Physicist (Natuurkundige)
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A physicist is a scientist who specializes in physics. Within physics there are various disciplines, in which a physicist is specialized. Some disciplines are particle physics, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, mechanics, optics, meteorology, plasma physics, acoustics, biophysics and fluid dynamics. Physics can be divided into three groups, namely theoretical physics, experimental physics and applied physics. Physics is best described as the scientific investigation of general properties of matter, radiation and energy. An important condition here is that the molecular composition may not change, because then we speak of chemistry. Physicists usually work at universities, at research institutes or work for companies that have their own laboratories or research departments. The substantive activities of a physicist cannot simply be indicated, because this can differ per physicist. The work of a physicist can always be regarded as highly specialized work. Think, for example, of developing better solar panels, studying physical phenomena that occur in the earth (geophysics), or making new devices and machines possible. As a physicist, you generally have to deal with complex problems for which a solution must be devised. In addition, innovation plays an important role in physics, because new technology can ultimately be applied through innovation. Physicists do not only work for research institutions. Business also uses physicists in various ways.
Physicist is therefore a general name for scientists who specialize in physics. Think, for example, of astronomers, engineers, meteorologists, acousticians and radiotherapists. These are all examples of different scientists dealing with physics. As described earlier, physicists can deal with physics in different ways. Physics does not relate to living nature, because the study of living nature belongs to the field of work of a biologist. Within physics, all phenomena in the inanimate nature are investigated. Physics can also not be classified as chemistry, because a chemist is responsible for composing various chemicals. For example, a chemist works as a pharmacologist to develop new drugs. In short, we can say that a physicist conducts research into physical phenomena, develops theories based on observations, and devises experiments and methods to apply physical laws and theories. Physics is an interaction between theories and experiments, in which theories lead to new experiments. These experiments can also underpin the theories.
WHAT DOES A PHYSICIST INVESTIGATE
A physicist investigates phenomena in inanimate nature, such as sound, light, forces and energy. Consider, for example, a question, what exactly will happen if two particles collide with each other (nuclear physics) or the question of what exactly does the universe look like. Another research question is how exactly we can see when the sun has burned out. Within physics, observations are important. Perceptions come down to being able to see, to feel, to be able to hear, to smell or to taste. Without observations, phenomena cannot be determined. When a physicist works within the business world, it is usually applied physics. For example, a technical physicist is responsible for coming up with new technological applications, which make batteries of mobile phones and cars charge faster and can store more power. Another example is a physicist who is responsible for wrapping a quantum computer. A quantum computer is a computer that has a lot of computing power by applying quantum mechanics.
WHAT DOES A PHYSICIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A PHYSICIST
Those who aspire to a career as a physicist can best opt for the university study physics of about four to five years. The first two to three years of this study are fairly general. During the Master's programme, you will specialise yourself in the chosen field. There are many different types of specializations, such as astronomy or meteorology. A possible study for astronomy is the study Physics and Astronomy. The university study of physics is a heavy education that will not be suitable for everyone. It is also important that the study suits you if you want to be able to complete it successfully. At hbo level, a suitable programme can be the hbo-study applied physics. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A PHYSICIST CAN WORK
A physicist can work for various research institutions and companies. Think, for example, of the car industry, energy companies and manufacturers of medical equipment. In addition, a physicist can be affiliated with a university. As a physicist, it is also possible to work as a physics teacher. In general, technical physicists work within the business world and university physicists work for a research institution.
COMPETENCES PHYSICIST
The most important competence of a physicist is that you have research skills. The competences of a physicist can differ per physicist, because the profession of physicist also occurs at hbo level. It is therefore not the case that all physicists can be regarded as scientists. Communication should also be seen as an important competence, because in most cases you work within a team of specialists. Innovation also plays an important role within the profession of physicist. Generally important words are inspiration, creativity, analytical, analyzing, critical, result-oriented, independence, testing, planning and innovation. Innovation mainly relates to the invention of new technologies.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A PHYSICIST
The labour market perspective of a physicist is good. As described earlier, you can work as a physicist for various companies, organizations and institutions, which makes the labor market perspective good. The career opportunities of a physicist should be seen in obtaining a PhD or being allowed to lead a research team. Further career opportunities are highly dependent on the field and your own competencies.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY PHYSICIST
There are no examples of the employment conditions as a physicist, because you can work for different types of companies, institutions or organizations with different collective agreements. A physicist will usually earn a salary between 3000 and 5000 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and further responsibilities. A higher salary as a physicist is conceivable when you carry many responsibilities.
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