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Physics and Astronomy

Graduate Profiles

    Steve Davey

    BScLLB, Major in Physics, 2005

    Why did you choose your degree at Macquarie University?

    I choose to study Physics because I find it inspiring. One of the greatest Physicists of all time, Albert Einstein (1879-1955) said "I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details." Einstein referred to Galileo (1564-1652) as the 'father of modern science', and Galileo said that "the book of Nature is written in the language of mathematics". Physics is the study of that 'book of Nature' containing 'God's thoughts'. Ptolemy (90-168) best described what the experience of that study is like when he said "I know that I am mortal by nature and ephemeral, but when I trace at my pleasure the wanderings to and fro of the heavenly bodies I no longer touch earth with my feet, I stand in the presence of Zeus himself." Studying Physics at Macquarie gave me the opportunity to follow my passion and get a career at the same time.

    Employment (July 2007): Patent and Trademark Attorney

    "I personally got a job working in Physics before I even graduated from my BSc. The job was as a trainee Patent & Trademark Attorney, at one of Australia's largest Patent & Trademark firms in the summer after I had finished my Physics studies, but before I had actually graduated. I was studying a combined Physics & Law degree at Macquarie University at the time.

    The work of a Patent & Trademark Attorney essentially involves drafting Patents for Inventors, representing Inventors to the Patent Office and arguing the Inventor's case, and if needs be, advising Barristers to represent the Inventors in court should someone breach their rights. Similarly, I search the Trade Mark database for Applicants, argue their case to the Trade Mark Office, and represent their rights in court. I enjoy my job because I find human ingenuity and invention fascinating. It's also exciting because new ideas can offer great financial reward."

    How has your degree from Macquarie University helped you in your career?

    "My studies in Physics at Macquarie University equipped me to understand inventions involving mechanics, optics - including lasers, electronics and computers. The technical skills and knowledge learned in the course of studying Physics put you in good stead to pursue a career as a Patent & Trademark Attorney. My degree also taught me to push myself further, and increased my confidence. When I'm posed with a difficult new invention I think "I've done Advanced Quantum Physics at Uni, I can do this!" This thought has been instrumental to my success on many occasions."

    Reflections and advice

    "Specific advice for those wanting to become a Patent & Trademark Attorney: it is advisable to either combine your Physics degree with a Law degree or to study physics to a postgraduate level (i.e. Honours, Masters or PhD). Job opportunities tend to open up at this point. Once you have secured a job as a Trainee Patent & Trademark Attorney, you need to do a Masters of Industrial Property (part time whilst working) to become qualified as a Patent & Trademark Attorney.

    I'm grateful for the opportunity to study Physics because it has allowed me to come closer to becoming the person I would like to be. Contemplating the deep aspects of Nature as revealed by Physics has been the most interesting aspect of my life to date."

 

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