If you are inspired by great physicists like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein and often wonder how they mastered this tricky discipline, then maybe you should try following their footsteps. Don’t worry! The only prerequisite for becoming a physicist is a genuine and keen interest in physics. It is a wonderful science which deals with study of matter and its space-time relationship. Being a physicist gives you a choice to learn about many subsets ranging from the minutest atom to the never-ending and forever expanding cosmos. You will be already aware that the many of the major inventions like computers, nuclear reactors, robots and even rockets are all contributions of great physicists – Physics is not rocket science, rocket science is just a part of it. All of us learn some elementary physics in our secondary education but most often, the ambition to actually become a physicist develops during university years. This article seeks to help you learn about the basic requirements, responsibilities and career prospects associated with becoming a physicist.
Requirements
Becoming A Physicist
Eligibility
To pursue a career as a physicist, one must study physics and mathematics at pre-university and college levels. They are usually combined with chemistry and biology. Specialize in physics at a graduate level. This qualification will be enough for the role of a research assistant. But for further and higher profile, you must also obtain a master’s degree in physics. This enables you to apply for jobs such as applied research and development which anyway demand a basic physics background. If you wish to pursue a career as a teacher in secondary schools or pre-university colleges, you can opt for a state certification at this point. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is essential for a basic research position. Post-doctoral experience would be an additional qualification. This degree makes you a physicist and enables you to work as a researcher and university professor.
Courses Required
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Internships – Most of the universities around the globe offer graduate, post-graduate and doctoral programmes in physics. Some universities provide courses in which internships are incorporated with the curriculum. Such internships provide additional advantage of work experience along with the completion of the course.
Skills Required
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Analytical skills are of much importance in research as visualizing and deriving complex problems come as second nature to a physicist.
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Mathematical skills are one of those essential qualities that ensure the success of a physicist and hence a thorough knowledge of this subject is also essential.
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An Inquisitive mind is what drives you towards invention and discoveries. Wanting to know more and asking the question ‘why’ are important traits of a physics scholar.
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Communication – both written and verbal – and presentation skills determine your success in paper presentations and thesis.
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Computer proficiency is of great use for data collection, data storage, analyzing graphs and so on.
Roles and Responsibilities
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Studying and identifying the various laws in physics. The research scholar is expected to be proficient in the selected area of the subject which is not possible without mastering theories and laws.
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Conducting experiments to explain and prove laws. A research scholar has to formulate a theory by going through different steps which start with forming a hypothesis. A scientific theory cannot be accepted until and unless it has been proven through experiments.
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Describing physical phenomena with the help of experiments is one of the most important roles of a physicist.
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Conducting applied research. A researcher may have to conduct applied research for a specific purpose or for the completion of a project. Participating in leading research programs also form a part of a physicist’s job.
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Studying about matter and deriving conclusions about it. This is applicable for those who are conducting research in this field.
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Imparting knowledge to the students who wish to pursue a career in this discipline. Doctorate degree holders are eligible to work as professors in concerned departments.
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Contribute towards the technological advancement and general development of science.
Career Prospects
Research is one of the fastest growing sectors around the globe and so, there are wide openings in this sector. As in the case of any other discipline, the career opportunities are higher for those with advanced education and experience. Physicists can work as research scholars, scientists or professors.
Pursuing a career as a physicist is a wise decision provided you have an interest in the subject. It is a testing, yet rewarding career with decent remuneration that just gets better with time and experience. It being a growing discipline, you need not even worry about the employment opportunities.
