Career prospect in Physics

Ranjan K Baruah *

The dictionary definition of physics is "the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them", but what that really means is that physics is about asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing and experimenting.

Physics is a very old discipline because astronomy, a part of physics, is the oldest natural science. In the past it was a part of natural philosophy with other fields of science, such as chemistry and biology, but during the scientific revolution, these fields became separate, and physics became a distinct field of knowledge.

Physics is a branch of science. It studies matter, and all forces and their effects. Modern physics connects ideas about the four laws of symmetry and conservation of energy, momentum, charge, and parity. Physics can also be defined as "that department of knowledge which relates to the order of nature, or, in other words, to the regular succession of events". One of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, the main goal of physics is to understand how the universe behaves.

It is a very old discipline because astronomy, a part of physics, is the oldest natural science. In the past it was a part of natural philosophy with other fields of science, such as chemistry and biology, but during the scientific revolution, these fields became separate, and physics became a distinct field of knowledge.

It uses the scientific method. That is, data from experiments and observations are collected. Theories which attempt to explain these data are produced. Physics uses these theories to not only describe physical phenomena, but to model physical systems and predict how these physical systems will behave. Physicists then compare these predictions to observations or experimental evidence to show whether the theory is right or wrong.

Medical physicists are employed in hospitals and departments of medical research. Astrophysics being a field in Physics and aspirants may get connected to organisation like Indian Space Research Organisation. Aspirants with Ph.D or qualified in National Eligibility Test can take up teaching positions in schools, colleges and universities.

Some specializations are as follows:

Astrophysics- Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, etc.

Fluid physics-Fluid Physics is the Study of behavior of fluids (gas, liquid and plasma) in motion.

Optical Physics- The branch of physics that deals with light and vision, chiefly the generation, propagation, and detection of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths greater than x-rays and shorter than microwaves.

Geophysics -Geophysics is the physics of the Earth and its environment in space; also the study of the Earth using quantitative physical methods.

Medical Physics- It is application of physics concepts, theories and methods to medicine. This has tremendous demand in health sector.

Nuclear Physics-Nuclear physics is the field of physics that studies the constituents and interactions of atomic nuclei.

Plasma Physics- It is a field of physics which deals with matter in its plasma phase. Plasma physics is a fundamental subject which covers the areas such as astrophysics, space physics, gas discharge.

Engineering Physics- Engineering physics graduates have employment opportunities with government organisations such as Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), and National Physical Laboratory, etc.

As we have less science graduate so many school and senior secondary schools are lack of qualified person to teach physics and science subjects. As there is less institute in our region hence many do not take up this subject but I can assure that anyone completing graduation and post graduation are sure to get some job in teaching if not in other sector.