What is physics?

Physics is the study of the laws of nature. Its principles underlie all the basic sciences, such as astronomy, biology, chemistry and geology. Physics also forms the basis of applied science and engineering that have advanced technology from the horse-drawn cart to the supersonic jet, from the candle to the laser, from smoke signals to satellite transmission. 
Although physicists are often researchers who analyse nature and aspects related to nature, their attributes of creativity, inventiveness and problem solving enable them to advance successfully to management positions at all levels of industry.

Career opportunities

There many specialised fields for a career in physics, for example acoustics, astronomy, astrophysics, medical physics, materials science, geophysics and vacuum sciences. It offers a variety of work activities, such as lab supervisor, researcher, technician, teacher or manager. Physics opens doors to employment opportunities throughout the world in government, industry, education and private organizations.

The following are a few examples of specialized fields and their branches in which physicists can practise:

• Industry – construction, food processing, chemicals, aerospace, engineering, agriculture, consumer products, energy, fuel, metallurgy, semiconductors, textiles and clothing, transportation, computers, electricity, laser technology, material, metrology  
• Basic research – universities, technikons, national laboratories, industrial and private laboratories  
• Space and earth sciences – astronomy, space technology, geophysics, geology, atmospheric sciences, energy and resources, marine sciences  
• Engineering – electronic, electrical, biomedical, mechanical, metallurgical, computer, civil, chemical, environmental and instrumentation engineering
• Environmental science – noise control, pollution control, conservation, radiation protection, environmental monitoring  
• Computer science – graphics, software design, peripherals, modelling, artificial intelligence, data processing, programming, computer games  
• Medicine – radiation oncology, magnetic resonance imaging, radiation protection, nuclear medicine, diagnostic instrumentation
• Non-technical – law, administration, business, journalism, museums, sports, accounting, marketing, art, science communication  
• Publishing – technical books, journals, computer software  
• Communications – telecommunications, television, image analysis, video recording, photography, laser technology
• Consulting – industry, government, military  
• Education – colleges, universities, technikons, high schools, primary schools.  

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