Choosing Between Mathematics and Physics for Undecided Students

[micromass]

Also, does anyone know how much coursework is in engineering on average? If there is a lot, then I may have to rethink it...

It is a lot. If you're not prepared to work hard, don't bother going into STEM.

 

[JA123]

It is a lot. If you're not prepared to work hard, don't bother going into STEM.

Ah, okay. Which engineering branch is the most mathematical? I believe that that is the one I would like to study.

 

[micromass]

Ah, okay. Which engineering branch is the most mathematical? I believe that that is the one I would like to study.

I believe that would be Electrical Engineering. The math will be very different from a math major however, and the philosophy behind the math will be different for sure.

I don't think it's a good idea to go into EE because of the math. You should try to get to know the different branches of engineering and see which one has the most interesting applications/work. Just because you like math, doesn't mean you should go into EE.

 

[JA123]

I believe that would be Electrical Engineering. The math will be very different from a math major however, and the philosophy behind the math will be different for sure.

I don't think it's a good idea to go into EE because of the math. You should try to get to know the different branches of engineering and see which one has the most interesting applications/work. Just because you like math, doesn't mean you should go into EE.

Hmmm. What about Chemical? To me, that sounds as interesting, if not more so, than Electrical.

 

[micromass]

Well, you'll need to look up what it is chemical engineers study. What it is that they do for a job. What the job prospects are. You will want to know stuff like that first before you can make an informed decision.

 

[JA123]

Well, you'll need to look up what it is chemical engineers study. What it is that they do for a job. What the job prospects are. You will want to know stuff like that first before you can make an informed decision.

I have, and I do find it very intruiging. Do you think that a graduate degree is nessecary to work as an engineer?

 

[micromass]

Do you think that a graduate degree is nessecary to work as an engineer?

No.

 

[JA123]

No.

Ah then. Is it possible for me to do a Bachelor of Engineering, then commence higher studies in say, Physics?

 

[micromass]

No. If you want to do grad school in physics, you should have sufficient knowledge of an undergrad in physics. It is very difficult for an engineer to get this understanding.
Also, why do you want higher studies in physics if you hate research?

 

[JA123]

No. If you want to do grad school in physics, you should have sufficient knowledge of an undergrad in physics. It is very difficult for an engineer to get this understanding.
Also, why do you want higher studies in physics if you hate research?

Something to do. Interest. Things like that. I know it sounds strange, but that is how I feel.

 

[symbolipoint]

No. If you want to do grad school in physics, you should have sufficient knowledge of an undergrad in physics. It is very difficult for an engineer to get this understanding.
Also, why do you want higher studies in physics if you hate research?

You might change your mind or your feeling about research. You feel you want to avoid research now, but you are still too young and you have much education to go through, and that can change you.

 

[Student100]

I'm beginning to think that Engineering is the way to go. And sorry for the IQ thing, it's just that my intelligence is really my only positive trait, so I tend to display it more than I should ;)

A random number that means nothing is your only positive trait? Surely not. I would hope you're just young and naive, and will soon realize the arbitrary nature of an "IQ score."

I also think you're too young to go to university, myself, especially if you haven't really came up with an idea of what you want to do yet. This decision is important.

I see you keep saying "science or technical is all I can do." Is this your parents talking, or you? What interests you? Research doesn't, you like applications, okay. Engineering would be a solid choice like mircomass is suggesting, but beyond that, you don't have anything you're passionate about? Is going to school for math or science your way of inflating your ego (showing people how smart you are) or sense of self worth? It sure seems like it from the thread. If it is, don't bother.

Something to do. Interest. Things like that. I know it sounds strange, but that is how I feel.

If you don't like research, think it's "icky", don't bother going to graduate school in physics, or math I'm assuming "because it's something to do." You'll want to pluck your eyeballs out with a fork in short order.