Physics as a career : Introduction

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Physics, the mother of all sciences, engineering and technology, is the study of energy and the behavior of single atoms and their component pieces. It is the framework on which every other science is built. The subject helps us to understand the nature of the universe and how the physical properties of matter relate to one another by formulating theories and experiments. Many careers strongly rely on a physics-related degree. It opens up vistas in engineering, technology, architecture, medicine, veterinary, agriculture and other allied science streams.

Those who have an interest in physics as a career can take up science stream which includes mathematics for plus two and go for further advancement with specialisation in the field. Specialised areas include biophysics, health/medical physics, nuclear physics, optical physics, fluid physics and plasma physics. Those with physics degree are generally known as Physicists. A physicist can be either an experimentalist or a theoretician.

There are two types of options for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. i.e. the professional option and the applied option. The professional option is intended for students who after graduate study, further advance their career field by pursuing a doctoral degree and opt to work in industrial or government research and development laboratories, or in teaching institutions. The applied option is intended for students who plan to pursue a technical career in physics or other technical areas, usually without further study. Most of the Physics graduates are employed in diverse industrial fields, only a minority use their physics knowledge as part of their work.

Physics : Eligibility

Educational

For a Bachelor Degree one must have plus two with science and mathematics. Those having bachelor degree in Physics can go for Post graduation. One can further advance in the field by taking Ph.D.

Personal attributes

Physicists must develop a range of skills. Physicists must have problem solving ability, reasoning skill, observation, numerical and practical skills. They must be able to communicate ideas clearly. Physicists must have curiosity and imagination. Physicists need technical knowledge as they use technological tools, especially computers to perform their measurements and analysis of scientific data.