things, you will possess
in-depth knowledge of the universe. Understanding how things work
will help you apply lessons to solve various real-world problems,
making this knowledge a powerful tool.
- Research Skills: Learning physics involves a
lot of research. You'll be able to locate and identify reliable
sources, which will be important. You will be involved in many
hands-on experiments which will teach you how to locate and
interpret data. Research is an important aspect of physics and
science in general These skills are sure to serve you well in the
future.
- Communication and Presentation Skills: And
here I thought physicists were quiet and non-communicative! I was
wrong. Physics majors are forced to develop communication skills
through working in groups and conducting experiments in teams. You
will also have to present your findings to the public. This will
help when you're dealing with clients and coworkers on your
career.
- Flexibility: Not only will you be working in
labs and with people, you will write papers, you will make
presentations, you will plan experiments, you will discover a
variety of indoor and outdoor working environments. This takes
flexibility. With all the different topics and areas to learn
about, physics will make both your body and mind flexible and open
to new ideas and concepts.
- Critical Thinking: Taking theories, laws and experimental procedures and putting them into real world concepts. This means having the whole picture when coming to a decision. You are able to incorporate so many aspects of nature into everyday life and that's a skill in itself.
Physics Experiment by CFL
How to
Prepare:
Coming out of high school and not sure how to start your physics career? You should have a few courses under your belt. Maths and sciences are obvious picks- trig, algebra, geometry, chemistry, and of course high school physics. But don't be shy about those other courses- English, writing, public speaking, etc. These will improve your communication skills and help you later on.
Coming out of high school and not sure how to start your physics career? You should have a few courses under your belt. Maths and sciences are obvious picks- trig, algebra, geometry, chemistry, and of course high school physics. But don't be shy about those other courses- English, writing, public speaking, etc. These will improve your communication skills and help you later on.
Many physics
students benefit from participating in extra curricular activities.
Compete in a science fair, join your science club in school, or
write a few math contests. Don't forget to concentrate on physics
and read a few books by Stephen Hawking.
If you're thinking of doing a Master's
Degree, you will first need to most likely have an undergraduate
degree, and the desire to learn and do a lot more research in
physics.
Physics
Majors? It's elementary, my dear Watson. Till next
time!
References
WorldWideLearn. "Physics Major". Last Updated on October 17th, 2007. Accessed on August 1st, 2008. WorldWideLearn.com
Sherlock Holmes. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/cinema/features/photogallery/holmes_photogallery1.shtml>
Sherlock Holmes, <http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2007/03/16/sherlock-holmes-edgy.jpg>
