What is Physics major: Definition and 332 Discussions

Physics education refers to the methods currently used to teach physics. Physics Education Research refers to an area of pedagogical research that seeks to improve those methods. Historically, physics has been taught at the high school and college level primarily by the lecture method together with laboratory exercises aimed at verifying concepts taught in the lectures. These concepts are better understood when lectures are accompanied with demonstration, hand-on experiments, and questions that require students to ponder what will happen in an experiment and why. Students who participate in active learning for example with hands-on experiments learn through self-discovery. By trial and error they learn to change their preconceptions about phenomena in physics and discover the underlying concepts.

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  1. N

    Courses When is it worthwhile to retake a class?

    I'm a freshman who just finished their first semester at (insert elite university that I don't want to namedrop here), and I am an engineering physics major with a hope to one day do grad school in applied physics at a similar school. Anyway, due to the almost non-existence of a curve and the...
  2. J

    When did QM become standard Curriculum

    Hi all, Given that usually the most recent subject taught in a standard undergraduate curriculum is quantum mechanics, which was developed in the first half of the twentieth century, when did it become a standard part of the curriculum for undergraduates?
  3. Amey Shukla

    Programs Help in choosing one Engineering Major along Physics Major.

    Hello, I am a high-school student. I'll be going to a college next year. I've decided to pick up Physics as a major. The employment sector, for physics, is not as rich as Engineering sector. Due to parents, who only wish to see me succeed, I've planned to pick up one other Engineering Major...
  4. jamalkoiyess

    Programs Computer science minor for a physics major

    Hello PF, I am a physics sophomore this year and i took a course on java programming as an elective. And i just loved it! Really the harder it became the more i liked it. So i decided that i want to do something about it. But i don't know if a minor or a major is better for a physics major. And...
  5. Naytile

    Programs Materials PhD help: Low GRE score spooks physics major

    Hi. So, I took the general GRE the other day and did crappy on the Quant. This worries me. I'm applying to Materials Engineering PhD programs soon. I'd like to get some opinions of how deep of a ditch I've dug for grad school, or how much this retracts from the rest of my credentials. Do I stand...
  6. Madison395

    Programs Need help choosing a track in physics major

    Hello everyone! So within my major I can choose from various specializations, but I'm not sure what one would carry me the farthest in my career. I was wondering if I could get some advice on what I could do with these specific tracks before I make the final decision on which one to study. They...
  7. E

    Programs Advice on majoring in physics and more

    Hello my names Ethan, I am a senior in high school and i plan on attending West Virginia University the coming fall of 2017. I want to acquire a PhD in nuclear physics and also I've been reading about, I believe the name is a complementary degree, other degrees to go along with nuclear physics...
  8. Scraps

    Freshman Physics Majors: Who Else Is One?

    Who else is a freshman Physics major?
  9. neosoul

    Programs Black physics major - grad admissions

    Hi, everyone. I really, really want to go to graduate school. My focus will be AMO and I'm aiming for a PhD. However, I've looked through a lot of forums to see how others fared when offers rolled around. I also use this as a way to set goals. The problem is: I can't find a lot of people like me...
  10. J

    Engineering How can a junior physics major prepare for software jobs

    I’m currently a third year physics major who has realized that grad school probably isn’t the right path, as I’ve become anxious to finish school and start doing something more productive. I want to know what I should be doing now in order to be a good candidate for software engineering jobs...
  11. R

    Programs Physics minor or physics major

    I'm majoring in ee for sure, maybe eecs if I get into Berkeley or MIT (unlikely but who knows what the future holds). I would also like to learn a lot of physics to build that kind of thinking and a solid background for situations in which I go into research and development in the industry. My...
  12. N

    Programs What Should a Freshman Physics Major Prioritize for Success?

    So I will be starting undergraduate study in Physics in the Fall. As of now, I am planning to get a Ph.D. in Physics, though it might be a bit too early for me to be saying this. What should my priorities be? My goal is to get into a top graduate school (e.g. MIT, Harvard, Princeton). Also, how...
  13. Essence

    Programs Deciding between a math and physics major

    Okay. So I’m a rising Junior and in a bit of a dilemma. I have to pick a major and right now I’m trying to decide between math and physics (hard to do both because I’m taking a fair number of computer science, economics, mechanical engineering courses et cetera). There are things that I like and...
  14. D

    Programs Planning on doing the physics GRE (not a physics major)

    Hi everyone, I've read a few posts on this forum and thought they were helpful enough that I should try to get some help as well. My situation is a little unusual in that I am a third year undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry, minoring in mathematics. I want to tackle biological...
  15. G

    Programs Requirements for physics major

    I am currently studying mechanical engineering(M.E.) in India. I want to pursue physics as my major in US or Canada. I need to know what are the requirements for that if i want to be accepted in a good school for masters and what extra for physics should i do side by side with my current M.E...
  16. Jacob Lucyk

    Schools Can I still be successful in Physics going to CC?

    I am currently about to graduate high school. I recently have found a new fascination, Physics. I'm a little upset with myself that it took me this long to realize this fascination, but I will have to move on from here on out. I did decent in high school, decent in math, and decent in my science...
  17. I

    Programs SFU Honors Physics vs uAlberta Physics Major

    Hi PhysicsForums, I just finished my second year at a Canadian community college (Langara) with a 3.8/4.33 gpa for the year and am currently weighing my options for universities. The universities I'm considering are uAlberta, SFU, and uVic. As I understand, the physics programs at these...
  18. LadyAkatosh

    Courses Calculus 2 Online Course Required

    Hey everyone! I started back at my university after a 3 & 1/2 year break and changed my major from Journalism to Physics last May. I am coming up on my finals in a couple of weeks for the Spring Semester and then I will be taking a class over the summer and doing research. My grades are great...
  19. ujjwal3097

    Schools Which university should I choose for physics major?

    Hi everyone I am an international students from India. I have applied to few Canadian and American universities. I want to study physics and maths as a double major in college. I am a bit confused and not able to make a good decision. I have been admitted to the following universities...
  20. StrangeCharm

    Declared Physics Major - Exciting News!

    Hi all. I just thought I'd share the news that I officially declared my physics major! I also got keys to the science building and labs, which is nice :)
  21. Z

    Programs Which choice is best for a Physics major?

    I have recently been accepted as a major in Physics to UCR, UCI, and UCSB. I know that UCSB is the highest ranked of all the UC's in Physics particularly (except Berkeley, which I did not get in to), but my main dilemma here is that there are other factors in play. With where I live, I could...
  22. S

    Programs What are my options with a 2.54 physics major GPA?

    HI, So I am graduating this Spring 2016 with an overall gpa of 2.91 and a major physics gpa of 2.54. I have talk with some of my physics professors about the possibilities of going to grad school, and they told me that it is up to me if I feel prepared, but based on my physics upper division...
  23. Greg Bernhardt

    Programs One tip to current/future physics major

    For those who have a physics degree, what is one tip you'd give to a current/future physics major? You can put it this way: What would you go back and tell yourself day 1 freshman year?
  24. D

    Programs Should I still pursue a physics major?

    I know a lot of ppl have already asked this question, but I had to ask again b/c I feel like some things in my mind haven't been cleared up yet. I'm currently a freshman in a university and taking introductory physics classes. Since taking physics in college, I have been doubting myself very...
  25. jamalkoiyess

    Physics Major Jobs: Career Options & Salaries

    Hello, So i wanted to ask , am i to die of hunger if i graduate with a physics degree ? Because asides from the USA i don't think there's that much work for physicists . Also , what are the jobs differences between an undergraduate , a master's holder and a phd holder in physics ? Thanks
  26. Clueless

    Poor performance in first and second year physics....

    Hi all! Now I don't know whether the question I am about to pose is something that can be answered intelligibly. Maybe it is just a case about motivation...but I am not too sure at the moment. My question is: Does mediocre performance in first and second year physics present a possible...
  27. ujjwal3097

    Schools Universities for Physics major

    Hi I am an international applicant from India applying to US and Canadian universities. But now I want to talk about some Canadian universities. I am applying for Physic and Maths major for the fall 2016 session. ACT composite score 31 SAT maths 800 SAT physics 780 High school scores: 9 ==...
  28. Elvis 123456789

    Schools Good transfer schools(undergraduate) for a physics major?

    Hey everybody, I'm currently at Miami-Dade College in Florida finishing up my last semester before I transfer. My classes this semester are Intr. to Diff equ, Calculus 3, physics 2 and the lab, and some bs general requirement. I have a 3.95 GPA, my only B is in a Biology course I took. I haven't...
  29. S

    Programs Engineering REU as a Physics Major

    Would it be realistic to consider applying to engineering REUs if I am a first year physics major? Not to say that I dislike the idea of doing physics research (I am also applying to Physics REUs) but I do find engineering interesting and could potentially see myself pursuing it post-graduation...
  30. ujjwal3097

    Programs Physics major vs astronomy major

    I am attending college next year but I am really confused between two majors. I am interested in astronomy and my dream is to pursue my career doing astronomy and I can wait to study astronomy in college. I know that astronomy is completely physics but I am confused whether should I choose...
  31. C

    Programs Are these good starting points for Physics Major

    I am planning on transferring to a 4 year university to major in physics. I am currently overseas and must take classes online. After an almost endless grueling search I was able to find a school that offered an associates program online that I feel is in the right direction for what I intend to...
  32. Ascendant78

    3 Years Into Physics Major and Need to Make Money Now.

    In short, I finished my AA at one college and had been working on my Bachelors from my current college. However, due to family circumstances, I had to take a break this semester (and possibly next semester too). I now desperately need to find a decent paying job for financial stability. I'm...
  33. KiggenPig

    Programs Is analysis beneficial for a physics major

    Hello all, I am a physics major in my 2nd year. My current math courses include vector calculus and differential equations. I have a bit of a desire to try my hand at analysis next semester. The first course I would take assumes no prior knowledge of proof writing and builds from the ground up...
  34. ExMusicMajor

    Programs Insight into trying out a Physics major

    Okay so this might be a little long, but I think it requires some length to explain and elicit answers. I am a junior at the University of North Texas. I originally came here to be a music major and spent a year and a half as such. I was and am very passionate about music, but for many reasons...
  35. DamienBR

    Programs Switched careers, physics major advice

    Hello. I am a student in Germany, about to start my major in physics, namely in three weeks' time. I'm really excited about it because I've been wanting to study physics for about two years, but I just didn't have the courage to do it I've just turned 27 and before wanting to study physics I'd...
  36. StrangeCharm

    Programs Study Abroad for Physics Major

    I've seen some discussions about studying abroad, but I wanted to post my own to get more recent comments. I'm an undergrad in a US college and looking into studying abroad for a semester. However, I've noticed that it's not as common for STEM majors to study abroad as it is for humanities...
  37. T

    Macbook Pro, Linux or PC for CC Physics Major?

    I'm just starting school as a Liberal Arts intending to major in Physics at my Local CC. **This question is for FUTURE REFERENCE!*** In regards to software support, what OS would I need? I've heard mixed reports & more forums leaning towards the Macbook Air / Pro side. Is this correct? I'm...
  38. K

    Programs Physics major - Is a minor in Computer Science worth it?

    Hey, I am starting my second year of University, and I have a dilemma I was hoping people here could help me with - I started out with a major in Physics and a minor in CS. Over the past year I came to the following conclusions: 1. I enjoy both physics and CS and would like combining the two in...
  39. M

    Physics Major applying for EE internships

    Hello all, I am a senior physics major currently in the process of applying into an EE masters program. I'd like to get an EE related internship next summer to get some work experience. How should I go about this? There is a career fair at my school sometime this fall. When I approach potential...
  40. F

    Programs Should I take chemistry as a physics major?

    Hello, I'm currently pursuing a bachelors in physics. My program does not require that I take basic chemistry to earn my degree, but I've recently been questioning how useful a bachelors in physics will be, I'm not planning on going into academia so I've read that I need to acquire marketable...
  41. Haindi

    Should I pursue a B.S. in Physics?

    I am currently an NE major, but I am on the verge of switching to Physics at the start of my 2nd year. I have received B's in Calc 2-3 and in Engineering Physics I ( a massive weed out course) 120 students started out in that class, only 26 are registered in the 2nd Engineering Physics class(...
  42. Orange-Juice

    Programs Advice for a prospective physics major

    I've always loved physics but have had this (hopefully) false notion that you need to be some sort of analytical genius to get anywhere doing actual physics research so I always told myself I would just follow engineering. This past year (Junior year of high school) a degree in physics started...
  43. I

    Applied Physics vs. Computer Engineering

    Hey all, I'm at a bit of a major crossroads between studying Physics or Engineering. There are two major milestones in my life that I want to achieve, or die trying: a) Own and operate a consumer electronics company (definitely computers) and b) If astronaut and space based programs begin...
  44. S

    Programs I need some orientation for Physics Major

    Hello everyone, It's been a long time since I last posted in the forum, but I no longer have internet at home nor a lot of time either. I'm majoring in physics, I've done pretty well so far, but it's been harder for me than it should be. This is the consequence of two things: First, I...
  45. T

    Programs Struggling to decide on a 4th subject in a physics major

    Hello everyone, I'm in my first year of a Bsc in Australia and am currently planning on majoring in physics and human geography (it is a strange combination I know). I have to pick my subjects forsecond semester and am faced with a dilemma. Currently I have chosen maths, geography and physics...
  46. A

    Programs Should I give up being a physics major?

    I'm currently (officially) a physics major with a double in math as well. Currently, I got two D's in my intro physics classes (that is, physics 221 and 222, classical mechanics and E&M, respectively). Should I still pursue physics as a major despite this huge shortcoming? I try really hard at...
  47. obstinatus

    Seeking general undergrad advice

    Background: Undergraduate majoring in physics to work in research, hopefully in astrophysics or cosmology. 1.5-2 years behind where I should be academically and (if all goes well) about to start courses relevant to major. My questions are these: 1) How should I study basic mathematics...
  48. T

    How can a Physics major relate to clean energy?

    Hello, I am incredibly interested in Physics, so that is what I am majoring in Physics. However, I also want to do work in clean energy resources. Can I get a job in clean energy with a Physics degree? If so, how?
  49. W

    Programs Should I still go for a physics major

    So I'm in my first year of university doing a physics major and I wrote my test for introductory physics. When I wrote the test I didn't feel like it was hard or anything I thought I would do fairly well; the problem is when I got it back I barely passed 56% (this is the lowest mid-term mark I...
  50. B

    Programs Physics or Math Major: Which One Has Better Job Prospects?

    Hello, I'm currently in college studying to be a physics major, I just completed my first year and am taking classes in the summer. However, I'm not sure if I want to major in math or physics since I love both of the subjects. Leaving high school, physics seemed like the logical choice, I was...
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