Promotion of Careers in Physics

Bill ZealeyLearning Outcomes and Curriculum Development in PhysicsProject LeadersDavid Mills (Monash), Manjula Sharma ( Sydney)Project OfficerAlberto Mendez ( Sydney)

AUTC Paper Recommendations

Recommendation 4.1:That physics departments and the AIP seek to identify and utilize

effective methods to ensure that graduates are highly competent in the key generic skills.

Recommendation 4.2:That physics departments and the AIP together with industry

develop resources to help inform students of physics and future careers.

Recommendation 4.3:That physics departments consult with, and take advice from

industry and employers in developing their curriculum.

What is a Physicist?

Where Do Our Graduates Go

FALSE 57% of physics bachelors going into further full time study

True or FalseWe train undergraduates to enter industry

A background in Physics is of great importance to Industry

Students enrol in a physics degree to gain employment in Industry

FALSE key skill is problem solving

We actively recruit students with a view to entering research

What Careers do our Graduates Seek?

57% of Physics graduates go into full time study.

Personal Case 1:

1: ASA Meeting 2005

ASA Decadal Review stressed training of Honours and postgraduate students in skills of use to industry.

Students present were very vocal on the fact that they wished to enter a research career.

Questions:

At what stage do students actively seek positions outside research?

Should we encourage them to consider careers in industry?

Industry Sector

• graduates are unlikely to identify themselves as physicists in the workplace

• substantial fraction with double degrees may further blur their identity as physicists

Industry Sector

McInnis C, Hartley R and Anderson M, What Did You Do With Your Science Degree?, Occasional Paper for the Australian Council of Deans of Science (ACDS), December (2000)

What skills are Important? Departments’ views

What skills are Important Employers views

Czujko R, The Physics Bachelors as a Passport to the Workplace: Recent Research Results,

Students view

A Changing Market for Physics Graduates?

Changes in the past 20 years:• Student educational backgrounds have changed• Student expectations have changed• Students personal situations have changed

In response to declining numbers• We have introduced new technology oriented degrees• We have become more context oriented in early years

We continue to retain our standards through AIP accreditation

What major growth areas need Physicists over the next 15 years?

Recommendations 4.2 and 4.3That physics departments and the AIP together with industry develop resources to help inform students of physics and future careers.That physics departments consult with, and take advice from industry and employers in developing their curriculum.

• AIP and Schools of Physics work with NSW industries to identify industry needs and develop new undergraduate and postgraduate programs e.g. ACPSEM Medical Physics

• Schools of Physics work closely with professional associations Develop and accredit degree programsInvite association representatives to deliver ethics/business management etc topics

• Schools of Physics work more closely with Careers Services

• More placements in Summer Vacation programs in industry Currently ANU, U Sydney, CSIRO, AAO etc.

Recommendations 4.2 and 4.3AIP and Schools of Physics more actively promote:

• Industry Day

• A Year out in Industry e.g. ANSTO

• Annual workshop for undergraduates/ postgraduates in parallel with AIP

Congress

Schools of Physics actively promote:

• Conjoint positions with industry/ government

• Use of guest lecturers integrated into degree lecture programs

• Interaction with IT, Engineering and Health and Behavioural Science Faculties in meeting demand for physics trained specialists in other disciplines.

• School Advisory Committees which include alumni and CEOs of relevant industries

Towards 2020