Which science/engineering field?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for selecting a science or engineering field of study, specifically between physics, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. Participants explore potential career opportunities, interdisciplinary studies, and the implications of their choices on future education and employment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in pursuing a BSc in physics, biology, or chemistry, particularly modern physics and biochemistry, and seeks advice on future employment opportunities.
  • Another participant suggests that biochemistry may offer better career opportunities based on discussions with teachers and a friend's perspective on job demand.
  • A reply proposes looking for universities that offer a physical biochemistry course, emphasizing the versatility of biochemistry majors for job prospects while cautioning against relying solely on job availability.
  • Participants mention specific universities that offer degrees in Biochemistry and Biophysics, suggesting these programs as options for the original poster.
  • One participant notes that many universities have programs allowing students to study hard sciences and then transition to engineering at the master's level, citing their own university's statistics.
  • The original poster contemplates pursuing a double bachelor's degree in Physics or Chemistry alongside general Engineering, expressing mixed feelings about their interests in physics and chemistry.
  • The original poster seeks feedback on whether their proposed educational path aligns well with vocational goals, highlighting the intensity of the workload involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on which field may provide better employment opportunities, with some favoring biochemistry while others consider the potential of physics and engineering pathways. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best choice for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the uncertainty of job markets by graduation and the variability in program offerings across universities, which may influence the decision-making process.

savethegibbons
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Hello,

After dabbling with general science on an amateur/foundation level for a year, I have decided to pursue a BSc in one of the science fields. However, I'm torn between physics, biology and chemistry, all of which I find appealing.

Since I feel attracted to them all, particularly modern physics and biochemistry, which one would provide the best employment opportunities in the future? It seems that at first glance chemistry and biochemistry would provide the best opportunities, but would it be possible to study physics on the undergraduate level and then study electrical or mechanical engineering on the postgraduate level? That might cover both bases.

Thanks for any help, and hopefully I'll begin posting more in the future.
 
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Replying to your split between physics and bichemistry:

I think Biochemistry would provide better career oppertunities. My old Chemistry teacher and my new physics teacher both have majors in Biochemistry. I've talked to them, and they sound convincing, that Biochemistry, is a good way to go. My friend, who is a biology/chemistry fanatic, also tells me to go into Biochemistry. He says that I could find a nice paying job easier with a major in Biochemistry than with a major in physics. He was on something about there being more of a demand for Biochemistry than physics majors.

Thats all I can say. I hope I helped a bit.
 
If you're really interested in all three, you can look for universities that offer a physical biochemistry course as part of their biochemistry major. Biochemistry majors are pretty versatile for finding jobs, but there's never a guarantee of where the jobs will be by the time you graduate, so don't base your decision entirely on that.
 
Yale, RPI, Oregon State, and Iowa state offer a BS degree in Biochemistry and Biophysics (both in one degree). yo ushould look into those programs. There may be more, but those are the ones that I know of. For more information, type "Biochemistry and Biophysics" major
into google look through the results.
 
Many universities have programs that cater to students who want to study a hard science and can then apply that knowledge to a master degree program. At my university for example, a good 40% of the undergraduate physics students are in a bs. in physics/ms in mech engineering program.
 
Thanks for the responses thus far. I might try and pursue a double bachelors degree in Physics or Chemistry and general Engineering, with intentions of getting a MSc in Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering afterwards.

The work load will be pretty intense, and I'll be studying quite a while longer, but it seems to appeal more to my current multidisciplinary incilations.

I find physics to be a mix of extreme fascination and some boredom, whereas chemistry is just "decent" overall. Chemistry might be a more balanced though, and I hear it works well with Engineering. Then again, so would physics. It's still a very tough decision :)

Anyway, the physics vs chemistry thing aside, does this general course outline look good on both the educational and vocational level?
 
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