Experiment With Diverse Career in Physics

From Geophysicist, Metallurgist, Nanotechnologist, Research Scientist, Sound Engineer, Astronomer, and Radiation Protection Practitioner to Data Analyst, Clinical Technologist and much more, a career in Physics opens the door to endless possibilities. Physics graduates opt for specialised courses after BSc Physics in relevant subjects like Quantum Physics, Nanotechnology, Thermodynamics, Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Mathematical Physics to apply their strong head for numbers, detailed knowledge of scientific principles and interest in discoveries related to the physical world. Want to know how to begin your career in Physics? Read on to gain insight into where your physics degree could take you.

Skills Required to Pursue a Career in Physics

Studying a course in Physics develops your understanding of fundamental Physics and gives you a range of subject-specific skills in areas such as electromagnetism, dynamics, quantum mechanics, astronomy, computational and experimental physics and condensed matter. Other than this, you develop other technical and non-technical skills that are important to establish a career in Physics, have been listed below: 

• Constructing logical arguments and reasoning.
• Analytical approach towards complex problems.
• Mathematical skills to find solutions to solve scientific problems.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of technical equipment 
• Delivering complex ideas using technical language.
• Ability to work in groups.
• Meeting research and project deadlines.
• Efficiency in handling specialised software packages and Information Technology programming.

Also Read:Branches in MSc Physics

Courses in Physics

The following are the popular courses in Physics:

• Bachelor of Science- Astronomy and Space Science 
• Bachelor of Science (Honours)- Physics
• Bachelor of Science with Honours- Physics
• Bachelor of Science in Astronomy 
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Physics
• Bachelor of Science in Physics Astrophysics
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics- Applied Physics 
• Bachelor of Arts Physics
• Bachelor of Physics with Foundation 
• Associate of Science Physics 
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Astronomy
• Post Graduate Diploma in Science- Physics 
• MSc Physics 
• Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering 
• Masters of Science in Physics 
• Master of Quantum Technology
• Engineering Degree in Materials Science Engineering 
• Master of Science in Applied Physics
• PhD in Physics
• PhD in Astrophysics

Subjects in Physics 

Whether you opt for BSc or MSc in Physics, the following are the subjects that will be a part of your curriculum –

• Classical Mechanics
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
• Electromagnetism and Photonics
• Relativistic Mechanics
• Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics, and Molecular Physics
• Optics and Acoustics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• High-energy Particle Physics
• Nuclear Physics
• Relativity and Cosmology
• Advanced Optics
• Solid State Physics
• Astrophysics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Atomic Spectroscopy

Also Read: BSc Physics Syllabus

Top Universities for Courses in Physics

Are you intending to take your career in Physics abroad? So, we have curated a list of well-regarded universities from across the world that are best for studying Physics – one of the oldest scientific branches of Science. Whether opting for a BSc Physics, MS or a PhD in Physics, the initial years will be devoted to mastering the key concepts, and later the students can tailor the program of study to their interests. However, specialised Physics courses are an intellectual challenge and will require a strong mathematical aptitude. Your theoretical understanding will be bagged with practical lab sessions, seminars and lectures. Besides these, students will be accessed using written or oral presentations, literature review, lab observations, project work and written exams.

Check out the table given below, which includes the complete breakdown of top universities offering Physics degrees to students across the world along with their QS, THE and US News World University Rankings for Physics & Astronomy and Physical Sciences:

University	QS World University Rankings – Physics & Astronomy 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1
Stanford University	3
Harvard University	5
University of Cambridge	2
University of Oxford	4
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	27
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	6
Princeton University	20
ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology	9
The University of Tokyo	23

Popular Careers Fields in Physics

Whether you are thinking of exploring space, matter or intriguing elements of the physical world, a career in Physics can do wonders in your professional life. While most of the Physics graduates go on working in research departments, some of them love to fetch profiles in education, defence, automotive and aerospace industries, healthcare, public sector, technology, energy & materials and computing & IT.

Let us take a look at some of the most popular career pathways for Physics graduates: 

Research and Development

Those planning to go for a long-term career in research can consider opting for an MSc Physics, MPhil or PhD. This will help budding researchers to gain more in-depth and specialised knowledge to prepare them to work in a specific field. Potential areas can be Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Astrophysics, Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, Climate Science, Particle Physics, Meteorology and Aerospace Dynamics.

Space and Astronomy

Have you read about the education of Kalpana Chawla? It is quite interesting to know that if you study Physics you may actually have a chance to become an astronaut like her. However, everything is not easy, as roles within the aerospace division are limited and highly competitive. In order to acquire higher positions, unlike administrative and trainee roles, you’ll certainly need a master’s degree. From studying the universe, collecting data from spacecraft and satellites, operating radio and optical telescopes to investigating new materials and technology, there are endless responsibilities of an Astronomer. 

Healthcare

Physicists are overlapping with biomedical engineers to create, review and maintain medical equipment and technologies. To put their career in Physics on track, graduates are seen employed within areas such as Cardiology, Neurology, Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine. A decent knowledge of Physics, radiation detection and Material Science, besides a master’s degree in medical physics will give you a leg up into medical technology companies, research centres, healthcare providers and academic institutions.

Engineering

From sustainable energies, medical technology, building designs, robotics to aeronautics; studying Engineering Physics offer a huge range of specialization to build a solid career in Physics. With increasing opportunity especially within the manufacturing and techno-based roles, Physics graduates are working to improve and develop products and manufacturing processes to benefit a large number of employers. 

Recommended Read – Engineering Courses Supporting a Career in Physics

• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aircraft Engineering
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Piping Engineering
• Automation Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Architectural Engineering
• Fire and Safety Engineering
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering

Energy

When we survey renewable or non-renewable energy, a career in Physics within the energy sector is dynamic. A majority of Physics graduates are employed in the oil and gas companies – known to be big players in the energy market. Professionals are aiming at extracting fossil fuel reserves in the most efficient manner, using the newest technologies. Due to the depletion of fossil fuels reserves, power companies are extending to conservative alternatives of energy sources such as solar and wind energy. This has led to potential growth for career opportunities in research and development.

Technology

The technology sector has always been a constant source of new opportunities, growth, innovation, challenges and career paths. Those wanting to develop a career in Physics have a lot of scopes to work alongside other specialists in Robotics, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Being a relatively newer and most exciting avenue, employment and research opportunities are open to physicists. Besides having a degree in Physics, individuals should ideally have a practical approach to problem-solving, communicate complex ideas and be able to work in a team under budgetary constraints. Both public and private-sector research centres and tech companies are enthusiastic about employing talented and innovative researchers from all across the world.

Geophysics and Meteorology

With a strong interest in collecting and analysing data from radar, satellite images, weather stations and remote sensors, you can pursue a career in Physics. These researchers are actively involved in investigating the realities of climate change and fulfilling the energy requirements of the world. Typical research work includes seasonal and ocean forecasting and climate prediction, monitoring variability and change, data transfer into sophisticated computer programs, improving computer models of short-range forecasting and investigation of airflows. Students wishing to work in the meteorology department must have a strong interest in gathering and analysing data from weather stations, satellite images, radar and remote sensors. While meteorologists study daily weather forecasting and the long-term effects of climate change, geophysicists are concerned with predicting natural disasters. 

Besides, you can use your mathematical skills to move into the financial sector or your mind of technological innovation to enter the legal domain; while some can find options in teaching, transport, communications, manufacturing and architecture. Entertainment and media industries also offer job roles such as game programming, scientific journalism and film special effects.

Also Read: MSc Physics Syllabus

Top Universities for Courses in Physics in India

The following are the top colleges in India to pursue Physics:

• Indian Institute of Science
• Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras 
• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
• Hansraj College, University of Delhi
• St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi
• St. Xavier’s College
• Banaras Hindu University
• Fergusson College

Physics Jobs in Industry

Here are the top 10 job profiles you can opt to pursue a career in Physics-

• Data Analyst
• Design Engineer
• Accelerator Operator
• Applications Engineer
• IT Consultant
• Lab Technician
• Laser Engineer
• Optical Engineer
• Technical Specialist
• Systems Analyst

Also Read: MSc Physics Entrance Exam Books

Careers in Physics Salary

If you are interested in kick-starting your career in Physics, these are the estimated salaries offered abroad-

Job Profiles	Salaries (PerAnnum)
Meteorologist	INR 48,00,000
Lab Manager	INR 54,00,000
Lecturer	INR 48,00,000
Test Engineer	INR 53,00,000
Geophysicist	INR 73,70,000
Aeronautical Engineer	INR 76,00,000
Research Scientist	INR 81,00,000

Top Recruiters for Starting a Career in Physics

There are enumerable internship and training opportunities available to Physics and Engineering Physics majors. You can send your application to work with some of the top companies, relevant in this field, that we have listed in the table below:

Air Force Research Laboratory	Accenture	Battelle
Boeing	CAR Technologies, LLC	Center for Automotive Research
Cisco Systems	Cook Nuclear Plant	Electroscience Laboratory
Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station	General Electric Aviation	Great American Financial Resources
Honda Research and Development Americas, Inc.	IBM	Idaho National Laboratory
ITT Industries	Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab	JP Morgan Chase
Meyer Sound, Inc.Microsoft NASA	Microsoft	NASA
Nationwide Financial	Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems	Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

BONUS – CBSE Resources for Physics Students 

• Physics Syllabus For Class 11
• Physics Syllabus for Class 12
• Physics Practical

FAQs

With the ability to grasp complex theories, graduates can build a lucrative career in Physics. If you want to know about the most suited university that matches your field of interest, talk to us at Leverage Edu. Our comprehensive career guidance can help you finalise your top career and course options besides comparing various countries to select the right one for you.