Careers in Physics

This is a reference guide for young adults interested in studying and ultimately pursuing careers in physics. There are over twenty 3,500-4,500-word entries on several major fields, both new and old, of specialization. They include acoustics, astrophysics, civil engineering, classical or applied mechanics, environmental physics, nanotechnology, nuclear medicine, quantum mechanics and more. Each entry follows a standard format: relevant fields of study, definition, basic principles, core concepts, applications past and present, impact on industry, social context and future prospects. Other features include breakaway sections on transferable skills or interviews with people who work in physics, and a note designating select occupations as officially "green" according to the US Department of labor, employment and training administration. Each of these entries also ends with a profile of a particular job typical of the field, such as an aerospace engineer or an oceanographer, and summarizes the scope of the work they do, necessary education, career enhancement and extra training, daily tasks and technology used, earnings and employment outlook, related occupations and future applications. Extra appendices offer an expanded bibliography, a list of suggested STEM undergraduate majors, colleges to consider, other career resource portals, web-resources, and Nobel Prizes in physics. In addition to a standard index, is an occupational one. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)