Job Prospectus for Professional Physicists

Physics is a basic science which deals with the properties and interactions of matter and energy. All leading national and international universities offer graduate, post graduate and doctoral programmes in Physics. There are two streams of physics: theoretical physics and experimental physics. People, who want to become a scientist, opt for experimental physics while those who are looking for a career as academicians study theoretical physics.

Courses available in Physics are B.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Physics, and PhD and M.Tech in specific specializations. It is a vast field of science and the major specializations include Acoustical Physics; Astronomy and Astrophysics; Biophysics; Fiber Optical Physics; Fluid Physics; Geophysics; Materials Physics; Medical Physics; Molecular Physics; Nuclear Physics; Optical Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Quantum Physics; High Energy Physics; Atomic Physics and Plasma Physics.

The main areas of research in the field of astronomy and astrophysics are extragalactic astronomy; quasars, and gamma ray burst sources; sun and the solar system; cosmology; earth, planetary and atmospheric sciences; and atmospheric and space physics. The main areas of research in the field of plasma physics are magnetic confinement, fusion and industrial applications of Plasma; stellar physics; geomagnetism and allied fields of plasma physics.

There is no dearth of careers for professional physicists. Candidates with advanced qualifications can become a scientist in Space Research Organizations and Space Application Centres; Atmospheric Research Laboratories; Nuclear and Atomic Research Centres; Nuclear Power Corporations; Nuclear Fuel Complexes; Heavy Water Boards, Atomic Mineral Directorates; Research Institutes of Nuclear Physics; Institutes of Geomagnetism; Centres for Liquid Crystal Research; National Physical Laboratories; National Geophysical Research Institutes; Institutes of Materials & Mineral Technology etc.

Candidates with a B.Sc Physics or M.Sc Physics along with a Bachelor in Education can opt for a teaching career in schools, colleges, universities and engineering colleges. Physicists can find good career options in medical field and corporate sector also.