Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

25-1054.00

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and optics.
• Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
• Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Supervise students' laboratory work.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
• Maintain and repair laboratory equipment.
• Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
• Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
• Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
• Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
• Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
• Participate in campus and community events.
• Act as advisers to student organizations.
• Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Geant4; GIPSY-OASIS; GNU Octave; Gnuplot; Gravitation software; Maplesoft Maple; OriginLab Origin; Synergy Software KaleidaGraph; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; VASP Data Viewer; Wolfram Research Mathematica
• Calendar and scheduling software - Calendar and scheduling software
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Computer aided design CAD software; Mathsoft Mathcad
• Computer based training software - Blackboard Learn; Course management system software; Desire2Learn LMS software; Learning management system LMS; Sakai CLE
• Desktop communications software - Edmodo
• Development environment software - C 🔥; FFTPACK; FFTW; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; LAPACK; National Instruments LabVIEW; Pascal; plotutils; PLplot
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Visual Molecular Dynamics VMD
• Information retrieval or search software - DOC Cop; iParadigms Turnitin
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Perl 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Optical character reader OCR or scanning software - Image scanning software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Word processing software - Collaborative editing software; Google Docs 🔥; LaTeX; Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Evaluate student work.
• Develop instructional materials.
• Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
• Prepare tests.
• Teach physical science or mathematics courses at the college level.
• Advise students on academic or career matters.
• Supervise student research or internship work.
• Guide class discussions.
• Maintain student records.
• Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.
• Develop instructional objectives.
• Supervise laboratory work.
• Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.
• Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
• Research topics in area of expertise.
• Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
• Select educational materials or equipment.
• Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
• Direct department activities.
• Promote educational institutions or programs.
• Perform student enrollment or registration activities.
• Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
• Write grant proposals.
• Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.
• Plan community programs or activities for the general public.
• Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.