Physics

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What is Physics?

Physics is the discipline of Science dealing with the properties of matter and energy. Includes; acoustics, atomic physics, cryogenics, electromagnetism, elementary particle physics, fluid dynamics, geophysics, mathematical physics, mechanics, molecular physics, nuclear physics, optics, plasma physics, quantum physics, solid state physics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics. It is the branch of science concerned with the study of properties and interactions of space, time, matter and energy.

Physics majors at UNCW can choose General Physics, Applied Physics, Environmental Physics, or Physical Oceanography.

What is Physical Oceanography?

Physical oceanographers study the interaction between the ocean and its boundaries -- land, seafloor, and atmosphere -- and the relationship between the sea, weather, and climate. Questions about how the oceans work in a physical sense include investigations into water qualities such as temperature, salinity, density, and influential factors such as wind speed, air temperature, tides, and interaction with nearby land and underwater formations.

Physical oceanography focuses on describing and understanding the evolving patterns of ocean circulation and fluid motion, along with the distribution of its properties such as temperature, salinity and the concentration of dissolved chemical elements and gases. The ocean as a dynamic fluid is studied at a wide range of spatial scales, from the centimeter scales relevant to turbulent microstructure through the many thousand kilometer scales of the ocean gyres and global overturning circulation. Approaches include theory, direct observation, and computer simulation. Our research frequently takes place in the context of important multidisciplinary issues including the dynamics and predictability of global climate and the sustainability of human use in coastal and estuarine regions.

Related Career Titles

Acoustics Physicist	Geodesist	National Laboratory Research
Aerodynamist	Geophysicist	Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Aerospace Testing	High-Tech Designer	Nuclear Physicist
Astronomer	Hydrologist	Nuclear Power Plant Mgr
Astrophysicist	Industrial Hygienist	Medical Devices Designer
Atomic Physicist	Laboratory Technician	Physicist
Biophysicist	Lawyer, Technology Specialty	Physics Researcher
Cardiac Imaging Researcher	Mathematician	Physiognomist
Chemical Physicist	Teacher	Plasma Physicist
Computer Specialist	Medical Physicist	Process Engineer
Computer System Engineer	Medical Products Designer	Radiological Laboratory Director
Engineer	Meteorologist	Research & Development
Fluids Physicist	Molecular Physicist	Technical Salesperson
Research Assistant	Seismologist	Technical Writer
Satellite Data Analyst	Solid Earth Physicist	Test Engineer
Satellite Missions Analyst	Solid State Physicist	Technical Consultant
Science Teacher	Stratigrapher	Air Traffic Controller
Science Writer	Agriculture Scientist	Environmental Health Specialist
Automotive Engineer	Environmental Analyst	Industrial Hygienist
Forensic Scientist	Health Physicist	Optometrist
Occupational Safety Specialist	Oceanographer	Systems Analyst
Quality Control Manager	Scientific Photographer	Television Chief Engineer
Technical Illustrator	Environmental Planner	Particle Accelerator Operations Analyst
Crewing Research Vessels	Data Collection	Technical Writer / Editor
Research Assistant	College Professor	Chemist
Physical Oceanographer	Biologist	Marine Biologist
Marine Geochemist	Fisheries Scientist	Ocean Engineer
Marine Archaeologist	Marine Policy Writer	Aquatic Chemist
Ocean Driller	Ocean Miner & Gas Explorer	Coastal Geologist
Naval Researcher	Conservation Specialist	Climate Researcher
Public Policy Writer	Geophysist	Water Pollution Technician
Sea-going Instrument Technician	Marine Technician	Environmental Specialist
Hydrologist	Marine Products Developer	Acoustic Technician
Physical Science Specialist	Meteorologist

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Investigation	Communication	Computational	Technical
Define research problems	Develop & write research proposals	Measure distances/ relationships	Design equipment
Develop research models	Review scientific literature	Perform calculations	Identify/classify materials
Establish hypotheses	Summarize research findings	Mathematical modeling	Observe data
Gather/analyze data	Inform, explain, instruct	Maintain records	Establish experimental designs
Evaluate ideas	Prepare technical reports	Utilize math formulas	Use instruments
See relationships among factors	Draw meaningful conclusions	Observation Skills	Overall Science Knowledge
Math	Physics	Computer Programming	Technical Writing
Research	Critical Thinking	Analytical	Statistics
Laboratory Skills	Communication	Endurance	Foreign Language
Inquisitive	Persistence	Accuracy	Patience
Quantitative Skills	Multidisciplinary Knowledge	Digital Mapping	Problem Solving Skills
Self Initiative	Teamwork	Physical Fitness	Flexibility