Astrophysics or Geophysics as grad work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for pursuing graduate work in either Astrophysics or Geophysics, particularly in relation to studying gravity and magnetic fields on a planetary scale. Participants share their backgrounds and seek advice on which path may be more suitable for their interests and career goals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to study gravity and magnetic fields on a planetary scale and is considering whether to pursue Astrophysics or Geophysics for graduate work.
  • Another participant questions whether the focus should be on the fields themselves or on how planets produce these fields.
  • A participant suggests that Geophysics is the study of geological physics applied to Earth, while Astrophysics or Astronomy may be more appropriate for studying phenomena outside of Earth.
  • There is mention of a specific Geophysics program at the University of Colorado Boulder, which may align with the interests of the original poster.
  • One participant notes that the field of planetary science could encompass both Astrophysics and Geophysics, depending on the focus of study.
  • The original poster shares their academic background, indicating they are starting upper-level undergraduate work and have completed several foundational courses.
  • The original poster lists potential graduate schools they are interested in, including Stanford, Cal Tech, and UC Berkeley, while seeking to align their undergraduate studies with their graduate goals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on whether Astrophysics or Geophysics is the better path, as differing opinions and considerations are presented regarding the focus of study and the relevance of each field to the original poster's interests.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific definitions and scopes of Astrophysics and Geophysics as they relate to planetary studies, as well as the implications of choosing one field over the other for future career opportunities.

DerrtyPhysics
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First of all just joined and wanted to say hello. I am starting at a 4 year in the Fall after some work at a community college.

I am looking on advice on which path i should take for my grad work. Right now the goal is studying, then hoping to find a career, studying gravity and magnetic fields on a planetary scale.

So the big question, should i do Astrophysics or Geophysics as grad work. Thought about doing one for a masters and PhD for the other, but looking for advice. If any questions of me just ask and will answer asap.

Thanks in advance!
 
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Would you rather study the fields themselves or how planets produce these fields?

Are you just starting your upper-level undergraduate work?
 
denjay said:
Would you rather study the fields themselves or how planets produce these fields?

Well how the planets and stars are created and the effects of these forces over long periods of time on the planets both individually and as a whole system.

Are you just starting your upper-level undergraduate work?

Yes I have done chem 1 and 2, up to calc 3, physical geoelogy, and physics 1 and 2. So besides some fillers yes upper-level left
 
As far as I know (correct me if I'm wrong), Geophysics is the study of geological physics as applied to the Earth.

It seems with what you said about what you want to study, Astrophysics or Astronomy would be the direction to go in as they study things outside of Earth...

Actually upon looking at the Geophysics program at the University of Colorado Boulder (http://www.colorado.edu/geophysics/academics.html), it seems Geophysics might be the direction you want to go in given their additional courses to choose from.
 
Yea most of the grad school info you have to dig through but I found roughly it is called planetary science (or something similar.)

The ultimate goal for grad schools, not in any order, Stanford, Cal Tech, and UC Berkley. But I do want to have my undergrad in Physics geared toward the proper grad work.
 

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