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. I

    Physics major doesn't believe in empiricism

    i am he. what am i going to do? I'm seriously having a philosophical crisis here. i think I'm going to switch my major to math.
  2. N

    Junior at the Naval Academy, physics major

    Hey everyone, just thought I'd throw up a note introducing myself so no one is too surprised if some random posts from me start popping up. I'm Nora, a junior at the Naval Academy, physics major (soon to be astrophysics major) and a Spanish minor. While I probably complain about physics twenty...
  3. P

    P. Chem Survival Tips: Advice from a Physics Major

    P. Chem--advice? I know, a physics major taking P. chem...why would he put himself through that? However, the topic has peaked my interest and it appears that what I want to do research on will require a knowledge of P. Chem, so my question is simply: Anyone have any survival advice? The...
  4. N

    Programs Going to Cornell Next year and need some class advice (Physics Major)

    Yeah, so I don't know how difficult I should take classes. I have a 5 on Phys Mechanics and E&M AP tests, as well as a 4 on the BC Calc Test (5 AB Subscore). These can get me the highest possible placements. Do you think I should place into a 200 level class in Physics, or should I...
  5. A

    Schools Choosing university, physics major

    I just graduated from high school, and planning to get into physics major. Right now I am applying, assumed being accepted, at 3 uni: the number is the the overall ranking 2006 in THES 22 The University of Melbourne (Australia) 33 Hong Kong University (Hong Kong) 60 Nanyang...
  6. N

    Programs Mac or PC: Which is Better for a Physics Major?

    I'll ask the infamous question: Mac or PC? I know very little about computers, but I've heard Macs are used more often for high level computing.
  7. L

    A Junior Biology Student Chasing a Physics Major: Is it Possible?

    I am a Junior Biology student.To start with, I love physics, and even though I didn't do well/not doing well in my "prehealth" physics courses, I love physics.I think I didn't do well/not doing well because of different reasons (like not attending classes).Anyway RECENTLY, I've been always been...
  8. A

    Programs I'm a second Semester Sophmore Physics major, but my situation. .

    I'm a second Semester Sophmore Physics major, but my situation is a bit different that what you would expect. I actually only switched major to Physics last year so I'm only taking Freshman Physics courses. I'm confused about the whole Research thing. Firstly, how does it work? Are you assigned...
  9. C

    Programs Is a Physics Major Without PDE Requirements Normal?

    well I just got into UMASS at amhearst from my community college, I should be going there in the spring but as I looked over the requirements for their physics mjor I noticed something. for the professional track they only require multivariable calculus and ordinary differential equations...
  10. C

    Programs New Student Seeking Advice on Physics Major with Math/Physics Struggles

    Hello, I am quite new to this forum and I first just wanted to say that I love it. Now on to my question. This last year I have found myself really interested in physics and have been reading about it like crazy. The problem is last year, as a junior in high school, I had my physics class and...
  11. A

    Physics Major Help: Calculating Coasting Speed of Coupled Railroad and Flatcar

    A railroad diesel engine weights 4 times as much as a flatear. If a diesel coasts a 5km/h into a flatear that is initally at rest. How fast do the two coast after they couple together?
  12. B

    Programs Need help planning math courses for physics major

    Hello everyone. Lately I've been setting out what courses I would should take as a Physics major but I've had a few problems with the math courses in my university (UNLV). I read on a different thread that one should take ordinary differential equations before taking calc III (multivariable)...
  13. A

    Programs Physics major having second thoughts

    I'm a 4th year student in my second year as a physics undergrad. Having changed my major 4 times, I decided to settle on a subject and chose physics, which I do enjoy. However, the more I think about it, the more interesting engineering, specifically mechanical engineering, seems. Changing my...
  14. M

    Transferring to a Technical School as a Physics Major: Questions & Frustrations

    I am a freshman physics major looking to transfer to a better school for junior year, certainly a technical (not liberal arts) school. There were a few things I was wondering: 1. How is applying as a transfer student different than as a high school student? What matters most? 2. If the...
  15. M

    Which College to Choose for Math or Physics Major?

    Hello, I am currently a high school student and I have been accepted into both UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago. I plan to major in math or physics, but I have no idea which college I want to go to. From what you know of their undergraduate mathematics or physics programs, which...
  16. G

    Programs Beat Burnout: Physics Major Struggling in Last Year

    Hi all, I needed some advice on how to combat burnout. It's my last year as a physics major, taking 5 classes (Quantum I/ EM II/ Statistical Mech./ Classical Mech II/ GR), and I'm pretty much worn down to the bone at this point. I've always had a passion for physics (and still do), but find it...
  17. W

    Programs Physics major to engineering masters

    How tough is it to for a phyics major to go for their engineering masters? Also, how long it does it usually take?
  18. Z

    Navigating a Physics Major Dilemma: Seeking Advice

    Hello everyone. As you can see, I'm new to these boards (first post). I'm also new to the field of physics, and I've just begun my endeavor as a physics major. My second year of college just started today, and I find myself face-to-face with a nasty dilemma. I spent my freshmen year doing...
  19. K

    Programs Rumor about physics major, is it true?

    Hey guys, I am currently a EE major. I have heard from friends and professors that while selecting candidates for MS/PhD, some EE professors tend to prefer physics students over EE students. The reason being that physics people, on average, are more hard-working people. Is this anywhere near...
  20. B

    Programs Applied Math + Theo. Physics major

    Hi everyone! I've been pondering about what i want to do for the rest of my life for a really really long time now, and i still have no idea! i'm currently pursuing a specialization in applied math (just finished 2nd yr) , but I'm leaning towards doing a double major in applied math and...
  21. L

    Programs Physics/math dual major with chem minor or physics major with chem/math dual minor

    I've worked it out and due to offering limitations it will take me 3 more years to do the former, and 2 more years to do the latter. I've already been in university for 2 years. The courses I'd need in order to accomplish both are listed below: For the dual major in physics/math with...
  22. L

    Programs How valuable would physical chem 1 and 2 be for a physics major?

    technically, I only need one or the other to pick up my chem minor, but I might take both. How valuable would they be to a physics major planning to go to graduate school? I would like to take them both, but would grad schools care all that much? I am honestly not sure where I want to do...
  23. S

    Schools What is the college path for Physics Major?

    In the medical field after high school you go to 4 years to pre-med, then like 7 or 8 years of medical school. What is the college path for physics major?
  24. A

    What are the secret codes and handshakes for physics majors?

    Well guys I took a look at the department website and I am now officially listed as a physics major for the class of 2008! There are twelve of us and I am one of the two females, but that'll probably double by next year. So just wondering, are there any secret handshakes and passwords I should...
  25. K

    Schools Exploring College Choices for Physics Major - MS Student with ACT Score of 31

    Hi! I'm currently a junior in high school, and I was wondering if anyone knew any good colleges for a physics major. I live in MS, but the location of a college is not very important to me. I have an okay ACT score of 31, but it was the first time I took it and I'm hoping to improve on it. I...
  26. D

    Programs Help with math course selection for a physics major

    Hey everybody. I'm a long-time lurker who needs some help. I've just recently decided to become a physics major, and now I have a feeling that my math background is inadequate. I want to get some sort of math degree and take courses that would be useful for physics, but I don't have a lot of...
  27. R

    Programs What kind of math do I need for a physics major?

    Specifically for the final two years, can I get by with algebra 1? I kid, I kid. I am done with calc1+2+3 and differential equations but is there any other type of math should I review i.e. iMath, matrix math, etc.
  28. E

    Exploring a Career in Robotics with a Physics Major

    Hi, this isn't really a physics question, more a question about physics, if that makes sense. :smile: If I major in physics, could I eventually go into a career in robotics? What would I need to do? Thanks.
  29. D

    Potential Physics Major? Help

    I'm in a dilemma. The time for deciding on that institution of higher learning after high school is drawing near, and I really don't know what I want to do yet. I've done well (and generally enjoyed) the math and sciences, including calc and physics. I guess I pretty much decided awhile ago...
  30. S

    Can Solids and Liquids Have the Same Number of Particles?

    Ok, for some this might seem like a question for the k - 12, but in fact I am taking a college level class. My teacher, Whom I dislike and consider an ass (sorry for the language) does not use a book and anal on us learning things with tiny little information packets. Its rather annoying but...
  31. C

    Is an Engineering Physics Major the Right Choice for Me?

    Hi everyone. I'm applying to college right now, the Engineering Physics major has caught my eye. Can someone give me some info on this major, like is this a good major to pursue, and what career options are generally available, (and of course how much money you can make :smile: ). My original...
  32. Greg Bernhardt

    You might be a physics major if...

    YOU MIGHT BE A PHYSICS MAJOR... if you have no life - and you can PROVE it mathematically. if you enjoy pain. if you know vector calculus but you can't remember how to do long division. if you chuckle whenever anyone says "centrifugal force." if you've actually used every single...
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