Physics
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 |
Related Major Skills
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 |
Job & Internship Search Sites
- Handshake -- UNCW's Online Job & Career Portal
- Job Search Resources
- Physics & Engineering Jobs
- Association of Science-Technology Centers - job listings
- Jobs in Optics
- Education America Network
Career Planning Links
- Candid Career Videos
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET OnLine
- NC Tower
- Physics and Astronomy Online
- Careers with Physics
- Canadian Association of Physicists
- Career Fields
- Sloan Career Cornerstone Center - Career planning resources in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computing and healthcare.
Professional Association Links
- American Institute of Physics
- American Astronomical Society
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- American Physical Society
- Institute of Physics
- Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
- Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation
- The Oceanography Society
Miscellaneous Resources
- High-Energy Physics Employment Database
- Physics World
- Physics Central (By the American Physical Society)