<p>A chemist doesn’t need an advanced degree to do some jobs in that field, I see no difference for physics. Practically speaking most science related jobs require more than the Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS- I got a BA in Chemistry since I had met both requirements and liked the white tassle, annoyed my father but medical school didn’t care. I don’t dare call myself a chemist among my grad school educated chemistry friends, and especially so many decades removed from it). I suspect the boss is proud of his son’s college degree and that is why he is using the term. Too naive to know much about the world of physicists or even scientists in general. Eventually the son will get tired of the designation or move on to grad school. Grin and bear it for now. I understand being a woman in a male dominated field- dozens of stories to tell. At least many more women have reached private practice in more fields than in my day, too bad I’m long retired after putting up with so much.</p>