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

Foresters

Median Salary

$58,432

Job Growth

+27%

Education

Certificate
6%

Some College
6%

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
81%

View Career

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

New workers start around $32,784. Normal pay is $58,432 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $147,732.

Education

Certificate
6%

Some College
6%

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
81%

Core Tasks

Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
Plan and supervise forestry projects, such as determining the type, number and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, thinning forest and monitoring growth of new seedlings.
Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
Direct, and participate in, forest fire suppression.
Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.

Median Salary

$58,432

Job Growth

+27%

Epidemiologists

Median Salary

$101,171

Job Growth

+24%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
7%

Master's Degree
63%

Doctoral or More
30%

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Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

New workers start around $57,129. Normal pay is $101,171 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $131,708.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
7%

Master's Degree
63%

Doctoral or More
30%

Core Tasks

Oversee public health programs, including statistical analysis, health care planning, surveillance systems, and public health improvement.
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
Provide expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection, and analysis.
Monitor and report incidents of infectious diseases to local and state health agencies.
Investigate diseases or parasites to determine cause and risk factors, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission.
Communicate research findings on various types of diseases to health practitioners, policy makers, and the public.
Plan, administer and evaluate health safety standards and programs to improve public health, conferring with health department, industry personnel, physicians, and others.
Educate healthcare workers, patients, and the public about infectious and communicable diseases, including disease transmission and prevention.
Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings.
Identify and analyze public health issues related to foodborne parasitic diseases and their impact on public policies, scientific studies, or surveys.
Supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

Median Salary

$101,171

Job Growth

+24%

Astronomers

Median Salary

$170,685

Job Growth

Education

Bachelor's Degree
5%

Master's Degree
5%

Doctoral or More
91%

View Career

Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

New workers start around $79,830. Normal pay is $170,685 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $385,852.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
5%

Master's Degree
5%

Doctoral or More
91%

Core Tasks

Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for scientific journals.
Mentor graduate students and junior colleagues.
Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.
Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.
Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne telescopes and scientific instruments.
Supervise students' research on celestial and astronomical phenomena.
Raise funds for scientific research.
Teach astronomy or astrophysics.
Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial sources.
Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
Review scientific proposals and research papers.
Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and theories of other astronomers.
Calculate orbits and determine sizes, shapes, brightness, and motions of different celestial bodies.
Serve on professional panels and committees.
Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.

Median Salary

$170,685

Job Growth

Physicists

Median Salary

$106,080

Job Growth

+5%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
4%

Master's Degree
8%

Doctoral or More
88%

View Career

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median Salary

$128,336

Job Growth

+12%

Education

Some College
5%

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
30%

Doctoral or More
15%

View Career

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

New workers start around $76,294. Normal pay is $128,336 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $191,027.

Education

Some College
5%

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
30%

Doctoral or More
15%

Core Tasks

Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.

Median Salary

$128,336

Job Growth

+12%

Chemists

Median Salary

$69,555

Job Growth

+3%

Education

Associate's Degree
4%

Bachelor's Degree
88%

Master's Degree
7%

View Career

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

New workers start around $41,376. Normal pay is $69,555 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $123,856.

Education

Associate's Degree
4%

Bachelor's Degree
88%

Master's Degree
7%

Core Tasks

Conduct quality control tests.
Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.

Median Salary

$69,555

Job Growth

+3%

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Physical Sciences

School of Physical Sciences Contact

Programs of Study

Chemistry

Geology

Physics

Explore Careers

Foresters

Epidemiologists

Astronomers

Physicists

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Chemists

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

Foresters

Epidemiologists

Astronomers

Physicists

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Chemists

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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