Physics major Definition and 332 Threads

Hello, As stated in the title, I've just completed a first year in physics and am interested in working in the field of laser science. Bear with me, as my questions may sound naive. Ideally, I would like to hear from those currently in the field, but any advice is welcome. 1.) Did you begin...

Hey hi hello there. Incoming freshmen physics major here. I'm staring my first year of undergrad school and I'm majoring in physics but I have to spend my first year just taking math courses and I won't be able to take a physics course until my second year. Did anyone else on here go through this?

I'm going into my third year in Physics in fall and I have some room on schedule and would like to take some math courses beyond the requirements at my uni since I enjoy math and want to have a head start in graduate school. My school only required calculus (up to multivariable calc.)...

I'm a physics major currently doing an REU in seismology, and I'm really enjoying it. I think I've finally found the field I'd like to pursue in grad school :approve:. I'm definitely planning on going for a geo science minor, but I'm wondering which classes would be useful to me going to grad...

Hello PF :) I am a physics-major-wannabe who wishes to increase his employability by supplementing my degree with computer science courses. I have already taken Python and C and will most likely take C++ with Unix next semester. I have a room for two more elective courses, but as a non-CS...

I have physics as my major(honours) in Bsc and have the subject combination of computer science, math and physics. And I am interested in C.sc and love PROGRAMMING. So what will be the better career option for me ? PS: I am interested in knowing career aspects in artificial intelligence and...

Finished most of my basics and calculus series at a community college and now I'm transferring to UT Austin to take ALL my University physics courses and advanced math such as PDE. I haven't taken a physics course since High School, and I want to go over all the concepts during summer so when I...

I'm starting my undergraduate degree in physical/mathematical sciences at the University of Toronto in the fall. My long-term goal at this point is a career in academia, probably theoretical physics, but I don't want to close any doors on the experimental side. Other than coursework, I would...

I'm finishing up my 2nd year of college at a local CC transferring to university in the Fall working on a BS in astrophysics and math minor. I've worked out my schedule so far for the next 3 years (taking an extra year due to some general ed's not transferring) and it looks like for all but my...

I am just finishing my freshman year as a physics major. I am wondering what software might be useful to get my hands on at this point? In chemistry, we used computers with Linux because he said they are able to process the information much faster than a Windows-based computer. Will most of...

Abstract linear algebra, differential equations applications, or partial differential equations. Id realistically like to take only two of the three courses, so which three would be most beneficial? Thanks in advance!

I will graduate this spring with a B.S. in Physics. Are there any tests I can take to get a license or a certification that will make me more appealing for an engineering position? Could I take the test to become a P.E. without actually having a degree in engineering? Can I take something...

I'm in my first year of college as a physics major and I am not taking any courses this summer. I only have to work part-time, so I will have some spare time on my hands to do some extra studies. Since I am going to a small and affordable college for my AA, they have no research programs...

Hi all, I'm in a bit of a sticky situation at the moment. I am a European so unfortunately I don't have the same freedom in choosing my electives or major as the US. Right now I'm currently doing a B.Sc in Mathematics and Physics. So far I have had 5 math modules (currently doing 3), 4...

It seems like a bit of an odd question, at least in my mind. But i have an immense passion for both physics and medicine. I did research on getting into med school and many people recommend majoring in whatever you love doing, as long as you get the requirements for pre-med. They also say that...

Its premature, but I definitely feel more aligned with theoretical physics over experimental. With that said, would math or computer science electives serve me better? I can choose 2 courses. Thanks!

I am a non-traditional student looking to change career paths. Though I am in my first year of college, I already know I want my major to be in high-energy physics. I am in a small community college for now as I need to save money. As such, there is not much of anything in my field that I can...

I'm going for a B.S. in physics and haven't decided yet whether I'm going to use my elective credits to minor in chemistry double major in B.S. mathematics. Eventually, I'd like to do graduate work in cosmology or nuclear or theoretical physics. Which of these two options (if either) would be...

I'm an undergraduate Physics major. I'm interested in doing research, right now I'm aiming to do undergraduate research in photonics (I'm just a freshman). After a conversation, I learned that I should learn C++, mathlab, AUTOcad and labview to use in my research. My question is: Does it...

I am currently a senior in high school applying to college. My question is whether or not o should apply undecided or as a physics major. I know I want to be a physicist but my math grades have been a bit shaky. I've improve my math grades this year and I'm getting a c plus in adv precalculus...

Hello all, The spring schedule is out and I'm trying to figure out what class to take with my required physics courses. I will be taking EM, Quantum, Directed Research, and I'm a TA for University Physics II. Which is 10.5 credits (TA is 1.5). I still need one more class to be full time. I...

Currently I am in Grade 10 (Math and Physics 11) and next year my mother will be purchasing me a laptop for school purposes. I plan on majoring in physics in university, so I was wondering what sort of laptop I should get. The only reason I am worrying about this right now is because I don't...

I really like pure math, like analysis, topology, and number theory, but I also like physics. I am wondering how many applications pure math has in higher level physics, because I don't want it to leave my life. And also, would a pure math /physics double major be intuitive or a waste of my...

Whenever people ask what jobs they can do with a B.S. in physics (and to a lesser extent with an M.S. or Ph.D.), one of the first suggestions offered is that they can become a programmer. In my opinion, this is seriously wrong and harmful advice. Look at the standard courses that physics...

I was hoping to get some other perspectives on this and then see how the next few weeks are before making any stupid decisions like talking to my advisor about it. I'm in the perfect situation for applying to grad schools if I work my *** off - but I'm sick of the whole thing. Only I don't know...

I'm a freshman in a University and right now my major is mechanical engineering. I've been told by some people that a physics major can get me a job as an engineer with some on the job training. Is this true? Will duel majoring in physics and mechanical engineering help get me a well paid...

Here is my problem... On the one hand: I know I love mathematics, and enjoy being able to describe physical phenomena with it. Predicting the future with such an incredible degree of accuracy is FUN to me. I know I love fishing out the secrets of the universe, and mulling through the...

Hello, Next month I will begin my first year at the University of Toronto for my undergrad and I have a question regarding which major I should declare at the end of the academic year. I intend on pursuing physics into graduate school (likely more on the theoretical side) and so the two...

Returning Physics Major (hopeful) needing a Calculus "checklist" for Upper Division. Hello everyone, currently I've been out of school for roughly two years now. As the title suggest I'm a Physics major going into my first year of upper division. The first ourse is a "Intro to Math Methods in...

I am going to Penn State next year as a freshman undergraduate for Physics and EE. I need advice from others who have been through the typical freshman and Sophomore years and the typical experience. Specifically, are there are recommended books/texts that I should have next year for both...

I will be a freshman in college this upcoming Fall semester, and I intend to be a Physics major. I took Multivariable Calculus at the local community college in High School and received a relatively poor grade in it, but I'm self-studying it now. I am confident that I will know all the material...

My dad and I have been discussing my academic future lately, and he has said that he won't pay for me to major in physics because of the extra time it would take me. He also says that if I decide to major in physics or any field that will take me more than five semesters (from now, not from...

Hello PF! I just finished my freshman year at my local CC majoring in physics. I did not chose to major in physics to become a theoretical physicist, esteemed professor, or the next Einstein. I chose to major in physics because I want to teach kids about science and the universe around us...

I currently am a physics major in college and I really want to fly. What are some career options?

Hello, I am a physics major and although I did exceedingly well in my basic math courses (algebra, pre-cal, etc.) I feel like I need a good review. Does anyone have any suggestions of resources that I can tap into to do this? I may end up going back over old textbooks but I was...

Iwe been planning on studying Physics for a few years now. And well. I just got done with my first year of uni. And Iwe had a horrible time of it. First year is undecided major hence general intro courses into everything. The curriculum and amount of work required at this uni is very tough. Much...

I'm a physics major and I'm pretty sure that I want to go into theoretical physics research. Due to scheduling difficulties and such, I haven't been able to systematically study math. I'm am very comfortable with all the basic math that any physics major should know - multivariable calc, PDEs...

Is it possible to get a job in aerospace industries with a major in physics? I am planning to go for either a MS or PhD later on if I do pick a BS in physics. I like theory more than applications. Obviously applications are important, but physics appeals to me more. Its the kind of reading I...

Hello, I'm feeling a little discouraged lately. I'm taking my second introductory physics course this semester, and although I'm doing excellent with the algebra material, I'm terrible at calculus based physics (our class does both separately, with the calculus being 20% of total grade). If I...

i'm a sophomore and I'm almost a junior by now... i took a year of intro physics this year and am considering majoring in it. originally i had planned on studying chemistry, but now i really like how differential math is used to prove physics. i'm also beginning to realize that in organic...

I lack talent in pure mathematics. (Although applying mathematical methods has been natural for me.) I am a physics freshman. I can prove and I can self study mathematics given enough time. I guess it's still too early to decide, but, I suppose, I'll be doing theoretical/mathematical physics...

I am currently a Physics-Math B.S. Major in my junior year of my undergrad work. I had an internship last summer and based off of my supervisor's non-response to my e-mails requesting to return, I didn't do so hot. I am taking a modern physics lab class right now and I understand the theory and...

Hi folks , I want to know could a guy succeed In Physic Without Having Physic Major And Powerful Math ? I like physics but because of not having powerful math and physics ، and my family opinions I'm learning biology( But I like biology too )

Good evening, everyone. I am a high school graduate who is about to enter the university. I think I have some idea of what I want to do in the future, because I am totally sure I want to enroll in a pure physics major. However, I know that nowadays that might not be enough to successfully...

Hello, I am currently a college student planning on transferring this upcoming fall. I am a Physics major with plans to get a Ph.D in theoretical Physics. What school, do you think, will better prepare me for my academic path? Thanks all!

Dear PF, I've been a lurker for about a year now and decided I needed a bit more advice: I'm a freshman physics major getting ready to pick classes for this spring quarter. So far I've taken/taking: Fall: Multivariable Calculus: A Honors Intro Mechanics: A Winter: Vector Calculus...

Ive been accepted to University of Texas at Austin as a physics major! Still waiting on a reply from MIT but I am not holding my breath. I was wondering if anybody has any tips for a soon-to-be physics major, or perhaps anyone who actually attended UT Austin who could offer some tips about the...

For my physics major I'm required to take a broadening unit each semester. I've decided I'll learn a language, I'm thinking either German or Japanese (although I would welcome other suggestions). I would be just as happy to learn either language, so I thought I'd pose the question as to which...

Hey guys. So I came here to ask a couple of questions that you guys probably know the answers to. Basically, I am a high school senior and I took physics in my junior year, and I loved it so much I took it again in senior year (this time just a higher level course). I'm really loving it. I ace...

Greetings, So I was trying to sketch some plans about what to do in college. One option would be Engineering here in Brazil, in my city we have a great Engineering school, which is known for giving its students a ton of work opportunities - it wouldn't be too hard for me to get a fairly...