Physical science is the study of the inorganic world. In other words, it does not study living things. Its primary branches are astronomy, physics, chemistry, and the Earth sciences. Astronomy encompasses the study of all extraterrestrial objects and phenomena. Physics is concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Chemistry offers insights into the makeup of the universe and biological systems. The Earth sciences are concerned with the solid Earth, its waters, and the air that envelops it.

\n

Clearly, physical scientists and those who aim to join their ranks have considerable subject matter with which to work. Because of its wide scope, the physical science major allows both undergraduate and graduate students to customize their curriculum.

", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.143594-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:38.203471-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 146, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Associate Degree in Physical Science \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nAt the associate level, physical science degree programs are most often comprised of courses in all of the four main branches of the field: astronomy, physics, chemistry, and the Earth sciences, which include geology and meteorology. Some schools, however, offer programs that are more specific in nature, such as astronomy and physics or geology and meteorology. \r\n\r\nIn all cases, the associate curriculum is designed to provide the knowledge and skills that form the foundation for completing a bachelor\u2019s program in various physical science majors. While it is debated whether mathematics is itself a physical science, many programs include a math component because mathematics is used throughout the physical sciences. While careers in the physical science realm generally require education beyond an associate degree, associate grads may qualify for some entry-level roles such as lab technician.", "content_markdown": "Here is a sample curriculum leading to an Associate Degree in Physical Science: \r\n\r\n- Physical Geology with Laboratory \u2013 introduction to physical geology, the science of the Earth, the materials of which it is composed, and the processes that are acting upon it; topics span plate tectonics and Earth\u2019s internal structure, the formation and classification of minerals and rocks, geologic structures, and geologic processes of the Earth\u2019s surface and subsurface \r\n- Descriptive Astronomy \u2013 introduction to the solar system, stars and their evolution, the Milky Way galaxy, and cosmology \r\n- Exploring the Solar Systems and Life beyond the Earth \u2013 the origin of the solar system and how it changed with time; analysis of the physical properties of planets, moons, rings, comets, and asteroids; the history of space exploration; the potential for life elsewhere in the solar system and beyond; challenges of space travel \r\n- Earth Science with Laboratory \u2013 overview of the Earth\u2019s major physical systems: the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere; the Earth\u2019s place in the solar system; combines topics in geology, physical geography, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy \r\n- Weather and Climate \u2013 introduction to the principles of solar radiation and energy transfer, atmospheric structure and composition, cloud development, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, and wind; the origin and development of storms, the greenhouse effect, earth\u2019s changing climate \r\n- Fundamentals of Chemistry with Laboratory \u2013 basic concepts of the structure, properties, and interactions of matter and energy; matter, chemical changes, chemical conversions, chemical bonding, and acid-base chemistry \r\n- Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry with Laboratory \u2013 basic physical, chemical, and structural features of organic and biological compounds; topics include the properties of important biological compounds such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins \r\n- Physical Geography with Laboratory \u2013 the major world patterns of the physical environment; information and processes dealing with the Earth\u2019s atmosphere, climate, landforms, natural vegetation, water, and soils; using maps and charts; environmental issues in geography and sustainability \r\n- Introductory Physics with Laboratory \u2013 basic knowledge in physics, including mechanics, wave motions, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics; explanation of natural phenomena \r\n- Electricity and Magnetism with Laboratory \u2013 the basic principles and applications of electrostatics, magnetostatics, time-varying electric and magnetic phenomena, direct and alternating current circuits, elementary electronics, and electromagnetic waves; the mathematical analysis of physical problems \r\n- Intermediate Algebra and Geometry \u2013 systems of equations and inequalities, radical and quadratic equations, quadratic functions and their graphs, complex numbers, nonlinear inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, sequences and series, and solid geometry; application problems involving these topics \r\n- Elementary Statistics \u2013 introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics; analyzing data through graphs, measures of central tendency and dispersion; statistical rules to compute basic probability; applications of technology, using software packages for statistical analysis \r\n\r\n**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Physical Science \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nThe general physical science degree exists only at the associate level. At the bachelor\u2019s and graduate levels, physical science degrees are standalone, distinct degrees in astronomy, chemistry, physics, and the Earth sciences. For summaries of these degrees, please refer to the section below, *Degrees Similar to a Physical Science Degree*.", "content_html": "

Here is a sample curriculum leading to an Associate Degree in Physical Science:

\n\n

Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Physical Science \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nThe general physical science degree exists only at the associate level. At the bachelor\u2019s and graduate levels, physical science degrees are standalone, distinct degrees in astronomy, chemistry, physics, and the Earth sciences. For summaries of these degrees, please refer to the section below, Degrees Similar to a Physical Science Degree.

", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.145727-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T12:50:45.120272-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 146, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Physical Science", "summary_markdown": "**[Astronomy](/degrees/astronomy-degree/)** \r\nAstronomy degree programs teach students about celestial bodies and the energy and forces exerted by their interaction. This means that the curriculum is concerned with the study of objects in space, from the smallest neutrinos to planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies, asteroids, comets, and black holes. \r\n\r\nStudents learn about when these objects were born, how they evolved, how some of them became extinct, and how they move in space. They develop skills to theorize about the origin of the cosmos and to predict future events in the universe. In addition, they study the mechanics involved in building and deploying space stations, satellites, space crafts, and transportation systems. \r\n\r\n**[Astrophysics](/degrees/astrophysics-degree/)** \r\nAstrophysics is a branch of astronomy. In the most rigid sense, astronomy focuses on observations of heavenly bodies and measures their positions, luminosities, motions, and other characteristics. Astrophysics focuses on creating physical theories about the origin and nature of those heavenly bodies. But the lines between the two fields are blurred, and today many who work in space science draw little or no distinction between the two. They view astronomy and astrophysics as two aspects of one science. \r\n\r\n**[Chemistry](/degrees/chemistry-degree/)** \r\nChemistry is the science that deals with identifying the substances that make up matter. Degree programs in chemistry focus on investigating these substances: their properties; how they interact, combine, and change; and how scientists can use chemical processes to form new substances. \r\n\r\n**[Geography](/degrees/geography-degree/)** \r\nStudents of geography study the Earth\u2019s surface; its climate, soil, and water; and the relationship between people and the land. Some typical courses in a geography program are cartography, climatology, geology, political geography, statistics, and spatial analysis. \r\n\r\n**[Geology](/degrees/geology-degree/)** \r\nGeology, also known as geoscience and Earth science, is the study of the Earth. Students of the discipline learn about the processes that act upon the Earth, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; the materials of which the Earth is made, such as water, oil, metals, and rocks; and the history, evolution, and past climates of the Earth.", "content_markdown": "**[Hydrology](/degrees/hydrology-degree/)** \r\nHydrology is about the active nature of water, the movement of precipitation. Hydrologists study surface waters like rivers, lakes, and streams and examine how rainfall and snowfall cause erosion, generate caves, and permeate soil and rock to become groundwater or flow to oceans and seas. \r\n\r\nStudents of hydrology study these and other aspects of the field. They learn about water management methods, land use, environmental issues, and how to collect water data, interpret statistics, conduct computer modeling, and use geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS). \r\n\r\n**[Materials Science and Engineering](/degrees/materials-science-and-engineering-degree/)** \r\nMaterials scientists apply principles of engineering, physics, and chemistry to study existing materials and invent and manufacture new materials. Their work has broad applications to solving real-world problems. It is essential to our everyday lives. \r\n\r\nDegree programs in materials science cover the structure and composition of materials, how they behave under various conditions, and how they can be manipulated and combined for specific uses in specific industries \u2013 from health and engineering to electronics, construction, and manufacturing. \r\n\r\n**[Meteorology](/degrees/meteorology-degree/)** \r\nMeteorology degree programs teach students how to predict weather conditions. The typical curriculum examines atmospheric movement, climate trends, and ozone levels. With an understanding of these concepts, students learn about various meteorological phenomena. They learn how to use statistical analysis to forecast weather events from sun, clouds, and rain to heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornados, and hurricanes. \r\n\r\n**[Oceanography](/degrees/oceanography-degree/)** \r\nThe oceans cover almost 70% of the Earth. Oceanographers study the oceans and their complex relationships with the planet. They are concerned with marine organisms, the ocean\u2019s chemical composition, the structure of the ocean floor, the movements of the ocean, design of technology for ocean exploration, and policy that protects the oceans. \r\n\r\n**[Physics](/degrees/physics-degree/)** \r\nPhysics is a field that keeps changing as discoveries are made. This means that the field asks at least as many questions as it answers. Students of physics degree programs study matter and energy. They learn about the relationships between the measurable quantities in the universe, which include velocity, electric field, and kinetic energy.", "content_html": "

Hydrology
\nHydrology is about the active nature of water, the movement of precipitation. Hydrologists study surface waters like rivers, lakes, and streams and examine how rainfall and snowfall cause erosion, generate caves, and permeate soil and rock to become groundwater or flow to oceans and seas.

\n

Students of hydrology study these and other aspects of the field. They learn about water management methods, land use, environmental issues, and how to collect water data, interpret statistics, conduct computer modeling, and use geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS).

\n

Materials Science and Engineering
\nMaterials scientists apply principles of engineering, physics, and chemistry to study existing materials and invent and manufacture new materials. Their work has broad applications to solving real-world problems. It is essential to our everyday lives.

\n

Degree programs in materials science cover the structure and composition of materials, how they behave under various conditions, and how they can be manipulated and combined for specific uses in specific industries \u2013 from health and engineering to electronics, construction, and manufacturing.

\n

Meteorology
\nMeteorology degree programs teach students how to predict weather conditions. The typical curriculum examines atmospheric movement, climate trends, and ozone levels. With an understanding of these concepts, students learn about various meteorological phenomena. They learn how to use statistical analysis to forecast weather events from sun, clouds, and rain to heat waves, droughts, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornados, and hurricanes.

\n

Oceanography
\nThe oceans cover almost 70% of the Earth. Oceanographers study the oceans and their complex relationships with the planet. They are concerned with marine organisms, the ocean\u2019s chemical composition, the structure of the ocean floor, the movements of the ocean, design of technology for ocean exploration, and policy that protects the oceans.

\n

Physics
\nPhysics is a field that keeps changing as discoveries are made. This means that the field asks at least as many questions as it answers. Students of physics degree programs study matter and energy. They learn about the relationships between the measurable quantities in the universe, which include velocity, electric field, and kinetic energy.

", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.147941-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T12:56:24.318512-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 146, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "Studying physical science develops a considerable set of transferable skills: \r\n\r\n- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team \r\n- Advanced math and science skills \r\n- Attention to detail \r\n- Awareness of ethical issues \r\n- Computer literacy / computer modeling \r\n- Research, data collection, analysis, and reporting \r\n- Debate skills \r\n- Dedication to ongoing learning \r\n- Experiment design \r\n- Field skills / comfortable working outdoors / physical stamina \r\n- Flexible approach to work \r\n- GIS (geographic information systems) and GPS (global positioning system) software \r\n- Global perspective \r\n- Observation, investigation, critical thinking, and problem-solving \r\n- Oral and written communication \r\n- Pattern recognition \r\n- Perseverance \r\n- Practical lab skills \r\n- Presenting information both orally and in written form \r\n- Project management \r\n- Quantitative reasoning \r\n- Safety consciousness \r\n- Understanding and use of maps, charts, and graphs \r\n- Understanding of the relationship between science and society \r\n- Using and use of statistical applications", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.150140-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T12:48:54.718869-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 146, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Physical Science Degree?", "summary_markdown": "As noted, the vast majority of jobs in the field of physical science require education beyond an associate degree. This means that careers available to students depend on the specific physical science in which they earn their bachelor\u2019s or graduate degree. The links provided in the *Similar Degrees* section above will take you to comprehensive overviews of those degrees, including what you can do with each of them. \r\n\r\nIn general, employment opportunities exist with government agencies and the chemical, computer, construction, drug, food, industrial electronics, manufacturing, petroleum, energy, mining, and land use planning industries.", "content_markdown": "Here are some related career titles: \r\n\r\n- [Astronomer](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/astronomer/) \r\n- Astrophysicist \r\n- [Chemist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/chemist/) \r\n- Ecologist \r\n- Geochemist \r\n- [Geologist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/geologist/) \r\n- [Geophysicist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/geologist/) \r\n- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist \r\n- [Hydrologist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/hydrologist/) \r\n- [Materials Scientist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/materials-scientist/) \r\n- [Mathematician](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/mathematician/) \r\n- [Meteorologist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/meteorologist/) \r\n- Mineralogist \r\n- Molecular Physicist \r\n- Oceanographer \r\n- [Paleontologist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/paleontologist/) \r\n- [Physicist](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/physicist/) \r\n- Seismologist \r\n- [Surveyor](//www.chevelle-parts.com/careers/surveyor/)", "content_html": "

Here are some related career titles:

\n", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:37.152368-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-18T12:57:56.564906-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">

什么是自然科学学位?

自然科学是对无机世界的研究。换句话说,它不研究生物。它的主要分支是天文学、物理学、化学和地球科学。天文学包括对所有地外物体和现象的研究。物理学研究物质和能量的本质和性质。化学提供了对宇宙和生物系统组成的洞察。地球科学与固体地球、地球上的水和包裹着地球的空气有关。

显然,物理科学家和那些立志加入这一行列的人有相当多的课题可以研究。由于其广泛的范围,物理科学专业允许本科生和研究生定制他们的课程。

程序选项

物理科学副学士学位-两年制
在副学士学位课程中,自然科学学位课程通常包括该领域的四个主要分支:天文学、物理学、化学和地球科学,其中包括地质学和气象学。然而,一些学校提供的课程在本质上更具体,如天文学、物理学或地质学和气象学。

在所有情况下,副课程的设计是为了提供知识和技能,形成完成各种物理科学专业学士课程的基础。虽然数学本身是否是一门物理科学还存在争议,但许多课程都包含了数学成分,因为数学贯穿于物理科学的各个领域。虽然物理科学领域的职业通常需要大专以上学历的教育,但大专毕业生可能有资格担任一些入门级职位,如实验室技术员。

以下是一个获得自然科学副学士学位的课程示例:

  • 物理地质学与实验室-介绍物理地质学,地球科学,组成它的材料,以及作用于它的过程;主题跨越板块构造和地球内部结构,矿物和岩石的形成和分类,地质结构,地球表面和地下的地质过程
  • 描述天文学-介绍太阳系、恒星及其演化、银河系和宇宙学
  • 探索太阳系与地球以外的生命——太阳系的起源及其随时间的变化;行星、卫星、环、彗星和小行星的物理特性分析;太空探索的历史;在太阳系的其他地方或更远的地方存在生命的可能性;太空旅行的挑战
  • 地球科学与实验室-概述地球的主要物理系统:岩石圈,水圈和大气;地球在太阳系中的位置;结合了地质学、自然地理学、海洋学、气象学和天文学的主题
  • 天气和气候-介绍太阳辐射和能量转移、大气结构和组成、云的发展、降水、大气压力和风的原理;风暴的起源和发展,温室效应,地球气候的变化
  • 化学基础与实验室-物质与能量的结构、性质和相互作用的基本概念;物质,化学变化,化学转换,化学键合,酸碱化学
  • 有机和生物化学导论(含实验室)-有机和生物化合物的基本物理、化学和结构特征;主题包括重要的生物化合物的性质,如碳水化合物、脂肪和蛋白质
  • 带实验室的自然地理学——自然环境的主要世界格局处理地球大气、气候、地貌、自然植被、水和土壤的信息和过程;使用地图和海图;地理和可持续性的环境问题
  • 物理入门与实验室-基本的物理知识,包括力学,波动运动,热力学,光学,电磁学,原子和核物理;自然现象的解释
  • 电与磁与实验室-静电学、静磁学、时变电与磁现象、直流和交流电路、基本电子学和电磁波的基本原理和应用;对物理问题的数学分析
  • 中级代数和几何——方程组和不等式、基方程和二次方程、二次函数及其图、复数、非线性不等式、指数函数和对数函数、圆锥截面、序列和级数、立体几何;涉及这些主题的应用程序问题
  • 基础统计学-描述统计学和推论统计学导论;通过图表、集中趋势和分散度量分析数据;统计规则计算基本概率;应用技术,使用软件包进行统计分析

物理科学学士学位-四年学制
一般物理科学学位只存在于副学士水平。在学士和研究生阶段,物理科学学位是天文学、化学、物理学和地球科学中独立的、不同的学位。有关这些学位的摘要,请参阅以下部分:类似于物理科学学位

与自然科学类似的学位

天文学
天文学学位课程教授学生天体及其相互作用产生的能量和力。这意味着该课程关注的是空间中物体的研究,从最小的中微子到行星、恒星、太阳系、星系、小行星、彗星和黑洞。

学生们学习这些物体的诞生时间,它们是如何进化的,它们中的一些是如何灭绝的,以及它们是如何在空间中移动的。他们发展了关于宇宙起源的理论和预测宇宙未来事件的技能。此外,他们还研究建造和部署空间站、卫星、宇宙飞船和运输系统所涉及的力学。

天体物理学
天体物理学是天文学的一个分支。在最严格的意义上,天文学专注于对天体的观测,测量它们的位置、亮度、运动和其他特征。天体物理学专注于创造关于天体起源和性质的物理理论。但这两个领域之间的界限是模糊的,今天许多从事空间科学的人对这两个领域几乎没有区分。他们认为天文学和天体物理学是一门科学的两个方面。

化学
化学是研究确定构成物质的物质的科学。化学学位课程专注于研究这些物质:它们的性质;它们如何相互作用、结合和变化;以及科学家如何利用化学过程来形成新物质。

地理位置
地理专业的学生研究地球表面;气候、土壤和水;以及人与土地的关系。一些典型的地理课程有制图学、气候学、地质学、政治地理学、统计学和空间分析。

地质
地质学,又称地球科学和地球科学,是研究地球的学科。该学科的学生学习影响地球的过程,如洪水、滑坡、地震和火山爆发;构成地球的物质,如水、油、金属和岩石;以及地球的历史、进化和过去的气候。

水文
水文学是关于水的活动性,降水的运动。水文学家研究河流、湖泊和小溪等地表水,研究降雨和降雪如何造成侵蚀、产生洞穴、渗透土壤和岩石成为地下水或流入海洋。

水文学专业的学生研究这个领域的这些方面和其他方面。他们学习水资源管理方法、土地使用、环境问题,以及如何收集水资源数据、解释统计数据、进行计算机建模和使用地理信息系统(GIS)和全球定位系统(GPS)。

材料科学与工程
材料科学家运用工程学、物理学和化学的原理来研究现有材料,发明和制造新材料。他们的工作在解决现实世界的问题上有广泛的应用。它对我们的日常生活是必不可少的。

材料科学的学位课程包括材料的结构和组成,它们在各种条件下的表现,以及它们如何在特定的行业(从健康和工程到电子、建筑和制造)中被操纵和组合用于特定的用途。

气象学
气象学学位课程教授学生如何预测天气状况。典型的课程考察了大气运动、气候趋势和臭氧水平。通过对这些概念的理解,学生可以了解各种气象现象。他们学习如何使用统计分析来预测天气事件,从太阳、云、雨到热浪、干旱、雷暴、热带风暴、龙卷风和飓风。

海洋学
海洋几乎覆盖了地球的70%。海洋学家研究海洋及其与地球的复杂关系。它们涉及海洋生物、海洋的化学成分、海底结构、海洋运动、海洋勘探技术的设计和保护海洋的政策。

物理
物理学是一个随着新发现不断变化的领域。这意味着这个领域提出的问题至少和它回答的问题一样多。物理学学位课程的学生研究物质和能量。他们了解宇宙中可测量量之间的关系,包括速度、电场和动能。

你将学到的技能

学习自然科学可以培养大量可转移的技能:

  • 具有独立工作和团队合作的能力
  • 高级数学和科学技能
  • 注重细节
  • 对道德问题的认识
  • 计算机知识/计算机建模
  • 研究、数据收集、分析和报告
  • 辩论的技巧
  • 致力于持续学习
  • 实验设计
  • 野外技能/适应户外工作/体力
  • 灵活的工作方式
  • GIS(地理信息系统)和GPS(全球定位系统)软件
  • 全球视角
  • 观察、调查、批判性思维和解决问题
  • 口头和书面交流
  • 模式识别
  • 毅力
  • 实用的实验室技能
  • 以口头和书面形式提供信息
  • 项目管理
  • 定量推理
  • 安全意识
  • 理解和使用地图、图表和图表
  • 理解科学与社会的关系
  • 使用和使用统计应用程序

有了自然科学学位你能做什么?

如前所述,绝大多数物理科学领域的工作要求大专以上学历。这意味着学生的职业取决于他们获得学士或研究生学位的具体物理科学。提供的链接相似度上面的部分将带你全面概述这些学位,包括你可以做的每一个。

一般来说,就业机会存在于政府机构和化工、计算机、建筑、药品、食品、工业电子、制造、石油、能源、采矿和土地使用规划行业。

以下是一些相关的职业头衔:

学费

看看哪些学校最贵,哪些学校最便宜。

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