Physics

Physics encompasses a wide spectre of interesting areas, from the study of planets to the production of microwaves. In general physicists focus on matter and energy to investigate how they work and how they affect each other.

A various number of industries employ physicists to aid development and the manufacturing process. They can assist all kinds of businesses with any number of problems; the only certainty is that the prospects are substantial. It wouldn’t take Einstein to figure out why this is a good career choice, and he had no experience of career guidance anyway…

Education
Physics degree options include Applied Physics, Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Physics & Mathematics, Physics with Computing, Physics Technology, Physics & Instrumentation, Physics & Astrophysics, and Physics with Astronomy. There are also higher-certificate courses available such as Applied Physics & Instrumentation, as well as many general science courses that include physics options. The CAO points required for physics courses are in the 300 – 450 bracket.

Most physics programmes at third level include basic science subjects, along with specialisations such as Mathematics for Physics, Mechanics & Heat, Waves & Optics, Electricity & Magnetism, Quantum Physics, Relativity, Astronomical Techniques, Nuclear & Particle Physics, Fluid Mechanics & Medical Physics and Bioengineering.

Some courses feature a period of workplace experience during the third or fourth year. There is less concentration on laboratory work compared to some other science subjects, although physics students still get to wear their white coats on a regular basis.

Students interested in studying physics subjects at university might also consider the wide range of courses available in other Mathematics and Science disciplines.

Options after Qualification
There are a huge number of career paths open to physics graduates in areas as diverse as astronomy, financial risk analysis, weather forecasting, computer game development, medical device manufacturing and telecommunications.

Many graduates go on to postgraduate study and research in their area of interest, while others find careers in secondary school teaching or lecturing at Institutes of Technology and universities.

The Work
Physics is arguably the most theoretical of the traditional science disciplines. Physicists try to understand how things work by developing simulations and models, designing and carrying out experiments, using mathematical equations, and writing up their observations and findings in reports and scientific papers.

Theoretical physicists ask awkward and important questions. How did the universe begin? What is it made of? What is the nature of time? Why can’t I stop asking questions? They seek to develop a rigorous understanding of the laws of the physical world and generally work for research institutions or universities, or conduct high-level research for organisations.

There are also many more practical applications of the skills and knowledge you will learn on a higher-level physics course. For example, applied physics knowledge and experiments can assist with the development of advanced materials, new energy sources, medical equipment and electronic and optical devices.

Most physicists divide their time between the laboratory and the computer. Physicists use super-fast computers to develop a model or theory and test it, with the computer performing many of the difficult and time-consuming calculations and raising any problems or errors. Then it’s off to the lab, where machines such as electron microscopes, particle accelerators, radioactive tracers and spectrometers are used to test whether the theories work in practice.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Physicists need a combination of imagination and practicality. For a considerable chunk of their time physicists identify a problem and invent a series of experimentations to alleviate it; this can be a frustrating process so perseverance is important.

An over average mathematical ability is necessary and, due to the amount of presentations and experiments, good oral and written skills are useful.

Physicists can work in laboratories, workshops and offices – dividing their time between high-tech, expensive electronic equipment and computers. Many physicists’ work involves travel to communicate with and learn from other experts. Astronomers may travel even further.

The Money
Generally speaking, science graduates can start off on around €25,000, with salaries rising over time and with experience. Senior physicists and other scientists are relatively well paid, with salaries potentially rising towards €80,000 a year.

Jargon
Black hole: a region of space in which the gravitational field is so powerful that nothing can escape after having fallen past the event horizon
Thermodynamics: effects of changes in temperature, pressure, and volume on physical systems using statistics
Optics: The branch of physics that deals with light
Quantum Mechanics: The branch of physics that deals with atomic and subatomic systems
Theory of Relativity: Einstein’s idea that space and time were somehow both different sides of the same coin

Job Titles
Physicist
Mathematician
Research Scientist
Cosmologist
Astrophysicist
Quantum Mechanic
Computational Physicist

Further Resources
Institute of Physics in Ireland
c/o Department of Experimental Physics
UCD
Belfield
Dublin 4
Web: http://ireland.iop.org/
Email: alison.hackett@iop.org

The True Physics Project
Web: www.physics.ie

Irish Astronomical Society
P.O. Box 2547
Dublin 14
Web: www.irishastrosoc.org
Email: ias1937@hotmail.com

Physics.org
Web: www.physics.org