Double Degree Ph.D in Nanothechnology and Astronomy?

thinkies

Is it even possible? (A double degree Ph.D in both fields)

Both of them are pretty much related to physics...so I think it would be possible. Is there any other field, particularly in physics, that is better then nanotechnology with astronomy.

I know that there are extensive research in nanotechnology stuff(and its quit an interesting field), so it seems like a good field. And astronomy is really a passion for me, so theres no doubt that I will be taking something aside that. But I have also some interest in other fields in physics, hence the reason why I would like to know if a double degree(preferably Ph.D) is possible.

Also, it seems like a double degree is referred to a student working for two different university degrees in parallel, either at the same institution or at different institutions..That would mean that you *wont* be doing 30 years in university (15 years at least for 1 Ph.D.. multiply by 2 ^.^ )? Of course hard work is expected for this, right?

What are your thoughts?

And,um, what do you think of the following fields, *which one* seems to be actively researched (or *which ones*)?

- Plasma physics
- Optics
- Optoelectronics
- Materials physics
- Geophysics
- Communication physics

Anything else you might want to add to the list?

cristo

I don't really see the point in obtaining two PhDs (how can one be an expert in more than one thing?) You will definitely not be able to do two PhDs simultaneously... one is hard enough!!

Anyway, I recall from the other threads that you are only young, so I would stop trying to think about all this now-- your interests will definitely change once you get through school and university!

thinkies

To be quit honest, I'm just trying to show my parents that theres more then A MD degree...They are so badly expecting me to be a doctor, and theres no hell way I can change my passion into my biology despite the amazing results I get from my exams...I just love physics..

Also, I'm asking just out of curiosity...

thinkies

Ph.d is not much necessary in both fields. How about a simple master degree in 1 field? (However, I would personally prefer to pursue Ph.D in astronomy)...

BTW, I don't really think my interest will change...I just can't see anything beside physics. I read numerous articles regarding many stuff (discoveries,research) and they all amaze me(they mostly are related with physics)... :)

Tom Mattson

thinkies,

It's funny you mention this, because I'm thinking about doing 2 PhD's starting next year. I've been researching supersymmetric quantum mechanics, and I would like to upgrade to supersymmetric quantum field theories. I plan on applying to the PhD program in Physics at one school, and in Applied Mathematics at another. If I get into both programs with funding (and I don't see why I wouldn't, my grades are good) then I am going to quit my job and throw myself into this.

However, that said, I must say that the only reason this is going to work (I think) is that I believe I can extract two dissertations out of the same research program. My plan is to submit the mathematical results to the math dept, and the scientific results to the physics dept. With your choice of PhD programs, it won't be anything like that. Astronomy is too far from Nanotech for you to be able to give both programs your best shot.

I don't see why you couldn't do them both eventually, but I think it will be impossible for you to do them both together. You'll burn out on both of them, and end up with no PhD at all.

thinkies

So what would be suitable with astronomy, other then nanotechnology....?
Gosh, finally someone who is expecting 2 Ph.d's, I thought I was the only mental freak looking forward for 2 Ph.d degrees.... :)

thinkies

Also, hard work really isn't a problem, I am a very hard working guy and I usually manage to understand things pretty smoothly and quickly (I also manage to retain them in my head)...

cristo

I admire your dedication, I really do, but I still advise you not to concentrate on one or two specific fields. Yes, there are lots and lots of interesting fields out there, but the reality is that you cannot possible study everything to PhD level; some time you have to make a decision. But, for now, I think you should enjoy the classes you're taking. There is no need to even tell your parents, if you think they are so against it, until you are further on through high school.
Wow, best of luck to you, Tom! I couldn't imagine writing two theses simultaneously, however: that's gonna be pretty difficult!

thinkies

@ Cristo

Ok, I'll take into consideration what you said. Thanks for the advice. But just out of curiosity, what are the fields (in physics)in which research is quit active...

Do you know any field that may emerge in the near future as a competent research field (related with physics of course)?

Tom Mattson

It's really impossible to say unless you've already picked out an area of astronomy. For instance, if you're interested in the chemistry of the Venetian atmosphere, then you might be able to do Astro and Chem. If you were interested in Origins of Life, then you might be able to do Astro and Bio, or even Astro and Chem. If you were interested in stellar physics, then you could do Astro and Physics.

It doesn't matter. When you do a PhD, it's not like taking a bunch of advanced courses in which you pass by mastering the material (there is some of that in the first 2 years or so, but that's about it). What you'll be doing is working on a problem that has never been solved before. It will be extremely time consuming, and you will be expected to produce something every week, if not every day.

thinkies

@Tom Mattson

Wow, that's quit scary: "you'll be doing is working on a problem that has never been solved before"...That would mean new concepts everyweek...so possibly I won't much find any help elsewhere or in any other books...just my pure brain? Are you truly gonna be applying for 2 Ph.D's? That seems very scary..still, hard work and dedication always overcome such obstacle (unless if it is something insane...)

Hmm any thoughts regarding my post #9?

cristo

Well, nanotechnology is a pretty new field, but it's pretty impossible to answer your question. There are many research fields out there. Why not google for the physics department of some universities and look at the research interests of the faculty there?

thinkies

Well, many universities are conducting research in fields such as Cosmology,Biological Physics,Nuclear Physics,Condensed matter,etc

Seems like almost every single field in physics is being actively researched o.0...Although it seems theres not much of a research in astronomy, except in some western countries, for stuff regarding astronomy..it's not quit 'global'...

Laura1013

Pretty much by necessity, astronomy is one of the most global scientific endeavors, with telescopes all around the world (probably in every country). If astronomy only existed in the West, only half the sky would be observed by ground-based telescopes, and astronomical events during the daylight in the West would be missed. Astronomy is an ancient profession and is quite universal (pardon the pun).

RasslinGod

Sounds like my parent and my relatives wantign me to become a doctor. It's hard for them to respect and be satisfied that u got a Phd instead of an MD. When i told em i wanted to be a physicist, they said this and that, and soon enough they just really didn't care. Sure they're disappointed, and sure they want me to become a millionaire, but they can't do anything bout it!

Go for what u love. You'll eventually get to the point where ucan't study somethign to satisfy other ppl. Theres nothign u can say or do to prove to them the PhD degree is just as worthwhile and satisfying than an MD.


Btw, are ur parents asian? lol

godwinscareer

I agree with Cristo, your too young to be worrying about these things

Tom Mattson

Thank you.

A year and a half ago, I couldn't imagine it either. I got my MS in Physics in 1997, and I started an MS in Mathematics in 2006 (I'll finish this December). In the Spring of 2007 I did an independent study with a physicist who works in supersymmetric quantum mechanics. My plan was to finish the MS in Math, then go either to the Applied Math Dept at RPI, or the Physics Dept at SUNY Albany for a PhD. But then the more I got into the research, the more I saw that there were problems in both physics and applied mathematics in this project. So that's when I hatched my crazy scheme: Why not do both?

I'm still preparing by taking a lot of mathematics. But the more I look into it, the more I believe I can do it. But like I said, this can only work because the two dissertations are going to come from the same reserach project. If they were as disparate as astronomy and nanotech, it would never work.