Is physics for you? - The Institute of Physics in Ireland
Is physics for you? - The Institute of Physics in Ireland
Is physics for you? - The Institute of Physics in Ireland
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What is<br />
<strong>physics</strong>?<br />
<strong>Physics</strong> is a key part <strong>of</strong> science and technology; it deals with how<br />
and why th<strong>in</strong>gs behave as they do. <strong>Physics</strong> is used to solve<br />
problems: environmental, social, health, technological and many<br />
more. It’s about practical th<strong>in</strong>gs but also <strong>in</strong>volves ideas such as<br />
the orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> the universe and the t<strong>in</strong>iest build<strong>in</strong>g blocks <strong>of</strong> all<br />
materials.<br />
• <strong>Physics</strong> lies at the heart <strong>of</strong> science, eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g, technology, our<br />
planet and the universe itself<br />
• <strong>Physics</strong> <strong>in</strong>volves liv<strong>in</strong>g and non-liv<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
• <strong>Physics</strong> is <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g and challeng<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• <strong>Physics</strong> is fundamental<br />
A knowledge and<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>physics</strong><br />
is necessary to….<br />
predict the weather<br />
understand climate change<br />
prospect <strong>for</strong> m<strong>in</strong>erals<br />
<strong>in</strong>sulate our homes<br />
test and improve our hear<strong>in</strong>g and eyesight<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigate how animals communicate<br />
build quiet, efficient and safe vehicles<br />
launch a rocket<br />
create new materials<br />
analyse pollution <strong>of</strong> air, land and water<br />
take scans <strong>of</strong> the human body<br />
harness energy <strong>of</strong> all k<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
solve crimes<br />
date archaeological rema<strong>in</strong>s<br />
<strong>Physics</strong> will help <strong>you</strong><br />
appreciate so many th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
which affect our lives<br />
with answers to fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g<br />
questions such as<br />
How can we save premature babies from dy<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
Can we get cheap energy from sea waves?<br />
How can radioactive substances be used <strong>in</strong> medic<strong>in</strong>e?<br />
What makes a nano-material SMART?<br />
Why does food feel hot but plates stay cold <strong>in</strong> a microwave oven?<br />
How can we measure the smoothness <strong>of</strong> sk<strong>in</strong>?<br />
How do contact lenses work?<br />
Can Radar be used to track plumes <strong>of</strong> volcanic ash?<br />
How does a nano-eng<strong>in</strong>eered swim suit work?<br />
Why are the skies blue and sunsets red?<br />
How does CERN’s research with proton beams provide new<br />
treatments <strong>for</strong> cancer?<br />
What makes glass transparent?<br />
How can we improve the hear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> a nearly deaf person?<br />
How does a laser allow <strong>you</strong> to download an itune?<br />
Where can we f<strong>in</strong>d water <strong>in</strong> dry countries?<br />
What is the best way <strong>of</strong> spray<strong>in</strong>g crops and protect<strong>in</strong>g harvests?<br />
How do bats use echolocation <strong>for</strong> navigation?<br />
How can we analyse the age <strong>of</strong> pa<strong>in</strong>t on a Renaissance pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
Why do different materials have such different strengths?<br />
What are the best designs <strong>for</strong> football boots?<br />
Which technology will predict earthquakes and tsunamis best?<br />
How can a laser correct shortsightedness?<br />
What nanotechnology application will make a sunscreen<br />
more effective?<br />
How would an understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> ballistics help a <strong>for</strong>ensic scientist?<br />
and many, many more.<br />
In the words <strong>of</strong> some<br />
<strong>physics</strong> graduates<br />
‘Its<br />
‘<br />
a very satisfy<strong>in</strong>g feel<strong>in</strong>g to see the<br />
rocket on a launch pad, know<strong>in</strong>g <strong>you</strong>r kit is<br />
about to be blasted <strong>in</strong>to space ’’<br />
Medic<strong>in</strong>e<br />
ENERGY Health &<br />
Bio-fuels researcher<br />
Nuclear Physicist<br />
Oil Rig<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Geothermal<br />
DRUG DELIVERY<br />
SPECIALIST<br />
Education &<br />
Research<br />
Lab<br />
Technician<br />
Space<br />
Telecommunicati<br />
Remote Sens<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Researcher<br />
W<strong>in</strong>d<br />
Expert<br />
Analyst<br />
Perfusionist<br />
WAVE ENERGY EXPERT<br />
Solar Power Advisor<br />
Astronomer<br />
Radiation Effects<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Medical<br />
Physicist<br />
Medical Device Designer<br />
Radiation<br />
Technologist<br />
Biomechanical<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Designer<br />
Image Process<strong>in</strong>g Researcher<br />
Satellite<br />
Plasma<br />
modeller<br />
Solar Physicist<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
& Legal<br />
reneur<br />
Risk Analyst<br />
Sales and<br />
t<strong>in</strong>g Rep<br />
Insurance Brok<br />
Patent<br />
Exam<strong>in</strong>er<br />
sicist<br />
Particle Physicist<br />
JOBS FOR PHYSICI<br />
Patrick Brown, Rocket Scientist<br />
‘<strong>The</strong>re is a lot <strong>of</strong> local wildlife <strong>in</strong> Botswana<br />
that enjoys chew<strong>in</strong>g on the wires nos<strong>in</strong>g<br />
around the <strong>in</strong>struments!’<br />
Jessica Spratt, Geophysicist<br />
‘ but <strong>in</strong>stead <strong>of</strong> ward<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>f evil trolls, I get<br />
to create the game.’ …<br />
John White, Computational Physicist<br />
‘<br />
..and if any severe weather is expected,<br />
I will issue warn<strong>in</strong>gs. ‘<br />
Sarah O’Reilly, Meteorologist<br />
‘My work is <strong>in</strong> gamma-ray bursts,<br />
tremendous explosions, which we can detect<br />
even to the edge <strong>of</strong> the universe.’<br />
Lorra<strong>in</strong>e Hanlon, Astronomer<br />
‘<br />
If correct, this could be a Nobel prize<br />
w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g discovery! ‘<br />
Ronan McNulty, on his work at CERN. Particle Physicist<br />
‘Case settles <strong>for</strong> fraction <strong>of</strong> its value.<br />
<strong>Physics</strong> w<strong>in</strong>s!’<br />
Pat Culleton, Forensic Physicist<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>physics</strong>!<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
Food Quality Controller<br />
Oceanographer<br />
Environmental Analyst<br />
VOLCANOLOGIST<br />
Geophysicist<br />
Archaeologist<br />
Seismologist<br />
Meteorologist<br />
Encryption Expert<br />
TRANSPORT<br />
Sports<br />
Materials<br />
Scientist<br />
What is<br />
<strong>physics</strong>?<br />
Nanotechnolog<br />
Research Team<br />
Leader/Manager<br />
<strong>Physics</strong> Teacher/Lecturer<br />
Laser Physicis<br />
IT &<br />
<strong>Is</strong> <strong>physics</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>you</strong>?<br />
SEMICONDUC<br />
Antenna Designe<br />
Soil Physicist<br />
Science Advisor<br />
Diagnostic Controller<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Aeronautical<br />
Manufactur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Lithographer<br />
Electrician<br />
Technician<br />
Fuel-Cell<br />
Researcher<br />
ENGINE<br />
Photo<br />
Resea<br />
S<strong>of</strong>tware De<br />
Radar System<br />
Designer<br />
AIR TRAFFIC CON TROLLER<br />
Me<br />
ner<br />
Sound Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Music Technologist<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
SC<br />
C
<strong>Is</strong> <strong>physics</strong><br />
<strong>for</strong> You?<br />
If <strong>you</strong> want to use <strong>you</strong>r imag<strong>in</strong>ation, <strong>you</strong>r practical ability and<br />
<strong>you</strong>r creative flair, then <strong>physics</strong> could be <strong>for</strong> <strong>you</strong>.<br />
If <strong>you</strong> are fasc<strong>in</strong>ated by the world about <strong>you</strong> and would like to<br />
understand more about it, or if <strong>you</strong> are th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about a career<br />
<strong>in</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g, medic<strong>in</strong>e, comput<strong>in</strong>g, the environment, space<br />
or technology, then <strong>physics</strong> is <strong>for</strong> <strong>you</strong>.<br />
If <strong>you</strong> want to use that <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the world around <strong>you</strong> to<br />
solve many <strong>of</strong> the Earth’s greatest problems then <strong>physics</strong> is<br />
def<strong>in</strong>itely <strong>for</strong> <strong>you</strong>. From the search <strong>for</strong> renewable fuels to the<br />
use <strong>of</strong> solar power <strong>in</strong> water purification schemes <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
countries, physicists are work<strong>in</strong>g with eng<strong>in</strong>eers, biologists,<br />
chemists, governments, charities and <strong>in</strong>dustry to make our<br />
planet a safer and more susta<strong>in</strong>able place.<br />
With a <strong>physics</strong> qualification <strong>you</strong> could choose to work <strong>in</strong> the<br />
open air, <strong>in</strong> a hospital, <strong>in</strong> a laboratory team, <strong>in</strong> some k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong><br />
eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> education or <strong>in</strong> many other environments.<br />
While many physicists work <strong>in</strong> research labs particularly <strong>in</strong><br />
universities, two thirds <strong>of</strong> Irish <strong>physics</strong> graduates work <strong>in</strong><br />
other areas such as medical technology, comput<strong>in</strong>g, energy<br />
production or food sciences. <strong>The</strong>re is excit<strong>in</strong>g work, too,<br />
<strong>in</strong> meteorology, photonics, w, nanotechnology, scientific<br />
journalism, aerospace, chemical, mechanical and civil<br />
eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
If after study<strong>in</strong>g <strong>physics</strong> <strong>you</strong> move away completely from<br />
<strong>physics</strong>-based work, the <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g uses <strong>of</strong> <strong>physics</strong> all around<br />
<strong>you</strong> will always rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>terest. <strong>The</strong> ideas, techniques and<br />
ways <strong>of</strong> th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, which <strong>you</strong> have learnt, will always help <strong>you</strong><br />
understand the scientific and technological <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation <strong>in</strong> the<br />
media, which shapes our world, while, the logic and problem<br />
solv<strong>in</strong>g techniques are <strong>of</strong> use <strong>in</strong> any career.<br />
When try<strong>in</strong>g to decide what to<br />
study at third level, probably<br />
the most important question to<br />
ask is ‘do <strong>you</strong> like the subject?’<br />
In a 2010 IOP survey <strong>of</strong> first year <strong>physics</strong> undergraduates 72% said<br />
they chose their degree because <strong>of</strong> their <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the subject,<br />
especially the ‘big’ areas such as astronomy and particle <strong>physics</strong><br />
fields – which are lead<strong>in</strong>g to some <strong>of</strong> the most impressive technology<br />
sp<strong>in</strong>-<strong>of</strong>fs with rapid advances <strong>in</strong> comput<strong>in</strong>g, imag<strong>in</strong>g, medic<strong>in</strong>e and<br />
the environment.<br />
In a 2010 IOP survey <strong>of</strong> the last five years <strong>of</strong> <strong>physics</strong> graduates 13%<br />
are earn<strong>in</strong>g between b40k and b50k.<br />
If <strong>you</strong> decide to become<br />
a physicist then <strong>in</strong> <strong>you</strong>r<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>you</strong> will learn:<br />
• To design experiments<br />
• To use mathematics and computers <strong>in</strong> real-life situations<br />
• To observe events and ask sensible questions about them<br />
• To work successfully <strong>in</strong> teams<br />
• To expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>you</strong>r ideas to people around <strong>you</strong><br />
• To have new ideas and th<strong>in</strong>k up new theories<br />
So, if <strong>you</strong> have an enquir<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>d, are adaptable, enjoy challenges,<br />
have some mathematical ability and good powers <strong>of</strong> observation and<br />
if <strong>you</strong> can communicate <strong>you</strong>r ideas clearly to other – then <strong>physics</strong><br />
certa<strong>in</strong>ly is <strong>for</strong> <strong>you</strong>!<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g out more<br />
<strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Physics</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>, c/o School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Physics</strong><br />
University College Dubl<strong>in</strong>, Dubl<strong>in</strong> 4 +353 1 7162216<br />
iopireland.org<br />
<strong>physics</strong>.org<br />
JOBS FOR PHYSICISTS<br />
ENERGY Health &<br />
Medic<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Bio-fuels researcher<br />
Nuclear Physicist<br />
Space<br />
Remote Sens<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Oil Rig<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Researcher<br />
Geothermal<br />
Expert<br />
W<strong>in</strong>d<br />
Analyst<br />
WAVE ENERGY EXPERT<br />
Solar Power Advisor<br />
Astronomer<br />
Designer<br />
Plasma<br />
modeller<br />
Satellite<br />
Solar Physicist<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance<br />
& Legal<br />
Entrepreneur<br />
Radiation Effects<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Risk Analyst<br />
Sales and<br />
Market<strong>in</strong>g Rep<br />
Patent<br />
Exam<strong>in</strong>er<br />
Econophysicist<br />
Intellectual Property Lawyer<br />
Forensic Physicist<br />
Insurance Broker<br />
Perfusionist<br />
Medical Device Designer<br />
Biomechanical<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Medical<br />
Physicist<br />
Radiation<br />
Technologist<br />
DRUG DELIVERY<br />
SPECIALIST<br />
Image Process<strong>in</strong>g Researcher<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
Food Quality Controller<br />
TRANSPORT<br />
Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Oceanographer<br />
Environmental Analyst<br />
VOLCANOLOGIST<br />
Archaeologist<br />
Seismologist<br />
Meteorologist<br />
Science Advisor<br />
Diagnostic Controller<br />
Aeronautical<br />
Geophysicist<br />
Education &<br />
Research<br />
Lab<br />
Technician<br />
Telecommunications<br />
Soil Physicist<br />
Fuel-Cell<br />
Re searcher<br />
Radar System<br />
Designer<br />
AIR TRAFFIC CON TROLLER<br />
Encryption Expert<br />
Particle Physicist<br />
Sports<br />
Materials<br />
Scientist<br />
Research Team<br />
Leader/Manager<br />
<strong>Physics</strong> Teacher/Lecturer<br />
Laser Physicist<br />
IT &<br />
Antenna Designer<br />
Manufactur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Technician<br />
Lithographer<br />
Electrician<br />
SEMICONDUCTOR<br />
ENGINEER<br />
Photonics<br />
Researcher<br />
S<strong>of</strong>tware Designer<br />
Games Developer<br />
Media<br />
Music Technologist<br />
Sound Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<br />
Web Designer<br />
Nanotechnologist<br />
Exhibit<br />
Designer<br />
SCIENCE<br />
CURATOR<br />
Video Producer<br />
Science Journalist/<br />
Communicator
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