Physical Sciences

Interest Area

Explore how nature shapes our earth, oceans, and universe. Students who complete an area of study in Physical Sciences 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

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Median Salary

$93,065

Job Growth

+26%

Education

Certificate
36%

Some College
11%

Associate's Degree
11%

Bachelor's Degree
32%

Master's Degree
11%

View Career

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

New workers start around $64,398. Normal pay is $93,065 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $129,339.

Education

Certificate
36%

Some College
11%

Associate's Degree
11%

Bachelor's Degree
32%

Master's Degree
11%

Core Tasks

Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
Build and update digital databases.
Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.

Median Salary

$93,065

Job Growth

+26%

Geodetic Surveyors

Median Salary

$105,735

Job Growth

-3%

Education

Certificate
15%

Some College
5%

Bachelor's Degree
55%

Master's Degree
25%

View Career

Measure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.

New workers start around $62,030. Normal pay is $105,735 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $137,369.

Education

Certificate
15%

Some College
5%

Bachelor's Degree
55%

Master's Degree
25%

Core Tasks

Calculate the exact horizontal and vertical position of points on the Earth's surface.
Verify the mathematical correctness of newly collected survey data.
Maintain databases of geodetic and related information, including coordinate, descriptive, or quality assurance data.
Conduct surveys to determine exact positions, measurement of points, elevations, lines, areas, volumes, contours, or other features of land surfaces.
Compute horizontal and vertical coordinates of control networks, using direct leveling or other geodetic survey techniques, such as triangulation, trilateration, and traversing, to establish features of the Earth's surface.
Analyze control or survey data to ensure adherence to project specifications or land survey standards.
Plan or direct the work of geodetic surveying staff, providing technical consultation as needed.
Assess the quality of control data to determine the need for additional survey data for engineering, construction, or other projects.
Request additional survey data when field collection errors occur or engineering surveying specifications are not maintained.
Distribute compiled geodetic data to government agencies or the general public.
Review existing standards, controls, or equipment used, recommending changes or upgrades as needed.
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in technology, equipment, or systems.
Provide training and interpretation in the use of methods or procedures for observing and checking controls for geodetic and plane coordinates.
Prepare progress or technical reports.
Compute, retrace, or adjust existing surveys of features such as highway alignments, property boundaries, utilities, control and other surveys to match the ground elevation-dependent grids, geodetic grids, or property boundaries and to ensure accuracy and continuity of data used in engineering, surveying, or construction projects.
Determine orientation of tracts of land, including position, boundaries, size, and shape, using theodolites, electronic distance-measuring equipment, satellite-based positioning equipment, land information systems, or other geodetic survey equipment.

Median Salary

$105,735

Job Growth

-3%

Aerospace Engineers

Median Salary

$128,787

Job Growth

-13%

Education

Associate's Degree
8%

Bachelor's Degree
59%

Master's Degree
33%

View Career

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

New workers start around $76,191. Normal pay is $128,787 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $191,846.

Education

Associate's Degree
8%

Bachelor's Degree
59%

Master's Degree
33%

Core Tasks

Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.

Median Salary

$128,787

Job Growth

-13%

Agricultural Engineers

Median Salary

$76,156

Job Growth

+6%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
81%

Master's Degree
12%

Doctoral or More
8%

View Career

Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.

New workers start around $64,772. Normal pay is $76,156 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $120,179.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
81%

Master's Degree
12%

Doctoral or More
8%

Core Tasks

Prepare reports, sketches, working drawings, specifications, proposals, and budgets for proposed sites or systems.
Discuss plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers so that they can be evaluated and necessary changes made.
Provide advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
Meet with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to discuss their needs.
Plan and direct construction of rural electric-power distribution systems, and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
Design agricultural machinery components and equipment, using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, or to monitor construction activities.
Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Design food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
Design structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, and animal and crop processing, and supervise their construction.
Design and supervise environmental and land reclamation projects in agriculture and related industries.
Design sensing, measuring, and recording devices, and other instrumentation used to study plant or animal life.
Conduct educational programs that provide farmers or farm cooperative members with information that can help them improve agricultural productivity.

Median Salary

$76,156

Job Growth

+6%

Biomedical Engineers

Median Salary

$86,050

Job Growth

+4%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
57%

Master's Degree
30%

Doctoral or More
13%

View Career

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

New workers start around $57,429. Normal pay is $86,050 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $152,069.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
57%

Master's Degree
30%

Doctoral or More
13%

Core Tasks

Conduct research, along with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals.
Adapt or design computer hardware or software for medical science uses.
Evaluate the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of biomedical equipment.
Develop models or computer simulations of human biobehavioral systems to obtain data for measuring or controlling life processes.
Research new materials to be used for products, such as implanted artificial organs.
Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.
Analyze new medical procedures to forecast likely outcomes.
Conduct training or in-services to educate clinicians and other personnel on proper use of equipment.
Advise hospital administrators on the planning, acquisition, and use of medical equipment.

Median Salary

$86,050

Job Growth

+4%

Chemical Engineers

Median Salary

$110,255

Job Growth

-13%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
82%

Master's Degree
9%

Doctoral or More
9%

View Career

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

New workers start around $72,842. Normal pay is $110,255 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $160,788.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
82%

Master's Degree
9%

Doctoral or More
9%

Core Tasks

Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
Direct activities of workers who operate or are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.
Design and plan layout of equipment.

Median Salary

$110,255

Job Growth

-13%

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Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Geodetic Surveyors

Aerospace Engineers

Agricultural Engineers

Biomedical Engineers

Chemical Engineers

Is this Interest Area right for you?

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Find Your Path

Opportunities

Communities

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

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Geodetic Surveyors

Aerospace Engineers

Agricultural Engineers

Biomedical Engineers

Chemical Engineers

Is this Interest Area right for you?

Business Sciences

Humanities

Integrated Design, Engineering & Automation

Kinesiology, Health & Athletics

Languages & Learning Resources

Life Sciences & Technologies

Mathematics & Computer Science

Social & Behavioral Sciences

The Arts

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