Acoustics Physicist

Also known as:

Physicist, Acoustics
Sound Physicist
Acoustician

Introduction

Acoustics physicists research and develop the use of sound and vibration. They may work on improving sound, controlling noise levels, developing communications systems, or medical ultrasound testing.

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Work Activities

Acoustics physicists study the physics of sound and use this to develop the management of sound in science, industry, medicine and the environment.

They work in many areas, for example: ultrasonics, infrasonics, underwater acoustics, electroacoustics, speech, non-destructive testing and audiology.

Acoustics physicists predict and measure noise levels in the workplace, for example, in heavy industry and construction work. They identify areas where noise levels must be reduced and then recommend control techniques.

Heating, air conditioning or the external environment may be the cause of noise in commercial buildings. Acoustics physicists work with companies to investigate the cause of noise and recommend solutions, for example soundproof insulation, or to identify and remove noise sources. They often help to design buildings to make them as soundproof as possible.

Acoustics physicists predict and measure traffic, rail and aircraft noise and advise local councils, rail companies and airports on noise control.

Acoustics physicists improve sound quality in the entertainment industry, for example in theatres, stadiums and recording studios.

Some acoustics physicists are experts on deafness and hearing loss caused by noise. They use this knowledge to advise on diagnosis and treatment.

Another specialist field is the research and development of new systems for speech synthesis and speech recognition.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Acoustics physicists need a strong interest in the physics of sound.

As an acoustics physicist, you will need to be accurate, methodical and have good problem solving skills. You need strong maths skills and the ability to use a range of technical equipment.

You must have good communication skills to explain your findings and will need written skills to produce reports and make recommendations, for example, on ways to reduce noise or improve sound quality. You need to be able to work well in teams.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Acoustics physicists earn in the range of £18,000 - £24,000 a year, rising to £25,000 - £35,000. Higher earners can make around £40,000 - £60,000 a year.

Most work around 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers throughout the UK are firms in manufacturing, energy, communications, construction, computing, transportation, chemical, water, robotics, marine and offshore industries. Opportunities also exist in government departments.

Some acoustic physicists work as independent consultants or in partnership with other specialists in professional practice.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained skills in sound engineering or acoustics technical work.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

You don't usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

The Institute of Acoustics offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control, by distance learning.

Financial support for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).

• 6% of people in occupations such as acoustics physics are self-employed.
• 2% work part-time.
• 27% have flexible hours.

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