Physics is the scientific discipline, concerned with both
fundamentals and frontiers, that attempts to understand all nature from atoms and
molecules to stars and galaxies. The physicist observes natural phenomena, tries to create
a mental picture or model of how the cosmos works and employs the language of mathematics
to describe nature. This ebb and flow of ideas involved in gaining insights and
perspectives into the interactions of natural phenomena is the study of physics. Typical
subfields in physics are the study of force and motion, energy, heat, sound, electricity
and magnetism, optics and laser physics, atomic and nuclear physics, astrophysics,
condensed matter physics and elementary particles. In both basic research and applied
areas, the physicist contributes his/her knowledge to the solution of questions
encountered in all phases of human endeavor.What Do Physics Majors Study?The physics major has a wide range of options in selecting courses in mathematics, computer- science, engineering, biology, geology, education, business, etc. to accompany his or her study of physics. Thus a student can design a curriculum to meet individual career goals. A typical course of study for a physics major anticipating further graduate study in physics might take the form shown below. Many variations are possible. Note that most selections occur later in the program when the student has a better concept of career choices. The first year is quite similar to all other science and engineering curricula in order to provide the maximum flexibility. The program of study for students of physics includes a series of courses which provides for a general education in the humanities, arts, social and natural sciences. The course of study also develops the students' abilities to express themselves accurately and effectively. Bachelor Of Science With A Major In Physics (PHY)Typical ProgramFirst Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
Program RequirementsPhysics - PHY 206, 207, 208, 210L, 211L, 301, 303, 333, 390, 408, 430, 431, and
at least two 300-400 electives What Careers Are Available To Physics Graduates?Graduate study is generally considered requisite to many careers in physics; however, students who have completed the Bachelor of Science degree in physics have among their options the capability of assuming technical positions in government and industry or with specific training the opportunity to obtain certification for teaching at the secondary school level. Due to the flexibility of the physicist, governmental and industrial positions extend over a wide range of possibilities. The B.S. physicist may become a member of a team engaged in basic research, work in research and development of some product, secure employment as a project engineer or enter the business field. The importance of national problems associated with the environment, the shortage of certain materials and energy issues have led to increased employment opportunities for the B.S. physicist who chooses to undertake an involvement with specific advanced technologies. In addition, advances in solid state electronics, lasers and medical instrumentation have produced new possibilities for the student trained in the science of physics. Studies at the graduate level open a multitude of additional possibilities to the physics major. Physics students have entered graduate work in fields other than physics to prepare for careers as medical doctors, lawyers, nuclear or electrical engineers, materials scientist, applied mathematicians, computer scientists, environmental scientists, chemists, geologists, astronomers and oceanographers. Other students have, of course, pursued professional graduate work in physics. Master of Science degree graduates usually find careers as laboratory scientists in government or industry. In addition, community colleges and some high schools seek teachers who hold the Master of Science degree. Doctoral physicists become involved as leaders in research. National statistics show that 20% go into governmental or federally funded laboratories (the National Institute for Standards and Technology, for example), 55% enter industrial laboratories (the Bell Laboratories, Xerox, etc.) and 25% are associated with universities and colleges, some as teachers while others take research positions at universities (such as the University of Dayton Research Institute). Among the most active fields of physics research today are optics (including laser studies), atomic and nuclear physics, plasma physics, chaos theory, and condensed matter physics (including superconductivity). A recent study of the University of Dayton undergraduate physics alumni indicated that after graduation 65% entered graduate school (most in doctoral programs), and 35% accepted employment. |