Physics: Lasers, Black Holes, Superconductors, Quantum Mechanics and the List Goes On …
Physics is the science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force. Physicists are explorers trying to understand the world around them. The Department of Physics and Astronomy helps many students acquire a general understanding and appreciation of physics and astronomy. In the liberal arts tradition, the undergraduate curriculum is complete and flexible enough to allow a graduate with a major in physics to pursue a variety of careers. For the student interested in combining the study of physics with studies in other areas, the department can assist in the planning of an individual curriculum meeting both the minimum requirements of the physics program and the student’s needs and interests.
By working closely with an adviser, the student with special interests can take advantage of opportunities to take several other courses from one or more departments outside physics, or double major in physics and another area. For students desiring a more traditional physics or astronomy education, the department provides a full slate of undergraduate and graduate courses, a student observatory, and opportunities for research and advanced study.
What skills does studying physics and astronomy develop?
-scientific reasoning and problem solving
-mastery of computers and other technology to measure and analyze data
-thinking creatively, critically, analytically, logically and quantitatively
-ability to communicate through writing and speaking
-collaborate with other scholars
Career Opportunities
Many graduates continue their studies with graduate work in physics or other areas such as engineering, computer science, applied physics, medicine, radiation medicine, biophysics, law, meteorology, oceanography, geophysics, environmental sciences, management, or the teaching of physics and/or physical science at the junior and senior high school levels. Other occupations for physics majors include, but are not limited to the following:
-astronomer
-scientist
-technician
-acoustical engineer
-meteorologist
-aerospace engineer
-navigation equipment specialist
-optical design specialist
-astrophysicist
-particle physicist
-medical physicist
-nuclear physicist
-development
-professor
-planetarium exhibit planner/guide
-computer programmer
-science writer
-national observatories
-government laboratories
-applied research
-department of defense and commerce
-equipment manufacturers
-scientific instrument companies
For more information about careers, go to the following:
For a special glimpse into the world of Physics & Astronomy, check out this video by Chris Anderson from a TEDTalks conference.
For more information about career opportunities, contact the UK Career Center.