What can you do with a physics degree? Physics is the study of matter and energy and the interactions between them. It’s one of the oldest and most fundamental sciences. Physics graduates can go into a variety of career paths. Some of the most common careers include becoming a physicist, acoustic consultant, astronomer, or teacher.
In this article, you’ll get to know what career options are available for physics graduates.
Physicist
A physicist researches, develops and teaches the physical sciences. And graduating with a degree in physics allows you to work in various fields, such as engineering, manufacturing, and research and development. Physicists have a strong understanding of mathematics and physics.
They typically have the following responsibilities:
- Conduct research in a specific field of physics
- Develop new physics theories or concepts
- Test theories by conducting experiments
- Use results to design new inventions
- Write scientific papers or articles
- Present their findings at conferences
Physicists need to think logically and critically. Working independently and solving are problems are also crucial. If you want to find new solutions to problems and explore the unknown, becoming a physicist might be the perfect career!
Engineer
An engineer applies their understanding of science and mathematics to create or upgrade products to improve human life. They work in various fields, such as industrial, chemical, electrical and medical sectors.
Here are the typical responsibilities of engineers:
- Design new or improve existing products
- Select the best materials for their product
- Test their product to make sure it meets safety standards
- Ensure their product is efficient and meets customer needs
- Coordinate with other workers on the production line
- Write technical reports to communicate their progress and results
Engineering is a challenging and rewarding career. If you enjoy using your scientific knowledge to solve problems and create products, you may want to become an engineer.
Related Read: Best UK Universities For Physics
Physics Teacher
A physics teacher teaches the physical sciences. They often have a degree in physics and are passionate about raising the next generation. Their job is to help students understand the physical sciences through various approaches.
These are the usual responsibilities of a physics teacher:
- Plan lessons and activities
- Keep teaching materials up-to-date
- Plan field trips for students to explore the physical sciences
- Evaluate student’s progress and give them additional assistance where needed
- Prepare tests or exams to assess what students have learned
- Grade students’ performance, exams, homework, and more
- Communicate with parents and guardians on how to assist students best
What can you do with a physics degree? If you enjoy helping the new generation learn and explore new concepts, why not become a physics teacher?
Acoustic Consultant
Acoustic consultants are professionals who help design and manage the acoustics of a space. Sound quality, noise levels, and echo in a room are vital factors they study. They work with architects and other professionals to ensure that the area is optimal for sound.
Here are the everyday responsibilities of acoustic consultants:
- Assess clients’ needs and design the space accordingly
- Conduct tests to determine what sound and noise levels should be in an area
- Evaluate what impact their changes have made to improve sound
- Help clients understand what kind of equipment they need for optimal acoustics
- Determine which solution has the best aesthetic appeal
- Communicate with architects, engineers, and other consultants to collaborate on optimal sound
With a degree in physics and a talent for solving problems, becoming an acoustic consultant might be the path you want to take!
Nanotechnologist
A nanotechnologist is a scientist who specialises in the study and manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. They work with too small materials to be seen with the naked eye. Nanotechnology is an incredibly new and rapidly growing field, so there are many opportunities for those who want to enter it.
Here are the usual responsibilities of nanotechnologists:
- Research how nanoparticles can be used to create new materials or products
- Develop methods to produce nanoparticles
- Write proposals for funding
- Study the environmental and health effects of nanoparticles
- Calculate profit/loss and come up with a working budget
- Evaluate nanoparticle applications
Do you want to help shape the exciting future of nanotechnology? Take part and by becoming a nanotechnologist!
Astronomer
An astronomer is a scientist who studies the universe. They observe and analyse the properties of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. Some of the things that astronomers might study are these objects’ size, composition, and movement.
Astronomers typically do the following:
- Observe and record information about celestial objects
- Analyse data to understand how stars and planets form
- Study the light emitted by stars and planets to determine their composition
- Develop models to explain what they see in space
- Write and report findings in scientific articles
- Collaborate with other astronomers on answering fundamental questions
What can you do with a physics degree? If you have had a great interest in the universe and its various bodies, why not explore how to become an astronomer?
Metallurgist
A metallurgist is a scientist who specialises in the study of metals. They work with all kinds of metals, from common ones like iron and gold to rare ones like titanium and platinum. Metallurgists typically have a degree in physics, engineering, or chemistry.
Here are the typical responsibilities of a metallurgist:
- Study the physical and chemical properties of metals
- Develop new methods to produce metals
- Design products that contain metal
- Evaluate how different metals can be used in synergy
- Test metals to see how they withstand wear and tear
- Use computer technology to conduct metal structural analysis
If you want to put your scientific knowledge on practical metal applications, the metallurgist career path may suit you best!
Geophysicist
A geophysicist is a scientist who specialises in studying the earth and its physical properties. The scope of the study includes the earth’s atmosphere, crust, mantle, and core. They use this information to understand how the earth works and what effects humans have on it.
Geophysicists often do the following:
- Study seismic waves to understand what they can tell us about the interior of the earth
- Observe and record data about the earth’s atmosphere, crust, mantle, and core
- Analyse data to understand how the earth works
- Study how humans impact the earth
- Make use of modern technology to manage data, communicate, and detect irregularities
- Write and report findings in scientific articles
Do you want to help protect our planet? If you’re strong in analysing scientific data and clearly reporting findings, you may want to become a geophysicist!
Medical Physicist
A medical physicist is a scientist who specialises in the use of radiation in medicine. They work with x-rays, CT scans, and other forms of radiation to diagnose and treat illnesses.
Here are the usual responsibilities of medical physicists:
- Develop new methods to use radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of illness
- Monitor radiation equipment to make sure it’s working properly
- Calculate how much radiation a patient can safely tolerate
- Explain treatment plan to patients and inform them of potential side effects
- Design policies and safety procedures for equipment
- Supervise the work of other medical professionals
What can you do with a physics degree? If you’re interested in helping people through the use of radiation, becoming a medical physicist may be the perfect career for you!
Patent Attorney
A patent attorney protects clients’ inventions and intellectual properties. You will need an additional law degree to pull this off. Lawyers with physics backgrounds make excellent patent attorneys because they have the scientific knowledge to assess inventions.
Patent attorneys typically do the following:
- Help inventors file for a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Represent clients in front of the USPTO
- Advise clients on what patent they should file for and what they should protect
- Handle legal proceedings related to patents
- Assist with licensing agreements
- Draft documents such as contracts and letters
If you want to encourage inventions by giving legal protection to clients, consider becoming a patent attorney!
Project Manager
A project manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and closure of a project. They work with teams to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the requirements specified by the client.
Some of the typical duties of a project manager are:
- Develop and manage project schedules
- Coordinate with team members and other stakeholders
- Update all stakeholders on the project’s progress
- Monitor budgets and expenses
- Prepare reports on the project’s status
- Closing out the project once it’s complete
Are you good at planning and coordinating tasks? If so, becoming a project manager might be the path for you!
Wrapping Up
So what can you do with a physics degree? A lot, as it turns out! If you’re interested in applying your scientific knowledge to practical applications, the careers we’ve listed here are a great place to start.
Keep in mind that many of these careers require additional degrees or qualifications, so be sure to do your research if you decide to go down this path.
And don’t forget that physics is an excellent foundation for many other fields, such as law and medicine. So whatever you choose to do, a degree in physics will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
We at Immerse Education wish you the best of luck!
