Part 1

Careers in Atomic Energy

U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

Division of Technical Information

Understanding the Atom Series

The Understanding the Atom Series

Nuclear energy is playing a vital role in the life of every man, woman, and child in the United States today. In the years ahead it will affect increasingly all the peoples of the earth. It is essential that all Americans gain an understanding of this vital force if they are to discharge thoughtfully their responsibilities as citizens and if they are to realize fully the myriad benefits that nuclear energy offers them.

The United States Atomic Energy Commission provides this booklet to help you achieve such understanding.

Edward J. Brunenkant, Director Division of Technical Information

UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, Chairman James T. Ramey Wilfrid E. Johnson Dr. Theos J. Thompson Dr. Clarence E. Larson

Careers in Atomic Energy

by Loyce J. McIlhenny

CONTENTS

THE SCIENTIFIC MIND 3 SCIENTISTS ARE PEOPLE 3 THE TIME TO BEGIN 3 COLLEGE: IS IT A NECESSITY? 5 SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 6 COLLEGE: HOW MANY YEARS? 7 Physical and Biological Sciences 7 Engineering 8 Medicine 8 Veterinary Science 9 Scientific Writing 9 Supporting Fields 9 WORK OF THE ATOMIC SCIENTIST 11 Physics 11 Chemistry 13 Biology 14 Geology 15 Engineering 15 Mathematics 17 Medicine 18 Related Fields 18 LOCATION OF THE ATOMIC SCIENTIST 20 The United States Government 20 Private Industry 20 Educational Organizations 21 Hospitals 21 State and Local Governments 21 Other Organizations 22 PROFESSIONAL SATISFACTION 22 SELECTED READING LIST 23

United States Atomic Energy Commission Division of Technical Information>

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 64-60275 1962; 1964(Rev.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After receiving a degree in English at the University of Houston, Mrs. McIlhenny worked for nine years in editorial capacities at the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies, where she prepared this booklet. She is now a housewife in Falls Church, Virginia.

Careers in Atomic Energy

LOYCE J. McILHENNY

Today virtually every aspect of science is concerned in some way with the atom.

Physicians use radiation to treat disease. Mechanical engineers design components for nuclear reactors. Electrical engineers convert the energy of the atom into electricity. Botanists use radioactivity to learn more about plants, and zoologists use it to study animals. Chemists investigate compounds with radioisotopes. Physicists and mathematicians work out the intricate interrelations among the tiny particles of the atom. Agronomists use radioactive materials to improve fertilizers and crops, and nutritionists use them to improve animal diets.

A student--YOU--can find your career in atomic energy in any branch of science you choose because “atomics” is not a field unto itself divorced from the rest of the scientific world.

The best preparation for a career in nuclear energy begins with elementary arithmetic. This preparation advances through general science, algebra, biology, chemistry, physics, geometry, and trigonometry. The aspiring scientist will be wise to lay the groundwork for his future long before he reaches college by studying as much mathematics and science as he can handle. Although many a now-successful chemist entered college without knowing how to balance an equation, keen competition today demands that college freshmen have a solid foundation in mathematics and science.

Even in an age of specialization, the interrelation of the sciences has made it necessary for a scientist to have at least a speaking acquaintance with areas outside his own field. A chemist, for example, may find himself involved in biology; the research interests of a biologist may lead him into physics.

Moreover, English-speaking peoples have no monopoly on scientific accomplishment. Proficiency in German and French, at least a reading knowledge, has long been considered desirable and is often required of the serious scientist. In the light of modern developments, a reading knowledge of Russian might well be added to the list, and, as other countries and cultures expand their technologies, familiarity with still other languages may become necessary. (Indeed, a number of scientists who completed doctoral degrees years ago have recently begun to study Russian. This is not surprising since the education of a true scientist never stops with an academic degree, a job appointment, or a significant discovery.)

The most brilliant physicist on earth is of doubtful worth if he can’t communicate his ideas to other people. Thus even more important than a knowledge of foreign languages is a knowledge of one’s own. Almost too late has come the realization that many college graduates in the United States, although proficient in their particular fields, cannot write a correct English sentence. Accurate scientists cannot afford inaccurate communication. Proficient scientists know their own language.

The Scientific Mind