Advice on Pursuing a Physics Degree: Belle's Story

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and concerns of a participant, Belle, regarding pursuing a physics degree at university. It touches on her academic background, confidence in mathematics, and specific queries about the curriculum, particularly the presence of statistics in physics courses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Belle expresses her interest in studying physics despite concerns about her mathematics skills, particularly in relation to statistics.
  • Some participants suggest that the statistics involved in physics may differ significantly from high school statistics.
  • One participant notes that the amount of statistics in the curriculum can vary by university and program, sharing their own experience with a Statistical Physics course.
  • Belle mentions her intention to apply to Cardiff University and questions whether her post is appropriate for the forum.
  • Another participant advises Belle to check the university's website for detailed course information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the presence and nature of statistics in physics courses can vary, but there is no consensus on the specifics of Belle's situation or the curriculum at Cardiff University.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide detailed information on the specific statistical requirements of different physics programs, and there is a lack of clarity regarding Belle's mathematical preparedness for university-level physics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a physics degree, particularly those with concerns about mathematics and statistics in the curriculum.

alias25
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ive just finished my AS, havnt got my results back yet and i think i want to do physics at university. I am very good at physics, top of my class(not tryin to boast or anything) but i also took maths A level and I am not very confident with my maths. although all my friends think I am gd at it all :rolleyes: I am worried that i just raised my hopes and i'll end up stuck, my parents arn't any help, they want me to do pharmacy :mad: (boring). hoping to get 4 As. Does a say a plain 3 year physics degree have a lot of statistics (i don't really like) and what about in MPhys?
any opinions and advice will be helpful
thanks
belle
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There isn't an overload of statistics. Statistical physics does play an important part in numerous fields in physics but it's most likely completely different than the statistics you've encountered in HS.
 
It'll probably depend where you go. For me, there wasn't that much. I had a Statistical Physics course in my 2nd year, but I won't in my 3rd year (because it's an option for me). I'm only doing BSc though. The MSci people have to do Statistical Physics in 3rd year, I think. If you get 4 As, that should be good. I got a B in A Level Maths and I did ok in the Maths I've done at uni. I don't like Statistics either though :).
 
im thinking of applying to Cardiff University its closest to where i live. i don't think i should have posted this thread here. hmm sorry itll probably be moved by the moderator ppl anyway.
 
Have a look at their site, you should be able to find some info about what's in their course.
 

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