Astrophysicist Salary: Opportunities & Income

[thinkies]

You're in the 9th grade mate, when I was your age I never imagined I'd end up doing mathematics for the rest of my life. It's never going to pay much but it satisfies my ego. In the end that's what its about. But I decided what I'd do only a few weeks before my first public exam whereas it stuck for good.
Double majors are a good option, not certain how it works where you are but usually a BSc level physics degree(with specialisation in astrophysics in the 3rd and honours year) can go along with the general medicine option and that'll take you 5+ years(most likely 6 or 7). Add to that the practitioner residency of 2 or 4 years and you have a career to go with a fascination.
However you'll need to work harder than most and have an aptitude for medicine!

Any ideas how much it'll take me *MASTER* in *biology* + *phD* in *physics(astrophysics/astronomy specialization)*?

Is it possible that I earn both degrees in a typical 10-15 years? (Lets say, starting from college, i take medicine + physics,both classes every day until the end of my university)...? Is it possible? thanks

 

[TVP45]

AND why does a f***** doctor make more then an astrophysicist, both of them require same hard work, just different fields. Lack of people in astrophysics?...o.0

Not to offend, but I can go my whole life without even thinking about astrophysics, but let me try passing a kidney stone at 3 in the morning...Oy Vey! Money is a measure of what society thinks something is worth.

And, of course, doctors long ago recognized the need to control entry and practice in their profession. If they wore hard hats, we'd say they have a union shop.

 

[Defennder]

Studying physics itself is difficult because you need a lot of practice problems to work on to understand a concept. This itself takes up a lot of time and effort. If you've seen threads on what grad school is like for just physics alone, like for example, these threads:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=209962
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=207838


You probably don't even want to think about doing TWO post-grad degrees at the same time.

 

[jtbell]

my parents are *kinda* forcing me to take biology and become a doctor,

I don't know where you are, but in the USA at least, getting into medical school is a very competitive process. One of the things admissions committees look at is motivation. They want solid indications that you have an internal drive to become a doctor, that you want to do medicine for its own sake and for helping other people, not because you're after the money or because you're being pushed into it.

I've served on the committee that interviews pre-medical students at my college and writes letters of recommendation for them for their applications to medical schools. One of the key factors we evaluated was motivation.

 

[thinkies]

I don't know where you are, but in the USA at least, getting into medical school is a very competitive process. One of the things admissions committees look at is motivation. They want solid indications that you have an internal drive to become a doctor, that you want to do medicine for its own sake and for helping other people, not because you're after the money or because you're being pushed into it.

I've served on the committee that interviews pre-medical students at my college and writes letters of recommendation for them for their applications to medical schools. One of the key factors we evaluated was motivation.

I love biology, but not as much as physics. I am a motivated person And $ is NOT my primary goal. Its just a fact I have to consider. And i do like helping people, I've done some couple of works such as raising for money for old people foundation (something like that), unicef, other works etc ;)...

 

[thinkies]

Studying physics itself is difficult because you need a lot of practice problems to work on to understand a concept. This itself takes up a lot of time and effort. If you've seen threads on what grad school is like for just physics alone, like for example, these threads:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=209962
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=207838


You probably don't even want to think about doing TWO post-grad degrees at the same time.

Hmmm, well biology is something in which my family 'expertise'. And i have read couple books. I have fairly a good knowledge for my age. As for physics, i am very competent and i work hard. Time is not a problem, nor the effort i will have to spend...

I will be only doing master in biology, its not that easy but its not tough either...(im good understanding things, i don't 'memorize'...:P ) and *phD physics*...physic will likely be though...but I am ready ;)...

 

[thinkies]

can someone tell if its possible doing master in biology and phD in physics within somewhat 10-15 years, starting from college, having both classes, biology+physics...

And, just how though biology? It doesn't requir math, well not much, so I am quit ok with that. I am good at understand human body stuff, their functions, etc etc

As for math, in physics, i know its demanding, but i guess i am pretty competent and i'll manage it...;)

i love astronomy...to an extreme extent ...o.0...:D

 

[thinkies]

bump. sorry. don't have patience, i know there are other people in the forum...but i would appreciate if someone could give me answers to my above questions...

 

[chroot]

Thanks for the answers above. As for me not worrying taking decision, I really have to worry. Next year, in 10th grade, there will be 3 kinds of math, among them i will have to chose ONE.

Nothing you do in high school matters -- at all -- in your final selection of a career. You're too young to understand this, but trust me, it doesn't matter at all. Just do well in whatever class you decide to take. Your grades are much more important than your chosen topics. You can (and will) change your mind numerous times over the next few years. Relax.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Any ideas how much it'll take me *MASTER* in *biology* + *phD* in *physics(astrophysics/astronomy specialization)*?

You need to relax. This is literally nothing more than pie-in-the-sky make-believe. It's a waste of your time to think this far ahead, and it's a waste of our time to take it seriously.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

You need to relax. This is literally nothing more than pie-in-the-sky make-believe. It's a waste of your time to think this far ahead, and it's a waste of our time to take it seriously.

- Warren

Sure, i am relax...i just need the time it would take...im simply curious...im not thinking of a career *now*...i have other activites to do...while it'll last, probably college/uni won't provide me much time to enjoy ...

 

[thinkies]

Nothing you do in high school matters -- at all -- in your final selection of a career. You're too young to understand this, but trust me, it doesn't matter at all. Just do well in whatever class you decide to take. Your grades are much more important than your chosen topics. You can (and will) change your mind numerous times over the next few years. Relax.

- Warren

In Canada, it does matter what math i'll be taking. Let's say i take math and techno-science and in college i apply for physics, they will be wanting me re-do my high school math( in a year) in math and science...i hate the ministry of education in Canada. They want us to start thinking *now*...

 

[chroot]

Look, I have a bachelor's degree and am almost done with a master's degree. I did a college prep program in high school and worked my butt off in all kinds of classes. I'm telling you that it essentially does not matter what you do in high school. Just try to take the most advanced classes you can find. Try to take calculus in high school, because that will make things easier for you in college. Past that, it doesn't matter.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Sure, i am relax...i just need the time it would take...im simply curious...im not thinking of a career *now*...

You're trying to figure out how many Ph.D.'s you want to get while you're in ninth grade! And you can't even properly spell it!

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

You're trying to figure out how many Ph.D.'s you want to get while you're in ninth grade! And you can't even properly spell it!

- Warren

I am not trying to figure out how many "Ph.D's" I want. I am aiming 1 Ph.D degree in astronomy/astrophysics. However, I am *considering* a master degree in something related with medicine...

And...I am simply trying to have a rough of idea about careers... :(

 

[thinkies]

Look, I have a bachelor's degree and am almost done with a master's degree. I did a college prep program in high school and worked my butt off in all kinds of classes. I'm telling you that it essentially does not matter what you do in high school. Just try to take the most advanced classes you can find. Try to take calculus in high school, because that will make things easier for you in college. Past that, it doesn't matter.

- Warren

Your doing a master degree in what? Physics? Biology?

 

[chroot]

Have I not made this clear yet?

It is probably too early for you to even be considering a major in undergraduate school. It is laughably, preposterously early for you to be considering a post-graduate degree at all, much less more than one.

Just take the highest classes you can, do well in them, and let the rest come naturally. You have years and years left to make these decisions, and whatever "decision" you make now will almost certainly change.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

Your doing a master degree in what? Physics? Biology?

Electrical engineering. My undergrad was in computer engineering.

- Warren

 

[leakin99]

Thinkies,

I think you should try to put your efforts into gaining admission to an IB program somewhere in your school district (if your school doesn't offer it). I think the program usually starts from grade 10. It'll be very demanding but you might get a better hold of what you want to do since you'll cover much more material in each of the subjects than compared to regular HS.

 

[thinkies]

Thinkies,

I think you should try to put your efforts into gaining admission to an IB program somewhere in your school district (if your school doesn't offer it). I think the program usually starts from grade 10. It'll be very demanding but you might get a better hold of what you want to do since you'll cover much more material in each of the subjects than compared to regular HS.

What does IB stand for ^.^...?

 

[chroot]

What does IB stand for ^.^...?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate

This is the college-prep program I went through. I got the diploma in 1997. It's an excellent program, and I was very well prepared for college... but again, there wasn't a single decision I made in high school that had any lasting effect whatsoever on my college education or career.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Baccalaureate

This is the college-prep program I went through. I got the diploma in 1997. It's an excellent program, and I was very well prepared for college... but again, there wasn't a single decision I made in high school that had any lasting effect whatsoever on my college education or career.

- Warren

In Canada, specially in the province of Quebec, high school ends after completing the 11th grade...I quit didnt understood the wikipedia text ^.^...should i take this program before getting in college...or when? my school doesn't offer this...would appreciate if you can give me more info/tips...

Thanks.

 

[chroot]

thinkies,

Here's what you need to do:

1) Identify the most sophisticated classes that your high school offers, in math and science in particular.
2) Take them.
3) Do well in them.

That's all.

- Warren

 

[BioCore]

No Biology is all about memorizing and understanding facts and concepts. This is why I love Biology more than Chem and Physics. Although Organic Chem ain't too bad! But yeah don't worry about the brain hemorrhage lol.

 

[thinkies]

No Biology is all about memorizing and understanding facts and concepts. This is why I love Biology more than Chem and Physics. Although Organic Chem ain't too bad! But yeah don't worry about the brain hemorrhage lol.

There are certain things to memorize, obvious...but what i was trying to say that i am good at understand it too. As of of now we are learning the lymphatic system in science class...and we had a test, practically everyone failed, except 2-3 students..but hey, i passed with 92% xD...

And...now,getting to back to some sirious stuff, what do you think about internal medicine...is it relatively easy compare to other fields?
Do you know any better fields (excluding surgery stuff...=.=,i hate them)

Thanks!

 

[thinkies]

and master degree is fairly a good degree right?...i mean it pays of something in 6 digits xxx xxx $ =.=...in medicine of course.

 

[chroot]

And...now,getting to back to some sirious stuff, what is an MD? is it like having a master degree in some field of medicine?

It's a medical doctorate. It's not a master's of anything. It's the general medical education every medical doctor receives, before beginning internship and residency. Medical school is generally a four-year program, and generally must be done after completing an undergraduate degree. Upon graduating from medical school, one becomes an MD, but is not yet licensed to practice medicine. An exam must be taken to obtain a license to practice medicine, and the exam varies by locality. During internship, which generally lasts one year, new MDs are put through a rotation to get experience with different specialties. After internship comes residency, which can last as many as seven years. At this point the new doctors are paid, full-fledged doctors, but are still receiving "on the job" training. The work of residents is managed and reviewed by more senior doctors, and they are given gradually increasing responsibility as they learn. Surgical specialties often have the longest residencies.

And what do you think about internal medicine...is it relatively easy compare to other fields?
Do you know any better fields (excluding surgery stuff...=.=,i hate them)

The easiest specialty is that which you enjoy most. Many specialties involve little or no surgery. Neurology, cardiology, etc.

- Warren

 

[chroot]

and master degree is fairly a good degree right?...i mean it pays of something in 6 digits xxx xxx $ =.=...in medicine of course.

There is no "master's of medicine." You can get a master's in various kinds of biology which might have medical applications -- your work may even be used by doctors -- but you cannot practice medicine without an MD (and without passing the boards).

Master's degrees indicate no particular salary. Someone with a master's in electrical engineering (note the spelling -- it's not a "master degree," it's a "master's degree") will probably make more than someone with a master's in french poetry.

- Warren

 

[thinkies]

There is no "master's of medicine." You can get a master's in various kinds of biology which might have medical applications -- your work may even be used by doctors -- but you cannot practice medicine without an MD.

- Warren

Oh...cool
So that would mean an MD is basically a Ph.D type?

 

[chroot]

No, an MD is a medical doctorate. A Ph.D. is a doctorate in "philosophy," which loosely includes most kinds of science and humanities. They each represent roughly the same level of education, but they are distinct and not interchangeable at all. They can also differ in time invested. Medical school generally takes four years, but some kinds of Ph.D.s can take seven or more years to complete. There are other kinds of doctorates, too. One can also obtain a Juris Doctor (JD), after graduating from law school, for example.

- Warren