Physics

The Intersection of All Sciences

Physics is the most fundamental science, providing a foundation for understanding in nearly all fields of science and technology. In a broad sense, physics is concerned with the study of energy, space, matter, the interactions between matter, and the laws that govern these interactions. More specifically, physicists study mechanics, heat, light, electric and magnetic fields, gravitation, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and condensed-matter physics.

Program Awards

Our Physics programs are included in the Mathematics, Science, and Engineering field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associate in Science Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

A few career options in physics require an associate degree, some require a bachelor’s degree, and most require a graduate-level degree: research assistant, laboratory technician, high school teacher, college or university professor, technical writer, and research or applied physicist in a broad ranges of fields including acoustics, atmospheric physics, astrophysics, astronomy, atomic and molecular physics, electricity and magnetism, electronic instrumentation, energy conservation, geophysics, health physics, mechanics, heat or light physics, medical imaging, nuclear medicine, solar energy, nuclear physics, engineering, and scientific computing.  Physicists typically work at colleges and universities, at national laboratories and other government agencies, and in a wide variety of commercial industries.

The average annual salary in this field is $132,890 for occupations like Physicists.

Typical Duties

• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Coaching and Developing Others
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.