Deciding on major: Physics or Computer Engineering?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a student's dilemma between pursuing a major in Physics or Computer Engineering at UNC Chapel Hill. The student expresses a strong interest in astrophysics and possesses impressive academic credentials, including an IQ of 143 and a weighted GPA of 5.6. Concerns about the intelligence level required to succeed in Physics, particularly at the PhD level, are raised. Additionally, the student seeks clarification on the nature of space expansion following the Big Bang, highlighting a need for deeper understanding of cosmological concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of astrophysics concepts, particularly related to the Big Bang theory.
  • Familiarity with academic performance metrics such as GPA and standardized test scores.
  • Basic knowledge of the differences between Physics and Computer Engineering disciplines.
  • Insight into the challenges of pursuing a PhD in Physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the career paths available for Physics majors versus Computer Engineering majors.
  • Explore resources on the Big Bang theory and cosmic expansion, such as "Cosmology: A Very Short Introduction" by Peter Coles.
  • Investigate the requirements and expectations for PhD programs in Physics.
  • Learn about the intersection of finance and computer science, particularly in fields like quantitative finance.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students contemplating a major in Physics or Computer Engineering, particularly those with strong academic backgrounds and interests in astrophysics and finance.

LinAlgStudent
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I'm a student at UNC Chapel Hill in the Honors college and I think I could be a reasonably decent physicist. Physics in general interests me enough that I spent free time reading about it, particularly astrophysics. However, I'm also quite interested in finance and computer science, so I'm a bit in a rut. What are your suggestions on how to decide? Do you have any advice? How smart do I need to be to be a competitive physicist? My IQ is 143, PSAT 238, SAT 2250, weighted GPA 5.6 in high school, 4.0 in so far in college. The problem is, from what I've seen with math and physics PhD holders (professors in particular) is that they all seem to be overwhelmingly intelligent, and I just don't know if I can keep up with that. How hard is it?

Oh and as long as I'm here, I know this is the wrong section, but directly after the big bang, it is my understanding that the universe expanded faster than light because while matter has a "cosmic speed limit" equal to the speed of light, space can travel faster. Given this fact, I'm struggling to comprehend how the expansion of space into the nothingness prior to the big bang is any different than suggesting space expanded into space (i.e. nothing happened). Can someone explain or direct me to somewhere that I could find out?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If your passionate about physics, then after reading your stats, I'd say you'll be just fine. Keep it up!
 

Similar threads

Other Is physics, computer science, or engineering the right path for me?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
Engineering Should I study Computer Science or Physics in college?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
12K
Physics Bachelors in physics with a minor in electric and computer engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Engineering Should I major in Computer Science, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
7K
Physics Opinions about a career path in quantum computing
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
7K
Applied Physics Degree: Is It Misleading to Employers?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Engineering Should I major in physics or mechanical engineering?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
14K
Math Should I do a computer science or math major?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Physics From Software Engineering to Astrophysics Grad School
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Engineering Astrophysics or physics/computer engineer double major?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K