Can't decide between physics or engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for a student contemplating whether to pursue physics or engineering in college. It includes reflections on personal experiences with various physics topics and considerations of educational pathways, career prospects, and the differences between the two fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses a strong interest in mechanics but finds electricity intolerable and is uncertain about their future path.
  • Some participants suggest pursuing both physics and engineering or considering engineering physics as a hybrid option.
  • There are differing views on the nature of physics versus engineering, with some emphasizing the practical application of engineering and others highlighting the exploratory nature of physics.
  • A suggestion is made to start with engineering science to build a foundation in both areas before declaring a major.
  • Concerns are raised about the rigidity of the educational system in the original poster's country, where changing majors is not an option.
  • One participant questions the absence of fluid mechanics in physics curricula, arguing that understanding the world is essential for practical applications.
  • Another participant shares their experience of switching from physics to nuclear engineering, advocating for a double major in both fields for broader opportunities.
  • A practical consideration is mentioned regarding job prospects, noting that a degree in mechanical engineering may lead to better immediate employment opportunities compared to a physics degree, which often requires a PhD for competitive positions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the merits of physics versus engineering, with no clear consensus on which path is superior. The discussion reflects both agreement on the value of foundational knowledge in both fields and disagreement on the implications of choosing one over the other.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to educational systems and the decision-making process, including the inability to change majors and the stress associated with course selection. There are also unresolved questions about the curriculum and the relationship between physics and engineering disciplines.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in physics or engineering, educators in STEM fields, and individuals interested in the intersections of physics and engineering may find this discussion relevant.

Darth Frodo
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Well it's the time of the year when I need to decide what courses I want to do in college.
Originally I was hell bent on physics but I'm almost finished my course and I'm unsure.

There are 7 main sections in my course in high school.
1. Optics
2. Mechanics
3. Waves/light/sound
4. Electricity
5. Magnetism
6. Radioactivity
7. Particle physics

I found optics to be ok. It wasn't the most interesting thing to start with but it kept my interest until mechanics.

I loved! mechanics. It was definitely the best part so far! I thought it was so interesting how projectiles could be calculated etc..

Waves/light/sound was good too I found it to be cool.

Electricity, This is what I'm doing right now. I FIND IT INTOLERABLE! It so boring. I have no drive to even learn it.

I have yet to do the others, i'll have a better idea after those, but given that I loved mechanics so much, should I do engineering instead.

Thanks for reading. Any help would be much appreciated.

P.S. here's the course I am interested looking at right now.

http://www3.ul.ie/courses/MathematicsAndPhysics.php
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do both or do engineering physics.

Engineering is basically applied physics. The more physics one masters, the better engineer one will be.
 
What you have to remember is what you think you enjoy more.

Engineers are all about practicality.

As in "gravity works in this way, therefore I can build this"

Physicists are all about discovery.

As in "gravity works in this way, therefore I can do an experiment to find out more about this other thing".
 
I agree with Astronuc, go into engineering science for first year. That way you get a solid foundation for both physics and engineering and you can declare your major second year once you've had a feel for both.
 
Physics and engineering programs often overlap for the first two years (or more). You can make this decision much later. Don't worry about it now!

If the schools you're applying to force you to declare one or the other on your application, choose whichever one will make it easier for you to gain admission. Seriously! You can always change your major later.

- Warren
 
Thanks for everyone's input. You americans have a very different system over there. Here, you enter your degree and that's it! You can't change. Not only that, but once you have decided on the area you wish to study in, you fill out the application form and if you are offered you 1st choice, you can't accept the 2nd. It's complex and stressful.

Why on Earth don't physicists do fluid mechanics. That really bugged me! We're supposed to learn how the world works, it's stupid!.
 
Darth Frodo said:
Thanks for everyone's input. You americans have a very different system over there. Here, you enter your degree and that's it! You can't change. Not only that, but once you have decided on the area you wish to study in, you fill out the application form and if you are offered you 1st choice, you can't accept the 2nd. It's complex and stressful.

Why on Earth don't physicists do fluid mechanics. That really bugged me! We're supposed to learn how the world works, it's stupid!.
The last statement is rather myopic.

Learning how the world works is part of figuring out how to make things work better, or more efficiently. There is a spectrum of interests and specialties between physicists and engineers.

Fluid mechancis, thermal-hydraulics, or computational fluid dynamics (and even plasma physics) are each broad areas. Many power/energy conversion systems and propulsion systems use working fluids. Optimizing the elements that extract the energy/momentum requires intimate knowledge of Navier-Stokes equations in one or two phases. Optimizing the solid mechanical elements requires intimate knowledge of structrual dynamics, materials behavior, corrosion, tribology, . . . .

I changed my major from physics (with specialities in nuclear and astrophysics) to nuclear engineering. Had I known then what I know now, I would have double majored in physics and nuclear engineering. As a nuclear engineering student, I did certain electives in electrical, mechanical, aerospace engineering and materials science, along with various courses in mathematics.
 
A practical issue to consider is that a BS in mechanical engineering will probably qualify you for a good job. In physics, it's best to get a PhD in order to compete for good jobs.
 

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