EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The two leading qualities of a physicist are curiosity and an analytical mind. So if you love to find out how things work and are good with logic and argumentation, then you would do well in physics. Physics is one of the subjects of study both at the 10+2 and B.Sc levels.

Those who want to take up engineering and technology course after 10+2 must study Physics (of course, along with mathematics). The cousin content of many engineering and technology courses include a substantial portion dealing with the basics of physics.

At the B.Sc. level, several universities offer honors degree programmes in physics.

• At the first degree level some universities have introduced courses in electronic sciences (BES) or B.Sc (Electronic Science). There are also stray examples of universities offering such subjects as Astrophysics, Biophysics as one of the combinations at the B.Sc level.

• Those who want to take up the career as Physicist (researchers or teachers) should stay the postgraduate (M.Sc) course and continue further to obtain doctoral degree. There more than 115 universities which offer M.Sc (Physics) course.

• M.Phil and PhD courses are available both in universities as well in a number of research institutions. A joint entrance screening test (JEST) is conducted for admission to PhD programs in physics at 13 research institutions.

• Engineering and technology are build on the fundamental of Physics , which covers many specialized fields – from engineering , architecture, cinematography, acoustics, astronomy, and astrophysics to medicine , agriculture, geophysics, meteorology , and other allied sciences.

• The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) has also been set up under the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Thiruvananthapuram, for the study of integrated masters in applied sciences, and postgraduate, doctoral and postdoctoral programs in space science.

• Physics can be applied to many industries and engineering problems as the subject helps to develop in you skills such as logical thinking, computing and problem solving, which are useful for any field of work, or organization.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

If you are an explorer, one who likes to see other parts of nature that few others have seen, naturally like to take things apart, and spend time over details, these are good indicators for a career in physics.

Good career opportunities for qualified physicists are available both as teachers and researchers. For teaching jobs in universities and colleges, one has to qualify in the UGC – CSIR NET. Every year a large number of candidates are recruited by several research institutions.

Laboratory Assistant: This job revolves around taking care of the laboratory and its equipment. The lab-assistant arranges instruments and apparatus foe various experiments to be conducted in the lab. A PG Diploma in Medical Lab Technology would be better option though.

Scientific Assistant: A scientific assistant works under a scientist and may have responsibilities like recording routine readings of instruments , scanning books, internet and journals for reference material , compiling working notes , etc.

Forestry: Science graduates are eligible for the post of Forester and Forest Ranger. Candidates qualifying in the written test and fulfilling prescribed physical requirements are sent to the Indian Forest Research Institute and College at Dehradun or Coimbatore for a 2-year training course in Forestry.

Defence Services: Science graduates and postgraduates who meet the prescribed physical and medical requirements and clear the entrance tests are eligible for appointment in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Air Force, and in the Defence Science Service.

Other Entry Occupations: Physics graduates can always try for other options open to graduates for all streams. These include various competitive exams, government jobs, subordinate executive and clerical posts, etc.

Sales: Science graduates are specially suited for sales f commercial products like pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, biotechnology products, etc. Medical representations are hired by all pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers for promoting and marketing their products to doctors and hospitals.
Apprenticeship: Many industrial undertakings recruit science graduates for paid apprenticeship in the chemical, mechanical, or other relevant engineering department.

They are paid a stipend during training and may afterwards be absorbed in the factories and laboratories.

Management Trainees: On the basis of a selection test and interview, many business houses employ promising science graduates as management trainees. On successful completion of training, they are employed as executives.

A degree in Physics can start you on a career in research and the building of knowledge in any particular area of subject. Most students of physics work in research and development, engineering, and information technology fields. Some physicists work on problems at the frontier of knowledge, in fields such as nuclear physics, astrophysics and so on. The main areas of research in physics include astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter physics and material science.