Physicists study the universe and everything in it, from the very small (quantum) to the very large (cosmology).
A physicist explores and identifies the basic principles that govern the structure and behavior of matter, the interaction between energy and matter, and the generation and transfer of energy. These principals can be used in both theoretical and practical areas.
Physicists typically specialize in one of many subfields, and some will go further to specialize in a subdivision of one of these subfields:
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics – consists of research on atoms, simple molecules, electrons and light, and their interactions
Astrophysics – the study of physical processes in stars and other galactic sources, galactic structure and evolution, the early history and evolution of the universe, and the sun and solar activity
Biological Physics – the study of biological phenomena using physical techniques
Chemical Physics – provides understanding for a broad range of systems, from atomic collisions to complex materials, as well as the behaviour of the individual atoms and particles that make up the system
Computational Physics – explores the use of computers in physics research and education, as well as the role of physics in the development of computer technology
Condensed Matter Physics – concentrates on such topics as superconductivity, semi-conductors, magnetism, complex fluids, and thin films
Fluid Dynamics – the study of the physics of fluids with special emphasis on the dynamical theories of the liquid, plastic and gaseous states of matter under all conditions of temperature and pressure
Laser Science – or laser physics, is a branch of optics that describes the theory and practice of lasers
Materials Physics – applies physics to complex and multiphase media including materials of technological interest, and uses physics to describe materials in many different ways such as force, heat, light and mechanics
Nuclear Physics – the study of fundamental problems related to the nature of matter
Particles and Fields – the study of particles and fields, their interrelationships, interactions and structure, and the design and development of accelerators and instrumentation techniques for high energy physics
Physics of Beams – the study of the nature and behaviour of beams and the instruments for their production and use
Plasma Physics – plasma, solid, gas and liquid are the four states of matter. Plasma physics is the study of plasma charged particles and fluids interacting with electric and magnetic fields.
Polymer Physics – focuses on the physics of natural and synthetic macromolecular substances
Physicists can be found working in high schools, colleges, universities, research labs, hospitals, power plants, museums, the military, NASA, law firms, oil fields, the government, various industries, and businesses.
A person working as a Physicist in Kenya typically earns around KSH322,000 per month. Salaries range from KSH158,000 (lowest) to KSH502,000 (highest).
Physicists are projected to have employment growth in the scientific research and development services, educational services, and healthcare and social assistance industries.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, one can work in general areas of engineering and computer related fields. There are also options to get into other areas, such as meteorology, science journalism, or to become a medical technician.
If you would like to be a physics teacher, a two- year master’s degree is typically needed. If you would prefer to become a research physicist or teach as a professor at a university, you will need a doctoral degree which can take up to four or five years to complete.
