Computational physicists study the use of algorithms, numerical analysis, and datasets to explore the interaction between theoretical and experimental physics. They explore complex phenomena in atoms, molecules, plasmas, and high-energy particles; problems in astrophysics; and applied phenomena, such as traffic, the behavior of oceans, and biological dynamics.
Condensed matter and materials physicists study the physical properties of matter in molecules, nanostructures, or novel compounds. They study a wide range of phenomena, such as superconductivity, liquid crystals, sensors, and nanomachines. Health physicists study the effects of radiation on people, communities, and the environment.
They manage the beneficial use of radiation while protecting workers and the public from potential hazards posed by radiation. Medical physicists work in healthcare and use their knowledge of physics to develop new medical technologies and radiation-based treatments. For example, some develop safer radiation therapies for cancer patients. Others develop improved imaging technologies for radiant energy, such as magnetic resonance imaging MRI and ultrasound imaging.
Particle and nuclear physicists study the properties of atomic and subatomic particles, such as quarks, electrons, and nuclei and the forces that cause their interactions. Plasma physicists study plasmas, a distinct state of matter that occur naturally in stars and interplanetary space and artificially in products such as neon signs and fluorescent lights.
These physicists may study ways to create fusion reactors as a potential energy source. Quantum information physicists study ways to use quantum objects, such as atoms and photons, to probe information processing, computing, and cryptography. They focus on ways to use the fundamental nature of quantum mechanics and its associated uncertainties.
Unlike physicists, astronomers cannot experiment on their subjects, which are so far away that they cannot be touched or interacted with. Therefore, astronomers generally make observations or work on theory. Observational astronomers view celestial objects and collect data on them.
Theoretical astronomers analyze, model, and speculate about systems and how they work and evolve. The following are examples of astronomer job titles:. These astronomers develop and test concepts, such as string theory and dark-matter and dark-energy theories, and study models of galactic and stellar evolution, planetary formation, and interactions between stars.
Optical and radio astronomers use optical, radio, and gravitational-wave telescopes to study the motions and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the larger scale structure of the universe. Physicists also may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics. For more information, see the profiles on biochemists and biophysicists and geoscientists. People who have a background in physics or astronomy also may become professors or teachers.
For more information, see the profiles on high school teachers and postsecondary teachers. The scientific research and development services industry includes both private and federally funded national laboratories, such as those overseen by the U. Department of Homeland Security. Department of Defense. Although physics research often requires working in laboratories, physicists also spend time outside of the lab to plan, analyze, fundraise, and report on research.
Most astronomers work in offices and occasionally visit observatories, buildings that house ground-based telescopes used to observe natural phenomenon and gather data. Some astronomers work full time in observatories. Some physicists and astronomers work temporarily at national or international facilities that have unique equipment, such as particle accelerators and gamma ray telescopes. They also travel to meetings to present research results and learn about developments in their field.
Astronomers may need to do observation work at night. However, astronomers typically visit observatories only a few times per year. Graduate students may concentrate in a subfield of physics or astronomy, such as condensed matter physics or cosmology.
In addition to coursework in physics or astronomy, Ph. Computer science also may be useful for developing programs to gather, analyze, and model data. Undergraduate physics programs typically include courses such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism.
Undergraduate students may choose to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience. The American Astronomical Society has a directory of internships for astronomy students, and the American Physical Society lists internships for physics students. Students who do not want to continue their studies to the doctoral level may want to take courses in instrument building and computer science.
Others may become science teachers in middle schools or high schools. Physics and astronomy Ph. Senior scientists supervise these researchers as they gain experience and independence doing increasingly complex tasks.
Analytical skills. Physicists and astronomers must evaluate their work and the work of others to avoid errors that could invalidate their research. Communication skills. Physicists and astronomers present their research at conferences, to the public, and to others. They also write technical reports for publication and write proposals for research funding.
Critical-thinking skills. Physicists and astronomers need to think logically in carrying out scientific experiments and studies. They must determine whether results and conclusions are accurate. Interpersonal skills. Physicists and astronomers must collaborate with others and therefore need to work well with team members and colleagues.
Math skills. Physicists and astronomers do calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of math. They must express their research in mathematical terms. Problem-solving skills. Physicists and astronomers use scientific observation and analysis, as well as creative thinking, to solve problems. For example, they may need to redesign their approach and find alternatives when an experiment or theory fails to produce the desired result. If you are interested in string theory, I suggest you read and think about the arguments being made both by enthusiasts and skeptics, and make up your own mind.
Reviews Errata. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Email Address. Not Even Wrong. Skip to content. This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. February 9, at pm. Robert says:. March 10, at pm. Peter Woit says:. March 11, at pm. Robert, Of course indirect evidence is acceptable in science. If confirmed, the findings could pave the way to new superconductive materials and contribute new insights to planetary science.
South Korea is heavily invested in the physical sciences, which account for nearly half of its research in the Nature Index. The nation is also strong international team player, counting the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom as its tightest partners.
CERN is also one of the top-ranked contributors to big science articles in physics and astronomy in the Nature Index. Published in Nature , the paper was mentioned by Twitter users and news outlets , according to Altmetric. All Rights Reserved. Toggle navigation. Share on Facebook Tweet this article. Rankings Physical sciences.
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