Considering changing majors from physics to computer science

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant considering a change of major from physics to computer science. It explores feelings of disinterest in physics coursework, particularly in electromagnetism, and a newfound passion for computer science. The conversation includes perspectives on the nature of physics education and the importance of enjoyment in one's field of study.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong dislike for physics coursework and suggests switching to computer science if the disinterest persists.
  • Another participant recommends talking to advanced physics and computer science students to gain insight into the majors before making a decision.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that the participant might consider adding computer science as a minor or double major instead of fully switching.
  • Some participants argue that if the participant does not enjoy the hard work and problem-solving aspects of physics, it may not be the right fit for them.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of introductory physics courses, with some suggesting they may not accurately reflect the overall experience of being a physics major.
  • Concerns are raised about the participant's ability to engage with the material if they find it burdensome, questioning their passion for physics and mathematics.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about their inspiration for studying physics, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the foundational aspects of the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on whether the participant should switch majors. While some advocate for a change due to disinterest in physics, others suggest exploring the field further before making a decision. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the participant.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the participant's overall experience with physics, as they only mention their current feelings about electromagnetism. The discussion also reflects varying opinions on the value of introductory courses in assessing one's fit for a major.

nautola
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
I'm majoring in physics right now, but I'm considering switching to computer science. I'm currently enrolled in electromagnetism. Since the class started I noticed something about myself: I'm not enjoying a second of it. I can't stand doing the homework, I'm disinterested in the course material, and worst of all: I hate the labs. I started doing some programming and I enrolled in the introductory course at my university, and I've been absolutely loving CS. I actually have been using my spare time to learn about programming and computers. I really enjoy CS, but I'm still unsure about changing my major. What do you guys think?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you seem to dislike everything about it, yes, you should switch.

Maybe you should take some time to talk to more advanced physics students and ask them what the more advanced stuff is like and why they do physics. The introductory courses are not a good barometer of how well you would like being a physics major. Then you might want to do the same with CS majors to see if you're making a good decision or not.
 
Have you always felt this way about your physics coursework? Which other physics classes have you taken, and how did you do in them/feel about them?

As for the CS, sounds like you definitely have a knack for it. I'd definitely add it as a minor or double major (if you don't drop physics).
 
If you don't like physics then the obvious answer is to switch. Physics isn't about the pretty concepts, its about a lot of hard work and the problem solving. So if yo don't enjoy working hard to solve problems then it isn't for you. If you don't appreciate the backbone of physics, whether your taking electromagnetism or the introductory course, then it isn't for you.

And Pengwuino, I don't think it is justifiable to say wait for the really cool concepts. He seems to dislike a lot of things about physics so this really isn't for him -- and plus he loves a major that is more employable.

Pengwuino said:
he introductory courses are not a good barometer of how well you would like being a physics major.

He said he is taking electromagnetism, which is a junior level course. Perhaps he meant Calculus based physics II?
 
Nano-Passion said:
And Pengwuino, I don't think it is justifiable to say wait for the really cool concepts. He seems to dislike a lot of things about physics so this really isn't for him -- and plus he loves a major that is more employable.


He said he is taking electromagnetism, which is a junior level course. Perhaps he meant Calculus based physics II?

That's what I'm wondering. If it's just the 2nd semester intro course, he may have a bad opinion because those courses do kinda suck.
 
Pengwuino said:
That's what I'm wondering. If it's just the 2nd semester intro course, he may have a bad opinion because those courses do kinda suck.

They do kinda suck but he said he can't make himself do the homework. That means not only does it suck -- it is a big pain in the rear behind. I think if one is truly passionate (which is almost a must) about physics and mathematics then they would generally at least appreciate the backbone of what it lies on.

As an anecdote, I was originally inspired to enter physics when I noticed that we can describe things by mathematics. Not because I wanted to wait for the really cool concepts. It strikes me as teasing a child with a candy store -- "Just keep at it a little longer and you get a lollipop."

Reason I feel strongly about this is because even when the really cool concepts come in -- then what? Physics is a lot of hard work and requires a lot of time on one's behalf, there is a lot of grunt work. So unless you truly enjoy solving problems then you will quickly burn out -- no matter how cool the concepts.

I guess the question we can ask the OP to clarify things is this: Do you enjoy mathematics? Do you appreciate that we can describe so many things with it?
 

Similar threads

Admissions BS Physics to Ph.D. in Computer Science
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Considering Switching from Physics to Computer Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Considering everything, is computer science a good or bad major?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Admissions Tips for a CS and physics major
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Courses Computer Science Major: Take Calculus-based Physics or Algebra-based?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Programs Is it too late for me to get into Physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Sources to study computational materials science
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Courses I can't figure out what field I should study
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Programs Is a Physics BA a good route for exciting CS/Engineering Work?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K