211 Physical and Earth Science Professionals

Physicists and astronomers conduct research and improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods concerning matter, space, time, energy, forces and fields and the interrelationship between these physical phenomena. They apply scientific knowledge relating to physics and astronomy in industrial, medical, military or other fields. Tasks include - (a) conducting research and improving or developing concepts, theories, instrumentation, software and operational methods related to physics and astronomy; (b) conducting experiments, tests and analyses on the structure and properties of matter in fields such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, medicine, sonics, magnetism and nuclear physics; (c) evaluating results of investigations and experiments and expressing conclusions, mainly using mathematical techniques and models; (d) applying principles, techniques and processes to develop or improve industrial, medical, military and other practical applications of the principles and techniques of physics or astronomy; (e) ensuring the safe and effective delivery of radiation (ionizing and non-ionizing) to patients to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic result as prescribed by a medical practitioner; (f) ensuring the accurate measurement and characterization of physical quantities used in medical applications; (g) testing, commissioning and evaluating equipment used in applications such as imaging, medical treatment and dosimetry; (h) advising and consulting with medical practitioners and other health care professionals in optimizing the balance between the beneficial and deleterious effects of radiation; (i) observing, analysing and interpreting celestial phenomena and developing methods, numerical models and techniques to extend knowledge of fields such as navigation, satellite communication, space exploration, celestial bodies and cosmic radiation; (j) developing, implementing and maintaining standards and protocols for the measurement of physical phenomena and for the use of nuclear technology in industrial and medical applications; (k) preparing scientific papers and reports. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Astronomer - Medical physicist - Nuclear physicist - Physicist Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Radiation oncologist - 2212 - Radiologist - 2212 - Specialist physician (nuclear medicine) - 2212 - Radiographer - 3211 Note It should be noted that, while they are appropriately classified in this unit group with other physicists, medical physicists are considered to be an integral part of the health workforce alongside those occupations classified in Sub-major Group 22: Health Professionals and others classified in a number of other unit groups in Major Group 2: Professionals.

Meteorologists prepare short-term or long-term weather forecasts used in aviation, shipping, agriculture and other areas and for the information of the general public. They conduct research related to the composition, structure and dynamics of the atmosphere. Tasks include - (a) investigating direction and speed of air movements, pressures, temperatures, humidity, physical and chemical transformation of pollutants and other phenomena such as cloud formation and precipitation, electrical disturbances or solar radiation; (b) studying data collected from meteorological stations, radar and satellite imagery and computer model output to plot and forecast weather conditions; (c) preparing and reporting short-term or long-term weather maps, forecasts and warnings relating to atmospheric phenomena such as cyclones, storms and other hazards to life and property, and disseminating information about atmospheric conditions through a variety of media including radio, television, print and the Internet; (d) conducting experiments in fog dispersal, cloud seeding, rain enhancement and other types of weather modification programmes; (e) developing and testing mathematical computer models of weather and climate for experimental or operational use; (f) participating in studies of the effect of weather on the environment; (g) analysing the impact of industrial projects and human activity on the climate and quality of the air, and working with the social science, engineering and economic communities to develop appropriate mitigation strategies; (h) engaging in the design and development of new equipment and procedures for meteorological data collection and remote sensing, or for related applications; (i) conducting research on and improving or developing concepts, theories and operational methods related to the composition, structure and dynamics of the atmosphere, and preparing scientific papers and reports on the outcome of this research. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Climatologist - Hydrometeorologist - Meteorologist - Weather forecaster.

Chemists conduct research, improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods, or apply scientific knowledge relating to chemistry, to develop new knowledge or products and for quality and process control. Tasks include - (a) conducting research and improving or developing concepts, instruments, theories and operational methods related to chemistry; (b) conducting experiments, tests and analyses to investigate chemical composition and energy and chemical changes in various natural or synthetic substances, materials and products; (c) developing procedures for environmental control, quality control and various other procedures for manufacturers or users; (d) conducting programmes of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify environmental toxicants; (e) participating in interdisciplinary research and development projects working with chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other professionals; (f) using micro-organisms to convert substances into new compounds; (g) determining ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials. (h) reproducing and synthesizing naturally occurring substances and creating new artificial substances; (i) preparing scientific papers and reports. Example of the occupations classified here: - Chemist Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Biochemist - 2131 - Pharmacologist - 2131 - Pharmacist - 2262.

Geologists and geophysicists conduct research; improve or develop concepts, theories and operational methods; or apply scientific knowledge relating to geology and geophysics in such fields as oil, gas and mineral exploration and extraction, water conservation, civil engineering, telecommunications and navigation, and assessment and mitigation of the effects of development and waste disposal projects on the environment. Tasks include - (a) conducting research and improving or developing concepts, theories and operational methods related to geology and geophysics; (b) studying composition and structure of the Earth’s crust, examining rocks, minerals, fossils and other materials to determine processes affecting the development of the Earth, trace evolution of past life, establish the nature and chronology of geological formations and assess their commercial applications; (c) interpreting research data and preparing geological reports, maps, charts and diagrams, reports and papers; (d) applying geological knowledge to problems encountered in civil engineering projects such as the construction of dams, bridges, tunnels, and large buildings, and land reclamation projects; (e) using various remote sensing programmes to investigate and measure seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal and magnetic forces affecting the Earth; (f) estimating weight, size and mass of the Earth and composition and structure of its interior, and studying the nature, activity and predictability of volcanoes, glaciers and earthquakes; (g) charting the Earth’s magnetic field and applying this and other collected data for broadcasting, navigation and other purposes; (h) studying and measuring physical properties of seas and the atmosphere and their interrelationship, such as the exchange of thermal energy; (i) locating and determining the nature and extent of oil, gas and mineral deposits using seismological, gravimetric, magnetic, electrical or radiometric methods; (j) identifying deposits of construction materials and determining their characteristics and suitability for use as concrete aggregates, road fill or for other applications; (k) researching the movement, distribution and physical properties of ground and surface waters; (l) advising in areas such as waste management, route and site selection and the restoration of contaminated sites. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Geological oceanographer - Geologist - Geophysical oceanographer - Geophysicist - Geoscientist.