Physics

What it’s about:

Physics is the study of the basic laws of nature, including mechanics, sound, electricity and magnetism, optics, heat, and quantum theory. You explore matter and systems, and the particles within them to see how they exchange energy and momentum with their surroundings, exert forces on one another, and move under the influences of these forces.

What the study of this major is like:

Physics courses examine phenomena as different as the structure and evolution of the universe, on the one hand, and the fundamental particles from which all matter is made, on the other. As a major, you begin with courses that introduce you to the principles of physics; mechanics (forces, energy, and the laws of motion); electricity and magnetism (the emission of electromagnetic radiation by charged particles); quantum mechanics (the particle nature of electromagnetic waves, the wave nature of particles, energy levels, and the effect of the uncertainties of nature on particle behaviour); and probably thermodynamics (the theory of heat).

These courses emphasize the logical, mathematical structure of the principles of nature, as well as important applications of these principles. For example, you learn about the nature of light, atomic structure, and the properties of solids, including the semiconductors that have revolutionized our world. As you advance in the major, the math becomes more complex, so strong computation skills are imperative.

Physics courses stress problem-solving skills. You will be assigned homework sets consisting of increasingly difficult problems. Most courses are taught in lecture format, but there will be several laboratory courses as well. Physics in an experimental science, and your course work will show the relation between experiments and the theories derived from them.

Because some of the advanced material is conceptually and mathematically challenging, physics majors often work together. Collaborating with others is one of the highlights of physics study. In the end, of course, you must be able to work on your own, on exams and certain assignments. As a physics major, our goal is to become an independent thinker, a problem solver, and a researcher.

The main challenges most physics majors face is the conceptual complexity of the subject. You will have to visualize abstract concepts, some of which may not immediately make sense. Although the task can be hard, understanding a difficult concept can give you great satisfaction. Another challenge you may encounter is to find solutions to complicated problems. Simply selecting a formula won’t help; you must comprehend the principles at work and determine a strategy for unravelling the puzzle. Solutions often require lengthy mathematical computations.

Most physics departments have an undergraduate organization that encourages you to take part in the life of the department. In these departments, interaction between faculty members and students is generally high, often providing the opportunity to participate in independent research with faculty members.

Although most physics programs have similar curricula, the sequence of courses might differ-for example, some programs introduce the modern fields of physics (relativity, quantum theory) earlier on than in other programs. In many programs the introductory courses are taught with combined lectures and labs. But some programs place more emphasis on laboratory work than others do. There may also be variations among departments in the use of technology in instruction. And in some programs, you must complete a research project as part of your degree requirements.

Career options and trends:

Researcher*; engineer*; high school teacher; professor; laboratory technician; computer programmer*; financial analyst.

Certification in education is required for teaching in public high schools; a Ph.D. is essential for teaching in college.

Most physicists work in research and development, in industry, government, or academia. A Ph.D. is generally required for basic research, but with a master’s degree, you can get an entry-level position in manufacturing and applied research and development.

Nanotechnology is becoming an important field. In this discipline, physicists, chemists, and engineers explore the properties and applications of materials of increasingly small size (“nano” means “one-bil-lionth”). In fact, physics in general is growing more interdisciplinary, as it overlaps with chemistry, engineering, biology, and other fields.

Students who double-major in physics and engineering or business, or pursue these areas in grad school, have greater job options. But a bachelor’s degree in physics can open doors in many fields that value analytical skills. There is a strong demand for high school physics teachers.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors