Northern Michigan University Department of Physics What is Physics Physics is the most basic of sciences and involves the study of phenomena from the microscopic atomsmolecules to the macroscopic eg the motion of a ball to the ID: 216431
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Slide1
Careers in Physics
Northern Michigan University
Department of PhysicsSlide2
What is Physics?
Physics is the most basic of sciences and involves the study of phenomena from the microscopic (atoms/molecules) to the macroscopic (e.g. the motion of a ball) to the
megamacrosopic
(stars and galaxies).
Physics topics include: motion, force, energy, momentum, heat and thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, relativity, modern physics, quantum mechanics, materials…….and on and on.Slide3
What Can You Do With a Physics Degree?
Physicist/Material Scientist
Engineer (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Nuclear, etc.)
Astronomer/Astrophysicist
Teacher (high school/college/university)
Computer Programmer
Financial Analyst/Lawyer/Physician
Meteorologist
Technical Writer/Editor
MANY OTHERSSlide4
Where Do Physicists Work?
Industry
Government Laboratories
AcademiaSlide5
Job Qualifications
Ability for original and creative thinking.
Problem solving ability.
Ability to break complex ideas down into simpler, solvable problems.
Mathematical ability.
Ability to invent, build, and work with experimental apparatus.
Ability to clearly express ones ideas in verbal or written form.Slide6
Academic Preparation
High School: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English and writing, and all the mathematics you can take.
Undergraduate: Introductory through advanced physics courses and all the mathematics you can take. Computer programming is very important.
Graduate: Specialization with graduate courses and a lot of research (theoretical or experimental), mathematics, and computer programming.
KNOWING HOW TO WRITE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!!Slide7
Internship Experiences
For undergraduates, beside the research opportunities available in their university’s department, summer REU’s (research experience for undergraduates) are widely available throughout the U.S.
Study abroad may be possible.
Scientific or technically oriented companies may provide opportunities.
Opportunities exist as interns in government.Slide8
Degree Programs
Bachelor’s Degree candidates would work as technical aides to PhD physicists or engineers or, with teaching certification, could teach in high schools.
Master’s Degree candidates could work as team leaders or engineers, or work for PhD physicists. Can also teach in two or four year colleges.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) would be project research leaders, or could also do research and teach at universities.Slide9
Demand/Growth/Salaries
As the U.S. economy rebounds and focuses on science and technology to bring us back on track, demand will grow, especially for women.
Academic positions are competitive and can be hard to match well to as they often require specific expertise and previous experience.
Starting salaries depend on degree and industry
vs
academia.
Salaries can range from $35,000 to $100,000 depending on location, degree, and experience.Slide10
NMU Information
Located in Marquette, Michigan (Upper Peninsula) on Lake Superior….beautiful, natural environment.
Approximately 9000 students.
Outstanding teaching and research facilities, much of it new within the past 10 years.
High quality academic programs.
Easy faculty accessibility.
Opportunities for undergraduate
researc
h.
Relatively small campus….easy to get to classes.Slide11
Physics at NMU
Outstanding teaching faculty. All physics major courses are taught by PhD faculty with degrees from
Stanford, Indiana, Penn State, Kent State, and Michigan Tech.
Small major…students get to know faculty well.
Easy to meet with faculty.
Full complement of physics courses.
Research areas include low energy nuclear spectroscopy, theoretical particle/field, introductory astronomy.Slide12
Physics at NMU (cont.)
Two observatories with 16” Schmidt-
Cassegrain
telescopes.
Majors have a great office facility.
Active physics club involved in outreach activities.
Annual trip to Argonne National Lab for research presentations.
Student success in obtaining summer REU’s.Slide13
NMU Physics Students
Typically between 2 and 6 graduates each year.
Most go onto graduate school. Schools include: Michigan State, Michigan, Indiana, Texas Tech, Stanford, Michigan Tech, Minnesota.
Some students go to graduate school in engineering or work with their Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
Physics (science in general) is a good major for students interested in law school.Slide14
Physics Club Mackinac Bridge TourSlide15
NMU Physics Tests Speed Skating Pads for the USOECSlide16
NMU ObservatorySlide17
Neutron Detectors for J-lab (left)
Department museum display (right)Slide18
NMU Physics Major OfficeSlide19
Contact Information
Highly recommend a campus visit.
NMU Admissions (906-227-2650)
NMU Physics
Dr. David Lucas
906-227-2191
dlucas@nmu.eduSlide20
QUESTIONS?????