Physical Sciences & Technologies

Interest Area

Explore how nature shapes our earth, oceans, and universe. Students who complete an area of study in Physical Sciences and Technologies will develop skills in the application of mathematics, analysis, scientific writing and laboratory techniques to a large cross section of physical phenomena. Areas of study include Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, and Oceanography.

Programs of Study

Fast Track Career Path

Chemistry

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Geology

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Physics

UC Transfer
CSU Transfer
AS

Explore Careers

Biofuel Technology and Product Development Managers

Median Salary

$173,766

Job Growth

-8%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Certificate
5%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
57%

Master's Degree
29%

Doctoral or More
3%

View Career

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

New workers start around $111,899. Normal pay is $173,766 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $250,652.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Certificate
5%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
57%

Master's Degree
29%

Doctoral or More
3%

Core Tasks

Design or conduct applied biodiesel or biofuels research projects on topics, such as transport, thermodynamics, mixing, filtration, distillation, fermentation, extraction, and separation.
Analyze data from biofuels studies, such as fluid dynamics, water treatments, or solvent extraction and recovery processes.
Prepare, or oversee the preparation of, experimental plans for biofuels research or development.
Provide technical or scientific guidance to technical staff in the conduct of biofuels research or development.
Propose new biofuels products, processes, technologies or applications based on findings from applied biofuels or biomass research projects.
Conduct experiments on biomass or pretreatment technologies.
Prepare biofuels research and development reports for senior management or technical professionals.
Develop lab scale models of industrial scale processes, such as fermentation.
Oversee biodiesel/biofuels prototyping or development projects.
Conduct experiments to test new or alternate feedstock fermentation processes.

Median Salary

$173,766

Job Growth

-8%

Natural Sciences Managers

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Education

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
15%

Doctoral or More
40%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

New workers start around $96,512. Normal pay is $162,573 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $274,124.

Education

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
37%

Master's Degree
15%

Doctoral or More
40%

Core Tasks

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
Prepare project proposals.
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.
Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.
Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.
Conduct own research in field of expertise.
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.
Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Clinical Research Coordinators

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
7%

Certificate
12%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
60%

Master's Degree
5%

Doctoral or More
1%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

New workers start around $96,512. Normal pay is $162,573 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $274,124.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
7%

Certificate
12%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
6%

Bachelor's Degree
60%

Master's Degree
5%

Doctoral or More
1%

Core Tasks

Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.
Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.
Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.
Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.
Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.
Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.
Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.
Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.
Collaborate with investigators to prepare presentations or reports of clinical study procedures, results, and conclusions.
Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information such as dropout causes and subject contact efforts.
Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data.
Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.
Instruct research staff in scientific and procedural aspects of studies including standards of care, informed consent procedures, or documentation procedures.
Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data.
Prepare for or participate in quality assurance audits conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.
Order drugs or devices necessary for study completion.
Participate in the development of study protocols including guidelines for administration or data collection procedures.
Contact outside health care providers and communicate with subjects to obtain follow-up information.
Confer with health care professionals to determine the best recruitment practices for studies.
Communicate with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.
Review scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.
Organize space for study equipment and supplies.
Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used in subject recruitment.

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Water Resource Specialists

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
50%

View Career

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

New workers start around $96,512. Normal pay is $162,573 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $274,124.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
50%

Core Tasks

Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.
Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.
Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.
Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.
Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.
Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.
Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.
Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.

Median Salary

$162,573

Job Growth

+13%

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
15%

Certificate
7%

Some College
4%

Associate's Degree
40%

Bachelor's Degree
35%

View Career

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

New workers start around $41,995. Normal pay is $89,763 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $222,412.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
15%

Certificate
7%

Some College
4%

Associate's Degree
40%

Bachelor's Degree
35%

Core Tasks

Supervise employees or subcontractors to ensure quality of work or adherence to safety regulations or policies.
Train or coordinate the training of employees in operations, safety, environmental issues, or technical issues.
Track and maintain records for wind operations, such as site performance, downtime events, parts usage, or substation events.
Oversee the maintenance of wind field equipment or structures, such as towers, transformers, electrical collector systems, roadways, or other site assets.
Prepare wind field operational budgets.
Maintain operations records, such as work orders, site inspection forms, or other documentation.
Develop relationships and communicate with customers, site managers, developers, land owners, authorities, utility representatives, or residents.
Provide technical support to wind field customers, employees, or subcontractors.
Recruit or select wind operations employees, contractors, or subcontractors.
Estimate costs associated with operations, including repairs or preventive maintenance.
Monitor and maintain records of daily facility operations.
Order parts, tools, or equipment needed to maintain, restore, or improve wind field operations.
Establish goals, objectives, or priorities for wind field operations.
Review, negotiate, or approve wind farm contracts.
Manage warranty repair or replacement services.
Develop processes or procedures for wind operations, including transitioning from construction to commercial operations.

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Wind Energy Development Managers

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Education

Associate's Degree
18%

Bachelor's Degree
69%

Master's Degree
12%

View Career

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

New workers start around $41,995. Normal pay is $89,763 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $222,412.

Education

Associate's Degree
18%

Bachelor's Degree
69%

Master's Degree
12%

Core Tasks

Coordinate or direct development, energy assessment, engineering, or construction activities to ensure that wind project needs and objectives are met.
Manage wind project costs to stay within budget limits.
Lead or support negotiations involving tax agreements or abatements, power purchase agreements, land use, or interconnection agreements.
Create wind energy project plans, including project scope, goals, tasks, resources, schedules, costs, contingencies, or other project information.
Supervise the work of subcontractors or consultants to ensure quality and conformance to specifications or budgets.
Develop scope of work for wind project functions, such as design, site assessment, environmental studies, surveying, or field support services.
Update schedules, estimates, forecasts, or budgets for wind projects.
Provide verbal or written project status reports to project teams, management, subcontractors, customers, or owners.
Review or evaluate proposals or bids to make recommendations regarding awarding of contracts.
Prepare or assist in the preparation of applications for environmental, building, or other required permits.
Manage site assessments or environmental studies for wind fields.
Prepare wind project documentation, including diagrams or layouts.
Review civil design, engineering, or construction technical documentation to ensure compliance with applicable government or industrial codes, standards, requirements, or regulations.
Prepare requests for proposals (RFPs) for wind project construction or equipment acquisition.
Provide technical support for the design, construction, or commissioning of wind farm projects.

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

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Physical Sciences & Technologies

School of Physical Sciences and Technologies Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Biofuel Technology and Product Development Managers

Natural Sciences Managers

Clinical Research Coordinators

Water Resource Specialists

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Wind Energy Development Managers

Is this Interest Area right for you?

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Opportunities

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About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Physical Sciences & Technologies

School of Physical Sciences and Technologies Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Biofuel Technology and Product Development Managers

Natural Sciences Managers

Clinical Research Coordinators

Water Resource Specialists

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Wind Energy Development Managers

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Business Sciences

Humanities

Integrated Design, Engineering & Automation

Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

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Social & Behavioral Sciences

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