 Ever since Galileo, physicists have been pioneers in research, results of
which enhance our daily lives. Their work enables our modern way of living
by discovering and applying the way nature works. Physics research allows
us to look forward to a future that holds even more exhilarating
breakthroughs and advances upon which society will thrive -- a future
that holds exciting opportunities for the physics students of today.
Physics is the key to many doors of opportunity that open up to
challenging, meaningful, and rewarding careers in industry, government,
academia, and the private sector. You can be a part of this exciting
future.
 Physics
is everywhere. It describes the world around us, from explaining the
workings and making possible the luxuries and conveniences inside our
homes such as energy efficient heat pumps, cel phones, microwave
ovens, and iPods - - to describing the motions of the galaxies in our
universe. Physicists find answers to almost everything.
 Their studies
range from the tiniest particles of matter to the largest objects in our
universe. Their research has a range of applications which includes the
computers that allow us to communicate with others across the globe, as
well as the vehicles that allow us to traverse the globe faster, more
safely, and more efficiently than would be possible without advances in
physics. Physicists of the future will move society even faster along the
information superhighway and drive further progress in the area of
transportation. It is the physics students of today who will make
contributions to improving the quality of lives in many, many areas.
 Physics
underlies all other basic sciences and is the basis for much of technology
because it is concerned with the most fundamental aspects of matter and
energy as well as the laws that govern their interactions - - the
interactions which make the physical universe work. Scientists in other
fields use the knowledge discovered by physicists to guide them in the
study of their respective disciplines. Much of the technological equipment
and techniques used by other scientists were originally developed by
physicists, such as, x-rays, MRIs and other instruments used by medical
doctors to safely study the human body and diagnose and treat diseases.
From saving lives to saving our environment to promoting knowledge in
other areas of science, physicists are key players in our future.
As
a physicist, you can contribute to meeting the needs and the challenges of
the future, to making things more simple and beneficial, and to furthering
our understanding of the way the world works. As a student, you are
forming the groundwork for your contributions to the field as you study
physics. As you lay the path of your journey from physics student to
physicist, you must define your career objectives. This may include
refining your interest in physics into one of its many subfields and
consider the type of work environment that would best suit you.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the American
Institute of Physics and the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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