- #1
Harshna
- 17
- 0
Hi all,
I have completed a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) and Graduate Diploma of Science (Applied Data Science). I have always loved Maths and Physics, but never really pursued it as I thought there were not many jobs for them (but I have taken first year Maths courses as electives and postgraduate statistics courses which were required for my Graduate Diploma). As my next step of study would probably be my last - I need to really consider what I am doing. I have realized now that I REALLY want to work in Astrophysics/Space Exploration. I also am interested in Machine Learning, but coding (including in Matlab) is not my strength. I have not taken any Physics courses at Uni, but have done Physics up to year 12.
I have two options for my next study:
I love science and the PhD topic in Option 1 also interests me, but I think I will always regret not taking the Astrophysics option as Astrophysics is my new dream.
I have a few issues:
I am so lost which option to choose as I know:
Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially from people working in these fields that can help me out with if I will get a job after spending so many years studying/uptaking a new career path
Sorry about the Engineering Prefix - I accidentally put Engineering and I don't think there is a way to edit it (I can't delete the post and post it again with a different prefix I think).
I have completed a Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) and Graduate Diploma of Science (Applied Data Science). I have always loved Maths and Physics, but never really pursued it as I thought there were not many jobs for them (but I have taken first year Maths courses as electives and postgraduate statistics courses which were required for my Graduate Diploma). As my next step of study would probably be my last - I need to really consider what I am doing. I have realized now that I REALLY want to work in Astrophysics/Space Exploration. I also am interested in Machine Learning, but coding (including in Matlab) is not my strength. I have not taken any Physics courses at Uni, but have done Physics up to year 12.
I have two options for my next study:
- A summer research scholarship with guaranteed progression to PhD with topic in "Predictive Modelling and Applications in Bio-physical Area with Data-intelligent Algorithms" where I would be using Machine Learning (Neural Networks) to model the Photosynthetic Active Radiation (Radiation of Sunlight at which growth is optimum) of algae from internet data sources
- Pursue a Masters in Applied Data Science in which I have the opportunity to do 4 pure Astronomy courses (as the Applied bit) which will take 1 year part time (as I have credits) and then Masters by Research (2 years part time) in Astrophysics with Machine Learning (to allow me to have done enough research to meet the prerequisites of a PhD), and then do a PhD (3-4 years) in Astrophysics with Machine Learning. This option is in total another 6-7 years, but it is my dream
I love science and the PhD topic in Option 1 also interests me, but I think I will always regret not taking the Astrophysics option as Astrophysics is my new dream.
I have a few issues:
- Will I get a job in Physics in Australia if I pursue the second option?? I know the Physics market is not big - so if I spend about 7 years and then get nowhere instead of taking the first option (which is much more in demand as it is environmental science which there are plenty of jobs for), would be a complete waste of time when I had a much better option
- If I do the PhD topic in Option 1 (which involves Machine Learning but in Biology) than will I still have the opportunity to get a job in Astrophysics (I could possibly still take some Astrophysics courses later). I think companies would be looking more for Machine Learning skills for a job in Machine Learning in Physics
- I am thinking of working (until I do a PhD at which time I will not probably work) so any qualification will take a longer time doing it part time with work
- I am 23 years old so the second option may mean I end up finishing studies at about 30 years old
- Approving a PhD topic and supervisor is not usually the easiest thing (especially in Physics when I haven't done Physics courses), but a Supervisor has contacted me himself and offered me the research scholarship with progression to PhD - so this is a really great opportunity and it is a much FASTER option (half the time)
- If I take Option 2 I could possibly end up lending a job at my Uni after taking the PhD as they may give me a job on the same topic as my research (which could very much also happen for Option 1). What this means is that Option 2 actually may have a job opportunity, if the Uni lends me one.
I am so lost which option to choose as I know:
- Option 1 will get me a job, but I will always regret not doing Astrophysics when I could have
- Option 2 is my dream but I am very unsure as to whether it will quickly end up getting me a job or will be a complete waste of time that will end up getting me nowhere (and probably worse off than Option 1 where I will actually have a job).
Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially from people working in these fields that can help me out with if I will get a job after spending so many years studying/uptaking a new career path
Sorry about the Engineering Prefix - I accidentally put Engineering and I don't think there is a way to edit it (I can't delete the post and post it again with a different prefix I think).
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