Education & Career Trends: August 1, 2024
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Content compiled and curated by Team ICS
Physics is all around us! From the tiniest particles in the nanoworld of atoms to the vast expanse of the universe, physics is woven into every aspect of our daily lives. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed, your activities are influenced by the principles of physics. It governs the motion of objects, the functioning of automobiles and trains, the flight of kites and aeroplanes, the speed of jet planes, and the orbit of satellites. Physics is crucial in constructing roads, bridges, houses, buildings, boats, and ships. Natural phenomena such as lightning, thunder, and rainbows can be explained through physics, as can the reasons behind rainfall, the cycle of day and night, and the occurrence of tides.
By understanding physics principles, we can better comprehend, appreciate, and interact with the world around us.
Physics is a branch of science concerned with the laws governing the universe’s structure, the forms of matter and energy, and their interactions. It attempts to explain the nature of the physical world from the movements of planets to the smallest subatomic particles like quarks, leptons and mesons. It is usually divided into two large categories: classic and modern.
Classic Physics
Classic physics primarily deals with matter, motion, energy, magnetism, optics, acoustics, heat, thermodynamics, and electricity.
Modern Physics
Modern physics focuses on the structure of the physical world and includes various disciplines such as atomic, nuclear, particle, solid-state, and fluid physics. The discovery of the Higgs Boson is one of the latest advancements in particle physics.
What Do Physicists Do?
Physicists use mathematical terms to describe the structure and behaviour of the universe. They study energy in all forms, the structure of matter and the relationship between energy and matter. Physicists investigate a wide range of physical phenomena across many branches of physics, from subatomic particles (particle physics) to the behaviour of the universe as a whole (cosmology). Fields of specialisation include experimental and theoretical astrophysics, atomic physics, molecular physics, biophysics, chemical physics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, geophysics, material science, nuclear physics, optics, particle physics, plasma physics and space science.
Many professionals trained as physicists apply their skills to other careers, such as engineering and computing.
What Should I Study?
To pursue a career in physics, you need to pass the Plus Two examination or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Maths. You should be able to think clearly and logically, implement practical experiments and techniques that can be understood and repeated, and have a flair for mastering the concepts of physics and mathematics. A strong curiosity and determination to understand why things happen or how to make them happen is essential.
For teaching in colleges or universities and the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), post-graduation in physics and qualifying for the UGC-CSIR examination are required.
What Are the Prospects?
Physicists are widely employed as physics is vital for education, research, industrial, atomic, and space organisations. They work in research and development fields with specialised branches such as elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, health physics, and more. The flight of a space shuttle, the accuracy of mechanical equipment, or the mechanics of a car all depend on the research of physicists.
Some well-known centres for advanced physics research include the Department of Atomic Energy, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Trombay, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata, Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics in Pune, Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, and more.
Physicists often work in related areas of astrophysics, astronomy, biophysics, chemical physics, nuclear physics, meteorology, and others. The applications in nuclear and solid-state physics, as well as in applied physics such as electronics and communication, have great commercial value.
Medical physics uses physical tools, including optical and ionising radiation, ultrasound, lasers and thermal and magnetic technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The high-technology equipment used in diagnostic and therapeutic applications is often designed and maintained by medical physicists.
Biophysics uses the concepts and tools of physical chemistry and molecular physics to define and analyze the structures, dynamics, and interactions of biological molecules. This field of research is leading to new instrumentation designs for genomics, proteomics and clinical diagnostics for various biological markers.
Where Can I Study?
Many colleges offer B.Sc in Physics, but the top colleges and universities in India include:
- Loyola College, Chennai: www.loyolacollege.edu
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai: www.xaviers.edu
- Presidency College, Kolkata: www.presidencycollegekolkata.ac.in
- St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata: www.sxccal.edu
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata: www.jaduniv.edu.in
- Presidency College, Chennai: www.presidencychennai.com
- Madras Christian College, Chennai: www.mcc.edu.in
- Ferguson College, Pune: www.fergusson.edu
- Hindu College, Delhi: www.hinducollege.org
- St. Stephen’s, Delhi: www.ststephens.edu
- Miranda House, Delhi: www.mirandahouse.ac.in
- Ramjas College, Delhi: www.ramjascollege.edu
- Sri Venkateshwara College, Delhi: www.svc.ac.in
- Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi: www.dce.edu
- Stella Maris College, Chennai: www.stellamariscollege.org
- University of Mumbai: www.mu.ac.in
- Elphinstone College, Mumbai: www.elphinstonecollege.in
- IIT Kanpur: www.iitk.ac.in
- IIT Guwahati: www.iitg.ernet.in
Postgraduate courses in physics are offered at several colleges, including the IITs at Kharagpur, Kanpur, and Guwahati, and many more.
Physics is a fascinating and diverse field that opens up numerous career opportunities and offers the chance to explore and understand the fundamental principles that govern our universe. Whether you’re interested in theoretical research or practical applications, physics has something to offer everyone with a curiosity about the natural world.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet
Why Mathematics Students Need to Be Taught the Philosophy and History of the Subject
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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