Sarah1475 said:So I'm looking to do a bachelor's degree which involves a lot of physics and math but one that is not engineering, maybe like a BSc in physics? Idk
Anyone got any suggestions?
Goal seems too limited. Study if you want, for bachelor of science degree in Physics. Then what do you want to be able to do? Without Engineering, Physics becomes too limited. Maybe include several courses from one or more other sciences. After graduating later, what employment position will you want?Sarah1475 said:So I'm looking to do a bachelor's degree which involves a lot of physics and math but one that is not engineering, maybe like a BSc in physics? Idk
Anyone got any suggestions?
symbolipoint said:Goal seems too limited. Study if you want, for bachelor of science degree in Physics. Then what do you want to be able to do? Without Engineering, Physics becomes too limited. Maybe include several courses from one or more other sciences. After graduating later, what employment position will you want?
symbolipoint said:Goal seems too limited. Study if you want, for bachelor of science degree in Physics. Then what do you want to be able to do? Without Engineering, Physics becomes too limited. Maybe include several courses from one or more other sciences. After graduating later, what employment position will you want?
Sarah1475 said:I wouldn't want to do engineering as most of it involves field work
What country are you in? Do schools in your country make a distinction between a bachelor's degree in physics granted by a school of arts and sciences vs a school of engineering? Are you planning to stop with a bachelor's, or would you consider a graduate degree (masters or PhD)?Sarah1475 said:So I'm looking to do a bachelor's degree which involves a lot of physics and math but one that is not engineering, maybe like a BSc in physics? Idk
Anyone got any suggestions?
I'm in Sri Lanka. And Idk whether they make a distinction or not. What diff does that make really?CrysPhys said:What country are you in? Do schools in your country make a distinction between a bachelor's degree in physics granted by a school of arts and sciences vs a school of engineering? Are you planning to stop with a bachelor's, or would you consider a graduate degree (masters
or PhD)?
Oh, that's good to hear.Dr.D said:Sounds like you may have a misconception here. Are you saying that you don't want to get your hands dirty? If so, that's OK, and does not preclude engineering. I am an engineer, and I have not done anything hands-on in many years (I'm too old and shaky now to do
it!). What you see as "field work" might better be thought of as "real, visible, down-to-earth things."
A whole lot of engineering involves mathematical
models, computer simulations, and applications of physics principles. I will say, however, that most engineers are very pleased when they get to see the functioning physical results of their
work.
I'm having a hard time understanding what your issue is. What I've gathered so far from your posts are the following:Sarah1475 said:I'm in Sri Lanka. And Idk whether they make a distinction or not. What diff does that make really?
No I would absolutely consider a masters/phD
Yeah that's the sort of picture I had of field work.Dr.D said:The term "field work" is pretty generic; it means a lot of different things depending on the context. Let me cite a few examples (not an exhaustive list at all):
1) For a construction engineer, field work might
mean being out on the construction site, looking at problems on the spot and suggesting fixes;
2) For a machinery engineer, field work might
mean taking vibration measurements on
operating machinery in an industrial environment such as a power plant or a steel mill;
3) For a radio/TV engineer, field work might
mean resolving an issue with an antenna;4) For an electrical power engineer, field work might mean investigating breaker and/or
transformer problems in a power plant or
distribution center;
5) For a drilling engineer, field work might mean figuring out why a drill is not advancing and working out a solution;6) For a controls engineer, field work might mean tuning a control system to the desired dynamic
response on actual operating machinery.Etc, etc. In one sense, "field work" is the opposite of "office work," meaning that it is usually done
on the job site rather than in an office
environment.
Yes you are correct.CrysPhys said:I'm having a hard time understanding what your issue is. What I've gathered so far from your posts are the following:
(1) You are interested in physics and math
(2) You are not interested in engineering
(3) You are willing to go to grad school after completing your undergrad degree
(4) You would like to pursue a career as a lecturer
Is that correct? If so, I really don't understand why there is an issue with pursuing an undergrad degree in physics ... Unless I'm missing critical information; for example, if pursuing an
undergrad degree in physics in your country
requires you to take a lot of engineering courses that you don't want. You sound as if an undergrad degree in physics would force you into an unwanted career in engineering; and I don't
understand why you feel that way. That's
certainly not the case in the US. If there are additional constraints in your country, please clarify.
In the US at least, undergrad physics is not generally split up as you suggest. It is just "physics" -- covering classical mechanics, E&M, quantum, thermo/stat physics, fluid mechanics, and a few electives. Plus calculus, diff equations, linear algebra, complex analysis, special functions. This is the material anyone moving on to grad school in physics needs to know.Sarah1475 said:I just can't decide on a suitable physics major: physics/ applied physics/ mathematical physics/ theoretical physics.
OK, now you have a clear question. In the US, for an undergrad degree in physics, typically the degree is just "physics". There are some schools that offer a degree in "applied physics" or "engineering physics". Since these are geared for someone interested in engineering, and you are not, they would not be the right choice for you. I am not aware of an undergrad degree in "mathematical physics" or "theoretical physics" in the US (but I have not done a search either). They are typically concentrations for graduate programs. Regardless, even if schools in your country offerred such degrees, I would not recommend them: you want a well-rounded program, and it's important that you be exposed to experimental work, even if you later decide to concentrate on theoretical or mathematical physics.Sarah1475 said:Yes you are correct.
My issue is (I've just done some research and figured out the real prob here) that I want to pursue an undergrad degree that focuses on
physics. I just can't decide on a suitable physics major: physics/ applied physics/ mathematical physics/ theoretical physics.
In your opinion, since I don't mind math, which of these majors do you think will be the Most useful and would still exist in the future, and one that I can use to become a lecturer if I wanted to?
A Physics degree is an undergraduate or graduate degree that focuses on the study of matter, energy, and how they interact with each other. With a Physics degree, you can pursue a career in various fields such as research, academia, engineering, finance, and technology.
The most common types of Physics degrees offered in the world are Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Some universities also offer specialized degrees such as Astrophysics, Biophysics, and Engineering Physics.
According to various rankings, the top universities for Physics degrees in the world include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of Cambridge, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Other top universities include Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of California, Berkeley.
Yes, a Physics degree is a versatile degree that can lead to a variety of career opportunities. With a strong foundation in problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, Physics graduates are highly sought after in industries such as technology, finance, and research. Additionally, a Physics degree can also open doors to higher education and research opportunities.
While a strong background in math and science can be helpful, it is not a requirement for pursuing a Physics degree. Many universities offer introductory courses to help students catch up on any necessary math and science skills. It is important to have a strong interest in the subject and a willingness to dedicate time and effort to succeed in a Physics degree program.