Similarities between engineers and physicists

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In summary: Do you think I would have a good chance of finding a job in either field after I finish my degree?I see. Then doing a combined degree of astrophysics and electronics & telecommunication engineering seems to be a good option and I have pretty much done the right choice. What...Do you think I would have a good chance of finding a job in either field after I finish my degree?
  • #1
Robin Lee
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Hello, I am currently doing a double degree program of engineering and science at Australian National University. However, due to budget constraint I am going to drop engineering and just do science which will only take 3 years instead of 5 years.

I am interested in astronomy and electronics engineering (computer engineering). If I just do astronomy as my science major, would it have a major impact in my future career that I am only going to be academics? Other than science discipline, what are the other fields that an astronomer can work confidently in?

Can a scientist switch to be an engineer? If so what kind of job will a scientist do in engineering industry? I wonder what are the similarities between them.
 
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  • #2
As an engineering major myself (aerospace), engineering is much more oriented towards applicability. You see an idea from its inception to its result. Engineers are extremely well paid (not as high as doctors, but you're paid upwards of twice the average salary in America).

Astronomers, however, are not very well paid. As far as I'm aware, you're pretty much destined to spend your life in an observatory, or a similar job. The only interfacing an astronomer might have with an engineer is outlining requisite specifications for a new telescope, observatory or similar field-oriented areas. They are most certainly not interchangeable disciplines.

If I were you, I'd spend the extra two years to become an engineer. If you cannot find work as an astronomer (if that is your heart's desire), then you can easily fall back on your engineering background.
 
  • #3
Angry Citizen said:
As far as I'm aware, you're pretty much destined to spend your life in an observatory, or a similar job. The only interfacing an astronomer might have with an engineer is outlining requisite specifications for a new telescope, observatory or similar field-oriented areas. They are most certainly not interchangeable disciplines.

I'm sure you're aware but for others it's worth mentioning that this isn't really what astronomy is: observational (and even more so that with optical telescopes) is a tiny tiny part of astronomy and, in fact, I have only once touched a telescope and I have a 5 year degree in astronomy + physics.

I would say that physicists (I'd consider astronomy graduates a subtype of physicists) can transfer to engineering. For big companies, there will be graduate programmes where the requirements will normally be engineering or physical science, then the specific training is done on the job. Of course, transferring to engineering from science, like Angry Citizen suggets, will be difficult: you'll have a lot of work learning how to speak like an engineer, as it were.
 
  • #4
fasterthanjoao said:
]you'll have a lot of work learning how to speak like an engineer, as it were.
It's more than that for certain fields of engineering. I'm finishing up a degree in computer engineering, and I'm almost positive astronomers don't go anywhere near most of the stuff we cover (EE+CS), as physics major in general don't do such applied stuff and our upper level courses are mostly focused on devices and other really applied stuff.
 
  • #5
Thanks for all the information. It seems to me that working as an engineer would be a much better choice as it closely matches my characteristics.
 
  • #6
Angry Citizen said:
Astronomers, however, are not very well paid. As far as I'm aware, you're pretty much destined to spend your life in an observatory, or a similar job.

No you are not.

People with computational astrophysics backgrounds can be *very* highly paid on Wall Street. Also observationalists generally design and build their own instruments so I know of some astronomers that are specialists at either civil engineering (i.e. they create the telescope blueprints) or are electromechanical engineers (i.e. building instruments).
 
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  • #7
twofish-quant said:
No you are not.

People with computational astrophysics backgrounds can be *very* highly paid on Wall Street. Also observationalists generally design and build their own instruments so I know of some astronomers that are specialists at either civil engineering (i.e. they create the telescope blueprints) or are electromechanical engineers (i.e. building instruments).
Were they doing astrophysics in university or did they do civil engineering/mechatronics?
 
  • #8
Robin Lee said:
Were they doing astrophysics in university or did they do civil engineering/mechatronics?

Astronomy. The problem with a straight civil engineering/mechatronics training is that you don't get the training that you need to do the job (i.e. they don't teach you anything about optics).
 
  • #9
twofish-quant said:
People with computational astrophysics backgrounds can be *very* highly paid on Wall Street.

Does that only hold for computational astrophysics or also computional physics in general?
 
  • #10
twofish-quant said:
Astronomy. The problem with a straight civil engineering/mechatronics training is that you don't get the training that you need to do the job (i.e. they don't teach you anything about optics).

I see. Then doing a combined degree of astrophysics and electronics & telecommunication engineering seems to be a good option and I have pretty much done the right choice. What I need to do now is to get financial aids or this semster will be my last since I can't afford studying in Australian National University anymore. :(

PS: I am an international student.
 

What are the main similarities between engineers and physicists?

Both engineers and physicists use math and science to solve problems and make discoveries. They both also have a strong understanding of fundamental principles such as mechanics, electricity, and thermodynamics.

Do engineers and physicists have similar job responsibilities?

While engineers and physicists may have some overlapping job responsibilities, their roles are ultimately different. Engineers are primarily responsible for designing and creating practical solutions to real-world problems, while physicists focus on understanding the fundamental laws of nature and conducting research.

In terms of education, is there a difference between engineers and physicists?

Both engineers and physicists typically have a strong background in math and science, but the specific courses they take may differ. Engineers often have a more practical and applied focus in their coursework, while physicists delve deeper into theoretical concepts.

Are engineers and physicists equally important in advancing technology and society?

Both engineers and physicists play crucial roles in advancing technology and society. Engineers are responsible for designing and developing new technologies and products, while physicists contribute to groundbreaking research and discoveries that can lead to new inventions and innovations.

Can engineers and physicists work together on projects?

Absolutely! In fact, collaboration between engineers and physicists is often necessary for successful projects. Engineers bring practical knowledge and skills to the table, while physicists provide a deeper understanding of fundamental principles and can offer innovative solutions to complex problems.

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