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发信人: myosotis (阿金), 信区: AdvancedEdu
标 题: 98-99 ocupational outlook/Physicists and Astronom
发信站: BBS 水木清华站 (Mon Apr 6 21:56:33 1998)
Physicists and Astronomers
D.O.T. 015.021-010; 021.067-010; 023.061-010, -0
14, and .067; 079.021-014)
Significant Points
* A doctoral degree is the usual educational requirement
because most jobs are in basic research and development; a
master's degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied
research and development; a bachelor's degree is adequate
for some nonresearch jobs.
* Ph.D.'s face competition for jobs as funding for research
declines, and as the large pool of postdoctoral workers add
to the supply of new graduates.
* Nature of the Work
Physicists explore and identify basic principles governing
the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and
transfer of energy, and the interaction of matter and
energy. Some physicists use these principles in theoretical
areas, such as the nature of time and the origin of the
universe; others apply their physics knowledge to practical
areas such as the development of advanced materials,
electronic and optical devices, and medical equipment.
Physicists design and perform experiments with lasers,
cyclotrons, telescopes, mass spectrometers, and other
equipment. Based on observations and analysis, they attempt
to discover laws describing the forces of nature, such as
gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. They
also find ways to apply physical laws and theories to
problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials,
communications, aerospace technology, navigation equipment,
and medical instrumentation.
Astronomy is sometimes considered a subfield of physics.
Astronomers use the principles of physics and mathematics to
learn about the fundamental nature of the universe,
including the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. They
also apply their knowledge to problems in navigation and
space flight, and to develop the instrumentation and
techniques used to observe and collect astronomical data.
Most physicists work in research and development. Some do
basic research to increase scientific knowledge. Physicists
who conduct applied research build upon the discoveries made
through basic research, and work to develop new devices,
products, and processes. For instance, basic research in
solid-state physics led to the development of transistors
and then to the integrated circuits used in computers.
Physicists also design research equipment. This equipment
often has additional unanticipated uses. For example, lasers
are used in surgery; microwave devices are used for ovens;
and measuring instruments can analyze blood or the chemical
content of foods. A small number work in inspection,
testing, quality control, and other production-related jobs
in industry.
Much physics research is done in small or medium-size
laboratories. However, experiments in plasma, nuclear, high
energy, and some other areas of physics require extremely
large, expensive equipment such as particle accelerators.
Physicists in these subfields often work in large teams.
Although physics research may require extensive
experimentation in laboratories, research physicists still
spend time in offices planning, recording, analyzing, and
reporting on research.
Almost all astronomers do research. Some are theoreticians,
working on the laws governing the structure and evolution of
astronomical objects. Others analyze large quantities of
data gathered by observatories and satellites, and write
scientific papers or reports on their findings. Astronomers
may spend only a few weeks each year making observations
with optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and other
instruments. For many years, satellites and other
space-based instruments have provided tremendous amounts of
astronomical data. New technology resulting in improvements
in analytical techniques and instruments, such as computers
and optical telescopes and mounts, is leading to a
resurgence in ground-based research. A small number of
astronomers work in museums housing planetariums. These
astronomers develop and revise the programs presented to the
public, and may also direct operations.
Physicists generally specialize in one of many
subfields atomic and molecular physics; physics of
condensed matter
(solid-state physics); optics; acoustics; space physics;
plasma physics; or the physics of fluids. Some specialize in
a subdivision of one of these subfields; for example, within
condensed matter physics, specialties include
superconductivity, crystallography, and semiconductors.
However, all physics involves the same fundamental
principles, so specialties may overlap, and physicists may
switch from one subfield to another. Also, growing numbers
of physicists work in combined fields such as biophysics,
chemical physics, and geophysics.
* Working Conditions
Physicists often work regular hours in laboratories and
offices. At times, however, those who are deeply involved in
research may work long or irregular hours. Most do not
encounter unusual hazards in their work. Some physicists
temporarily work away from home at national or international
facilities with unique equipment such as particle
accelerators. Astronomers who make observations may spend
long periods of time in observatories; this work usually
involves travel to remote locations. Long hours, including
routine night work, may create temporarily stressful
conditions.
Physicists and astronomers whose work is dependent on grant
money are often under pressure to write grant proposals to
keep their work funded.
* Employment
Physicists and astronomers held nearly 18,000 jobs in 1996.
About 3 in 10 nonfaculty physicists and astronomers worked
for commercial or noncommercial research, development, and
testing laboratories. The Federal Government employed almost
2 in 10, mostly in the Department of Defense, but also in
the Departments of Commerce, Health and Human Services, and
Energy, and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. Others worked in colleges and universities
in nonfaculty positions, and for State governments, drug
companies, and electronic equipment manufacturers.
Besides the jobs described above, many physicists held
faculty positions in colleges and universities. (See the
statement on college and university faculty elsewhere in the
Handbook.)
Although physicists and astronomers are employed in all
parts of the country, most work in areas in which
universities, large research and development laboratories,
or observatories are located.
* Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
A doctoral degree is the usual educational requirement for
physicists and astronomers, because most jobs are in basic
research and development. Additional experience and training
in a postdoctoral research assignment, although not
required, is helpful in preparing physicists and astronomers
for permanent research positions. Many physics and astronomy
Ph.D. holders ultimately teach at the college or university
level.
Master's degree holders usually do not qualify for basic
research positions, but do qualify for many kinds of jobs
requiring a physics background, including positions in
applied research and development, and manufacturing. Physics
departments in some colleges and universities are creating
professional master's degree programs to specifically
prepare students for physics-related research which does not
laboratories. Some may qualify for applied research jobs in
private industry or nonresearch positions in the Federal
Government. Some become science teachers in secondary
schools. Astronomy bachelor's or master's degree holders
often enter a field unrelated to astronomy, but they are
also qualified to work in planetariums running science shows
or to assist astronomers doing research. (See the statements
on engineers, geologists and geophysicists, computer
programmers, and computer scientists and systems analysts
elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Over 500 colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree
in physics. The undergraduate program provides a broad
background in the natural sciences and mathematics. Typical
physics courses include mechanics, electromagnetism, optics,
thermodynamics, atomic physics, and quantum mechanics.
About 180 colleges and universities have departments
offering Ph.D. degrees in physics. Graduate students usually
concentrate in a subfield of physics, such as elementary
particles or condensed matter. Many begin studying for their
doctorate immediately after receiving their bachelor's
degree.
About 80 universities offer the master's or Ph.D. degree in
astronomy, either through an astronomy, a physics, or
combined physics/astronomy department. Applicants to
astronomy doctoral programs face keen competition for
available slots. Those planning a career in astronomy should
have a very strong physics background. In fact, an
undergraduate degree in either physics or astronomy is
excellent preparation, followed by a Ph.D. in astronomy.
Mathematical ability, computer skills, an inquisitive mind,
imagination, and the ability to work independently are
important traits for anyone planning a career in physics or
astronomy. Prospective physicists who hope to work in
industrial laboratories applying physics knowledge to
practical problems should broaden their educational
background to include courses outside of physics, such as
economics, computer technology, and business management.
Good oral and written communication skills are also
important because many physicists work as part of a team or
have contact with clients or customers with non-physics
backgrounds.
Most physics and astronomy Ph.D.'s begin their careers in a
postdoctoral research position, where they may work with
experienced physicists as they continue to learn about their
specialty and develop ideas and results to be used in later
work. The initial work may be under the close supervision of
senior scientists. After some experience, they perform
increasingly complex tasks and work more independently.
Physicists who develop new products or processes sometimes
form their own companies or join new firms to exploit their
own ideas.
* Job Outlook
Historically, many physicists and astronomers have been
employed on research projects reductions in
defense-related research and a continued
slowdown in the growth of civilian physics-related research
will result in a small decline in employment of physicists
and astronomers through the year 2006. The need to replace
Persons with only a bachelor's degree in physics or
astronomy are not qualified to enter most physicist or
astronomer jobs, but may qualify for a wide range of
positions in engineering, technician, mathematics, and
computer- and environment-related occupations. Those who
meet State certification requirements may become high school
physics teachers, an occupation reportedly in strong demand
in many school districts. (See the statements on these
occupations elsewhere in the Handbook.) Despite strong
competition for traditional physics and astronomy research
jobs, individuals with a physics degree at any level will
find their skills useful for entry to many other
occupations.
* Earnings
According to a 1997 National Association of Colleges and
Employers survey, the average starting salary offer to
physics doctoral degree candidates was $34,700.
The American Institute of Physics reported a median salary
of $65,000 in 1996 for its members with Ph.D.'s; with
master's degrees, $55,000; and with bachelor's degrees,
$50,000. Those working in temporary postdoctoral positions
earned significantly less.
Average earnings for physicists in nonsupervisory,
supervisory, and managerial positions in the Federal
Government in 1997 were about $71,800 a year, and for
astronomy and space scientists, $77,400.
* Related Occupations
The work of physicists and astronomers relates closely to
that of engineers, chemists, meteorologists, geophysicists,
computer scientists, computer programmers, and
mathematicians.
* Sources of Additional Information
General information on career opportunities in physics is
available from:
American Institute of Physics, Career Planning and
Placement, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3843.
Homepage: http://www.aip.org
The American Physical Society, Education Department, One
Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3844. Homepage:
http://www.aps.org
For a pamphlet containing information on careers in
astronomy, send your request to:
American Astronomical Society, Education Office, Adler
Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.,
Chicago IL 60605. Homepage: http://www.aas.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Image] Occupational Outlook Handbook Home Page
[Image] BLS Home Page
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Kristina Shelley
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Shelley_T@bls.gov
Last modified: January 30, 1998
URL: http://stats/bls.gov/oco/ocos052.htm
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