- #1
Big Bad Bozak
- 5
- 0
Hello, I am a Canadian student, currently studying Mathematical Physics at the University of Waterloo. I finished my first year and I can safely say that I enjoyed my program. I performed relatively well on my Math courses, getting 80s however, my physics marks were sub-par, scraping 76 in Physics 121 (physics I) and a 68 in phys 122 (physics II). While I am not the one for excuses, I can say that taking a CS-major computer science course as an elective without any such background in comp sci was time consuming and took away from focusing on physics. Yet, I feel I do exceptional when I focus on physics (and I love it); for example, I brought my mark up from a 56 to a 76 in physics 1, after the exam.
Basically, my problem has always been that I am scared of bad marks because I know that the competition is extreme in academia, especially in a field like physics where barely 20 students graduate in 4th year when 150 were accepted in the first year. So I was on the verge of changing my major to biology but I realized that it was too boring for me and I essentially had ZERO motivation to study. So, I looked myself in the mirror and said "Buddy, just work your @ss off in mathematical physics." And while it is easy to say that, I still am quite nervous but at the same time very excited and looking forward to my 2nd year courses when I take Calc 3, Lin Alge 2, Differential Eq, Quantum Physics and E&M.
Also, I took a Modern ALgebra class as an elective and really enjoyed it and thought I'd try a few pure math courses (and I know its brutal). But I also have developed an interest in engineering because it obviously related to physics. So I decided I am going to attend an electrical engineering class just to learn the course material.
After this rant, I was just wondering if it is possible to pursue engineering in graduate school (perhaps masters) and then go back to physics, and also somehow fit in math in there. I know I'm thinking ahead but perhaps some wisemen can help me out here.
Thanks.
Basically, my problem has always been that I am scared of bad marks because I know that the competition is extreme in academia, especially in a field like physics where barely 20 students graduate in 4th year when 150 were accepted in the first year. So I was on the verge of changing my major to biology but I realized that it was too boring for me and I essentially had ZERO motivation to study. So, I looked myself in the mirror and said "Buddy, just work your @ss off in mathematical physics." And while it is easy to say that, I still am quite nervous but at the same time very excited and looking forward to my 2nd year courses when I take Calc 3, Lin Alge 2, Differential Eq, Quantum Physics and E&M.
Also, I took a Modern ALgebra class as an elective and really enjoyed it and thought I'd try a few pure math courses (and I know its brutal). But I also have developed an interest in engineering because it obviously related to physics. So I decided I am going to attend an electrical engineering class just to learn the course material.
After this rant, I was just wondering if it is possible to pursue engineering in graduate school (perhaps masters) and then go back to physics, and also somehow fit in math in there. I know I'm thinking ahead but perhaps some wisemen can help me out here.
Thanks.