There are many paths to becoming a physicist. We’ll break down the basics here, but you can learn more about how to become a physicist at [link].
What is a physicist?
Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature, including those governing energy, space, and time. Physicists also study physical phenomena such as gravity, magnetism and electricity. They may work in any field that depends on physics, including medicine and engineering.
How do I become a physicist?
The first step for becoming a physicist is getting an undergraduate degree in physics or related fields such as math or engineering. You can then move on to graduate school where you’ll learn more about your chosen field of study and conduct research under the guidance of faculty members. If you want to teach at the university level after completing your graduate studies, you’ll need an advanced degree such as a doctorate or master’s degree; however, many physicists enter careers in industry or government where advanced degrees aren’t required by employers.
How To Become Physicist
Becoming a physicist can provide a wide range of opportunities in academia as well as in the private sector. Physicists are important professionals in research laboratories, universities, government agencies and the corporate world. Familiarizing yourself with the duties and job requirements of the role can help you decide if it is an ideal career path for you. In this article, we discuss the duties of a physicist, salary expectations and how to become one step by step.
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What does a physicist do?
Physicists study the interaction of matter and energy and how to apply that knowledge to solve scientific and technological problems. They investigate the universe to come up with new theories that explain how time, matter and other concepts of the physical world came to be.
Physicists work in research and academic roles. The position involves office duties, but many physicists also work in laboratories for private and public organizations. Most research-related physicist roles require at least a postgraduate degree, and some employers need candidates with a Ph.D.
Physicists fall into three categories:
- Theoretical physicists: They create theories and models to explain the behavior of specific aspects of the world.
- Experimental physicists: They test physics theories and models to verify their claims and recommend improvements.
- Applied physicists: They apply the findings of physicists to solve problems in technology, science and society.
These three roles frequently overlap, so physicists who specialize in one branch often have experience in the other two.
Physicist job duties and responsibilities
Physicists have many responsibilities, including the following:
- Studying and measuring components of the physical world, including subatomic particles and the larger universe
- Creating theories and models to explain the behavior of physical phenomena
- Designing and building instruments to make new observations to broaden the field of knowledge
- Identifying the applications and limits of theories and models using advanced computer software
- Identifying new ways of explaining the interactions between the components of the universe
- Designing and building new equipment to gather data, including telescopes, radars and satellites
- Developing computer software to analyze and interpret data
- Using the knowledge gained from the observation of the physical world to design and build improved materials, products and processes with applications in diverse industries, including manufacturing, transport, medicine, scientific research, defense and technology
Related: Learn About Being a Lab Assistant
Salary expectations of a physicist
A physicist’s salary can range from $15.02 to $52.03 per hour. The potential salary of a physicist depends on the candidate’s qualifications, research work, publications, industry, employer and region. Candidates with a doctorate and years of research and teaching experience can earn far more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Industries such as defense, aerospace, biotech and medical sciences tend to pay more compared to academic institutions.
How to become a physicist
Here are the steps to take if you are interested in becoming a physicist:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics.
- Get research experience.
- Acquire a postgraduate degree in physics.
- Study for a physics doctorate.
- Join postdoctoral research projects and fellowships.
1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics
Most physicist positions require a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Applied Physics or relevant alternatives in the science or engineering fields. This gives students a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental physics. Most programs will teach you calculus, thermodynamics, Newtonian mechanics, magnetism, electricity, electronics and other fundamental physics subjects.
2. Get research experience
Once you have a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, it is a good idea to work as a laboratory technician or research assistant to gain some practical experience. This will help you acquire fundamental knowledge of practical physics and increase your chances of getting into graduate degree programs. Some physics programs incorporate work placements to give students professional experience. Employers also commonly provide graduate training programs, which can give you valuable work experience that will aid further studies.
3. Acquire a postgraduate degree in physics
Once you have secured a research position, apply for a postgraduate degree in physics. Universities offer pure physics master’s degrees as well as integrated postgraduate qualifications, such as an MPhys (Master of Physics) degree, which are research-oriented and designed to lead to a doctorate. If you do not have a physics or science background, there are one-year foundation courses to prepare you for postgraduate studies.
4. Study for a physics doctorate
If you intend to work as a theoretical physicist, most employers require a doctorate, although some will consider candidates working towards their Ph.D. Physics doctoral studies involve research that culminates into a thesis and you may be required to work as a teaching assistant for senior faculty members. You can expect to spend four to six years completing your theoretical physics Ph.D.
5. Join postdoctoral research projects and fellowships
It is often easier to get hired as a physicist if you participate in postdoctoral research projects. You can join research fellowships at universities, independent research facilities and internship programs.
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Frequently asked questions about becoming a physicist
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about becoming a physicist:
What are the employment opportunities for a physicist?
Physicists can work in diverse industries. Potential employers include universities where they can work as lecturers or researchers, government-owned research institutions and organizations that depend on state funding for their scientific- and industrial-related work. They can also work in high-tech companies, schools and hospitals, as well as in the media and private industries.
Physicists can work as research scientists, technologists, programmers, technical sales representatives, meteorologists and medical physicists. Fields such as space science, bioscience, mineral exploration and high-tech manufacturing also hire physicists.
What are the essential skills of a physicist?
Here are some important skills you will need to excel as a physicist:
Problem-solving skills
This job requires the ability to solve complex problems. You must be able to observe physical phenomena and draw tangible inferences from abstract subjects.
Mathematical skills
Candidates need advanced mathematical skills, including calculus and algebra, to perform complex calculations.
Computer skills
You will need exceptional computer skills to design experiments, create theories and models and test the authenticity of your findings as a physicist. Computer skills also allow physicists to use advanced software tools to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions. You must be able to use software solutions to measure and analyze data from scientific equipment, such as lasers, telescopes and radars.
Writing skills
Candidates also need exceptional writing and research skills to accurately document their findings and share them with contemporaries and other stakeholders.
Communication skills
Physicists need impeccable communication and interpersonal skills because their work involves collaborating with other researchers across diverse disciplines.
Self-discipline
It is important to have self-discipline as a physicist to stay motivated for long periods of time while studying and analyzing abstract topics.
Curiosity
The best physicists have a burning desire to discover new knowledge, develop better technologies and identify innovative ways of solving real-world problems.
Related: How to Develop Your Skill Set to Advance Your Career
What are the specializations for a physicist?
Physics is a broad area of study with a wide variety of specializations you can pursue, including the following:
- Astrophysicists: They study the characteristics of the universe and its components, including the solar system, galaxies and stars.
- Atmospheric and environmental physicists: They study the interaction of the various aspects of the environment.
- Atomic and molecular physicists: They study the structure and behavior of atoms and molecules.
- Condensed matter physicists: They study the behavior and characteristics of solid matter under diverse conditions. They apply this knowledge in the design and development of new materials and products.
- Cosmologists: They study the development and properties of the cosmos, i.e. the universe.
- Medical and health physicists: They study the application of physics in medicine and health, including the development and operation of medical equipment such as X-rays.
- Nanotechnologists: They use multidisciplinary approaches to create more durable materials through the manipulation of atomic and subatomic structures of matter.
- Particle and nuclear physicists: They study the characteristics and behavior of atomic nuclei.
- Plasma physicists: They study plasma, a matter that occurs naturally in stars and cosmic space and is found in plasma screen televisions and neon signs.
- Optical physicists: They study the behavior and properties of light to create more efficient optical instruments and devices.
