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J M O’Meara Department of Physics University of Guelph

But What Can I DO. With A Physics Degree?. J M O’Meara Department of Physics University of Guelph. How is studying physics useful?. Physics plays a central role in addressing major societal issues e.g. global warming/climate change, pollution, energy sources, disease therapies, ...

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J M O’Meara Department of Physics University of Guelph

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  1. But What Can I DO With A Physics Degree? J M O’Meara Department of Physics University of Guelph

  2. How is studying physics useful? • Physics plays a central role in addressing major societal issues • e.g. global warming/climate change, pollution, energy sources, disease therapies, ... • A knowledge-based economy requires a scientifically-literate workforce

  3. communication: “use relevant scientific knowledge and skills to explain or clarify ideas” information management: “access, analyze and apply knowledge and skills from various disciplines (e.g. ... science, technology mathematics...)” Employability Skills 2000 + (Conference Board of Canada) • the fundamental skills you need in the workplace:

  4. numeracy: “make estimates and verify calculations” problem solving: “readily use science, technology, and mathematics as ways to think, gain and share knowledge, solve problems and make decisions ” Employability Skills 2000 + (Conference Board of Canada) • the fundamental skills you need in the workplace:

  5. Employability Skills 2000 + (Conference Board of Canada) • additional skills needed: Be Adaptable Learn Continuously Work with Others

  6. Fundamental Employability Skills

  7. 21st Century World “I believe that a solid education in physics is the best conceivable preparation for the lifetime of rapid technological & social change that our young people must expect to face. The undergraduate physics major is the liberal arts education of the 21st century!” • David Goodstein, Caltech

  8. Profiles highlighting the ‘unconventional’

  9. By degree.... After a B.Sc. • Steve Bell After an M.Sc. • JJ Offiong After a Ph.D. • Erin Niven • Mark Staley

  10. Steve Bell Education: • Hons. B.Sc. in Physics, Minor in Computer Science • Class of ’96, University of Guelph Current Employment: • Lighting Technical Director, PDI|Dreamworks

  11. What does Steve do? • works with programmers to put ‘virtual lighting’ in the shots of animated movies How did Physics prepare Steve for this work? • there is a lot of problem-solving involved, “which transfers pretty well” • “having an idea of how light works tends to help”

  12. Steve’s success

  13. JJ Offiong Education: • Hons. B.Sc. in Physics, McMaster, ’96 • M.Sc. in Physics, University of Saskatchewan, ’99 Current Employment: • Defence Scientist, Operational Research Division, Dept of National Defence

  14. What does JJ do? • uses mathematical and computational tools to synthesize information • advises decision makers on solutions to key operational problems How did Physics prepare JJ for this work? • the application of the scientific method to real-world problems • practical mathematical training • problem solving skills

  15. Erin Niven Education: • Hons. B.Sc. in Medical Physics, McMaster, ’96 • M.Sc. in Health Physics, McMaster, ’98 • Ph.D. in Medical Physics, McMaster, ’03 Current Employment: • Radiation Safety Officer, University of Guelph

  16. What does Erin do? • ensures compliance with safety regulations • provides recommendations on sources, equipment and techniques • collects dosimetric data How did Physics prepare Erin for this work? • knowledge base in radiation physics • rapid assessment of problems • effective communication across disciplines

  17. Mark Staley Education: • Hons. B.Sc. in Physics, U of T, ’86 • M.Sc. in Physics, U of T, ’88 • Ph.D. in Physics, U of G, ’95 Current Employment: • Director of Core Engine Development, CIBC World Markets

  18. What does Mark do? • manages a team of programmers, analysts and mathematicians to develop risk models for the trading floor How did Physics prepare Mark for this work? • the training in applying mathematics to “an uncertain set of data” has helped Mark to excel in this field

  19. The Bigger Picture From the American Institute of Physics

  20. So, what can you DO with a Physics degree? ... ANYTHING YOU WANT! • jobs requiring: • - problem solving skills - intellectual curiosity • numeracy - adaptability • communication skills - team work • - time management

  21. Web Resources • www.cap.ca/careers/ • www.vector.cfee.org/english/login.php • www.spsnational.org/cup/ • www.aip.org/aip/careers/careers.html • careers.iop.org

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