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Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

These degree profiles look at potential jobs, key skills & atributes, associations & professional development and great books which relate to each degree and its potential career path.

Physics

The study of physics is the scientific investigation of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. It seeks to understand how objects move, interact, and behave under various conditions, from the tiniest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies. Physics explores a wide range of phenomena through core areas such as mechanics (motion and forces), electromagnetism (electricity and magnetism), thermodynamics (heat and energy), quantum physics (behavior of particles at the atomic scale), and relativity (space, time, and gravity).

Key Skills & Knowledge

Analytical: Organize, analyze and interpret scientific data; compare and contrast ideas and information; articulate and analytical; careful attention to detail.

Technical: Computer simulation/modeling; laboratory techniques; operation of scientific equipment and safety procedures; programming and systems analysis skills.

Communication: Preparing technical or research reports; synthesizing complex information to present ideas and data clearly.

Organizational: Conceptualize and implement projects a and meet deadlines; observation and decision making skills.

Critical thinking: Critical thinking and problem solving.

Research: Utilize survey research methods research skills; defining problems and developing research designs and models; curiosity, imagination, and creativity; provide relevant perspectives ability to make projections.

Mathematical and observational skills: Utilize the appropriate mathematical formulas to perform calculations.

Sample Job Titles

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

  • Aerospace Research Scientist
  • Astronaut
  • Astronomer
  • Astrophysicist
  • Biophysicist
  • Computer Programmer
  • Environmental Analyst
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Geneticist
  • Inorganic Analyst
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Occupational Health & Safety Specialist
  • Physicist
  • Quality Assurance Assistant
  • Research & Development Scientist
  • Science Laboratory Technician
  • Systems Analyst
  • Teacher / Professor
  • Technical Writer

Potential Industries

  • Acoustics
  • Administration & Management
  • Aerospace
  • Applied Research & Development
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophysics
  • Biophysics
  • Climatology
  • Computers & Technology
  • Consulting
  • Defence ‐ National
  • Education
  • Environment / Conservation
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Hi-Tech Industry
  • Numerical Modeling
  • Observatories
  • Planetarium / Science centres
  • Post-Secondary Institutes
  • Space
  • Science Research
  • Technical Writer
  • Technologist
  • Technology
  • Writing

Additional Resources

Did you know?

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Key Contacts

Faculty Contact

Undergraduate Science Centre
Science B 149 (SB 149)
T: 403.220.8600
E: science.advising@ucalgary.ca
W: science.ucalgary.ca

Clubs on Campus

Physics and Astrophysics Student Association

Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)

Centre for Career & Personal Development
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/career-personal-development