Engineer Vs Physicist (DEATHMATCH )

[neil_m]

Engineer Vs Physicist (DEATHMATCH!)

OK...i've seen some friendly comments on the similarities and differences between Engineering and Physics. I would like to hear from people in these fields and studying these fields to get defensive, get personal, but be serious (why not witty and funny ...but mature) about their major/profession/passion.
Could any member from either group post, and tell me why Engineering or Physics is THE way to go, and why it is undeniably better than the other.
(I am aware this might instigate some unpleasent fights, but as men and women of Science, it shall be only for the sake of experiment, because it should really come down to a draw...but for now, sum1 just start some shhhhh...uh ...poop)

 

[Smurf]

I'm not in either field =)

 

[Polly]

Neither am I (just feel like making some noise at this particular moment in time).

 

[marlon]

I studied theoretical physics at college and now i am studying applied physics. It seems to me that besides courses like electronics and simulations of dynamical systems, there is not much extra to learn when someone with a physics degree starts to study engineering. Keep in mind that i am referring to physical engineering like nanotechnology or nuclear sciences...

marlon

 

[Chi Meson]

Well, let's see. First year there were 200 "physics majors." Second year there were 100. Third year 40, and 18 graduated witht the BS. Most transferred to engineering.

Some say they were the smart ones, because they figured out that they were not smart enough to finish the physics degree, so instead took the "more emplyable route."

 

[Soilwork]

Well I mean I don't really know much about engineering, but our lecture seems to like to give them immense crap.
I'm a second year physics student and, yes there is a pretty high drop out rate. Especially in second year because that is probably the biggest jump in terms of difficulty level.
But yeah Physics is pretty damn interesting and it has a lot of applications.
I mean it's pretty cool to know how the things you use operate, such as a guitar amp.
Anyway that's my two cents worth:)

 

[JasonRox]

At my school there is 6 or less, during year 3 and 4.

 

[franznietzsche]

we have 30 or so graduate each year. Nice big department. Of course we also have 7,000 engineering majors who aren't smart enough to be physics majors, and then ten years down the road all think they've disproved relativity with common sense, except for the fact that they have no understanding whatsoever of the mathematics involved, and why relativity is so accurate. They make me angry. I don't try to show them the best way to build an airplane when i know nothing about airplane design.

 

[dekoi]

I will be an engineer in a matter of 5 years. Whoo-pee. :D

 

[jai6638]

as a high school student who likes physics, i wanted to know what would be better?? the degree of engineering or a degree for becoming a physicist ( a physics major i guess ) ? also, what's the different between the two since they both deal with physics

thanks

 

[dekoi]

as a high school student who likes physics, i wanted to know what would be better?? the degree of engineering or a degree for becoming a physicist ( a physics major i guess ) ? also, what's the different between the two since they both deal with physics

thanks

Engineering seems to deal more with the mechanics of systems. Of course, that depends on which field of engineering you are interested in. For example, Mechanical Engineering would be much more centered around mechanisms such as robots or automobiles, while physics deals with specific cases and general laws.

Correct me if i am wrong.

 

[neil_m]

not to be an a-hole, but i am conducting a study here.
I want to see some Physicist VS Engineer action.
In here we know what an engineer and physicist do, we want to know who's better and why they think that.
COME ON PEOPLE!
LETS GET THIS STARTED!

 

[dekoi]

There is no "better" course to major in. That is absurd. It is strictly subjective.

 

[Gokul43201]

neil_m, this may not be the cat-fight you'd hoped for, but let me say this anyway :

I graduated from college with an engineering degree and am currently doing a PhD in physics. I would highly recommend this route for folks who are physics inclined. You can always take a whole bunch of physics courses with an engineering major. Over this period, you get to assess if you are still as interested in physics as you were, when you were an ignorant high schooler, and you'll figure out if you're cut out for it. Most are not. And even if you are, you get to learn a lot of cool engg stuff that you'll never see if you major in physics. And you can learn most college physics by yourself...just buy yourself a Resnick & Halliday and a few other books from the library are useful.

If you can't handle most of Resnick by yourself, you're not cut out for physics.

If you are happy with your engineering path and wish to study it further or get a job in the line, that's not especially difficult (relatively speaking); but if you still find that your heart is with physics, you can always do a PhD in physics...which is really the only way to learn any serious physics.

Of course, if you have an aversion to engineering (a true, head-in-the-clouds theoretician...which at the high-school level mostly means you're stupid), go ahead and get a degree in physics.

PS : I've used some specifically inflammatory phrases (in bold) for the benefit of neil_m's experiment.

 

[Moonbear]

I'm neither, though I've dated an engineer, but no physicists. I have a "thing" for engineers...they're both booksmart and practical. I think being an engineer will get you more women than being a physics major. Is that sufficient justification for you all to become engineers?

 

[Evo]

not to be an a-hole, but i am conducting a study here.
I want to see some Physicist VS Engineer action.
In here we know what an engineer and physicist do, we want to know who's better and why they think that.
COME ON PEOPLE!
LETS GET THIS STARTED!

neil_m, I think you will find that people here (for the most part) are serious about school, are mature (doesn't mean that they don't like to have fun) and they know that the quickest way to get a thread closed is for people to start flinging insults. It's not going to happen.

 

[neil_m]

(for dekoi, and anyone else who may not have understood the point of this)

I am not only referring to Engineering and Physics as majors... I am asking if anyone STUDYING or who are actually IN the fields to post their OPINIONS, on these topics.
What you appear to be saying is anyones opinion on that is absurd, which makes you appear not very open minded.
Letsee quoting MYSELF at the beginning of this thread "...it shall be only for the sake of experiment, because it should really come down to a draw..." so ummm I DO NOT THINK THAT ONE IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER IN MY OPINION, but I would like to hear what other people have to say, and allow them to be free with it (but back up what they have to say with good and valid reasons and facts --or GOOD humor at least)
Now, if you STILL have a problem then don't post. Otherwise pick a side for fun and sling some mud at it, and pick another and say why you THINK it is better.
(so dekoi, lighten up, and have some fun, no hard feelings...peace)

 

[Gokul43201]

the quickest way to get a thread closed is for people to start flinging insults. It's not going to happen.

I thought this was for fun...and not meant to provoke any serious insult trading.

 

[Moonbear]

I thought this was for fun...and not meant to provoke any serious insult trading.

That was my interpretation too...all in good fun, sort of like a pie fight. :tongue2:

 

[Evo]

As Rosanne Rosanna Danna would say "never mind".

Hey, I just finished eating sushi, some marinated bell peppers, onion, cucumber and feta cheese and then topped it off with some chunky peanut butter. I think I'm going to die. :yuck:

 

[neil_m]

WHOA WHOA WHOA...
I never said start a cat fight, i never said get insulting.
I said that COULD happen, because OBVIOUSLY some people would misunderstand, and not be able refrain from acting like children. Flinging insults just shows you have nothing intelligent to say to back up an opinion you have about a PERSONAL preference. Therefore it makes ot easy to disregard stupid comments or opinions.
I enjoy hearing intelligent people say what's on their mind, and what they think about a science so magnificent. I am VERY serious about school, I don't think a discussion on Physics and Engineering that is encouraging personal feelings towards Engineering or Physics (NOT individuals) should be considered immature. Therefore this thread need not be closed.
Gokul43201 : Thank you for your advice. I seriously will consider that. As a matter of fact that is pretty much what I had in mind. I was looking at either General/Integrated Engineering, or Engineering Physics.
The only aversion to Engineering is I am afraid that if I specialise in a particular field, I may miss out on a lot of the general Physics, but as you said, I suppose if I am truly interested in Physics I should make time and study it on my own. Perhaps go for postgraduate study in Physics after I get an Engineering degree. Other than that I am very interested in Engineering. Thanks to people here, I have gotten a lot of reassurance that making an early decision is not detrimental to what you major in.
I am actually finished high school, and stuying some first year University Physics and Mathematics on my own, in my year off (financial reasons).
I wouldn't say I am ignorant to the structure of University study, but I certainly don't know everything, or else I wouldn't be asking you guys.
Thanks a lot everyone, and to be clear let there be NO personal insulting.
I apologise, I was trying to make it fun, I thought courtesy would go without saying among intelligent people, but perhaps i am wrong.
I hope I can still get some feedback form people who ARE capable of making some comments on why they THINK of Physics or Engineering, WITHOUT getting personal with EACH OTHER.

 

[mathlete]

Put it this way.. physics and math majors sit atop the food chain and look down on everybody else :D

Everyone knows art majors are at the very bottom, though ;)

 

[neil_m]

thank you moonbear, lol.
Definately like a pie fight. Only more fun cus there's more physics to this than projectile mechanics! ;)
come on people I know people who say science is not fun or cool.
I DISAGREE
lets have some FUN!

 

[GENIERE]

I’d say that for most a BS in engineering is a great choice for advanced study of any field. For the high intellect theorist or mathematician it would be a waste of time.

If you took your fathers watch apart to see how it worked when you were 8 years old, you’re an engineer. If, at an earlier age, you looked in a mirror and wondered why your ears were on the wrong side, you’re a physicist. I have no idea what drives a mathematician, only envy.

 

[i_wish_i_was_smart]

Put it this way.. physics and math majors sit atop the food chain and look down on everybody else :D

Everyone knows art majors are at the very bottom, though ;)

you are dead right, DOWN WITH ARTS, DOWN WITH ARTSIES HAAHAHAHAHA

If you took your fathers watch apart to see how it worked when you were 8 years old, you’re an engineer. If, at an earlier age, you looked in a mirror and wondered why your ears were on the wrong side, you’re a physicist. I have no idea what drives a mathematician, only envy

you are also right, oh so many times di i take brand new electronics my parents and i took them apart, sometimes i put them back together and they didnt always work hehe such is the price for learning i guess, my dad always said i'd make a good engineer, well I'm taking engineering, i don't know about the being good part yet but... if you want to waste your time in a lab or in an office be in physics, if not and you like th outdoors pick a trade, but we proud, we few, shall become engineers DOWN WITH ARTSIES haha

 

[JasonRox]

People get driven into mathematics because they see beauty, not necessarily simplicity, within numbers.

I enjoy numbers very much, but my bad background isn't helping much.

Also, I try and normally don't look down on students in other programs. I hate competitiveness within programs on which is better or which is a waste of time.

Do what you love, and keep your trap shut.

 

[neil_m]

well i do agree with you. but this was the point of this thread. Dont take offense to it, in here forgive it. i just want to see some creative opinions.
Although I didn't include 'Mathematician' (Physicist and Engineers are essentially Mathematicians). Props to "pure" Mathematicians though...they study the very language of Physicists and Engineers (and pretty much anything else...but to stay on topic).
So no hard feelings... as Moonbear said its, "all good fun...like a pie fight"
;)

 

[Moses]

Mmm...
Well, sounding odd by taking pre-mid courses, majoring at electrical engineering and physics, and studying psychology as a minor, I found taking a mojor in mathematics will help me in all the above much more than if i did not take it!

I found physics people and math people are the Giants at which the engineers stand on their shoulders to make theory "useful" to people walking in the streets. If i was "educatiojn minister" or whatever you call it i will make a law that every body at Uni has to take a minor in mathematics because it help in "engineering" the ideas in any other field.. from sciences fields to humanities to Arts...even in figuring our the proper steps to cook eggs...

Still, engineers are the practical people who intesect with human societies from solutions of need perspective, while physicist and mathematician are seeing it from "natural facts" perspective..

Quite honesly: This question sounds with non-sense in someways. Its like: Who is better to serve society: Medicine/Pharmacy people, or Chemistry/ Biology people...both are crucial steps...and that it is!
[I am thinking of growing a lo-o-ong beard, and "paint" it in white to look more as wiseman in my sayings... :rofl: ]

 

[Math Is Hard]

I'm neither, though I've dated an engineer, but no physicists. I have a "thing" for engineers...they're both booksmart and practical. I think being an engineer will get you more women than being a physics major. Is that sufficient justification for you all to become engineers?

ha ha ha :rofl: I'm just the opposite-
I've dated physicists, but not engineers. In truth, I think it's fun to date the physicists, but I'd rather settle down with an engineer. Engineers are more reliable and stable.

 

[Soilwork]

hahaha it's funny the different things that are talked about.
I'd say generally a lot of physics students can bore you ****less in a second.
While engineers don't have time to bore you because they're too busy trying to get lucky ;) engineers = 80% are amoral

 

[Clausius2]

It seems to me that besides courses like electronics and simulations of dynamical systems, there is not much extra to learn when someone with a physics degree starts to study engineering.
marlon

Here you showed a bit of unreal superiority, didn't you?. I don't know how is engineering in Belgium, but here a physicist is unable to do something in the third, fourth, and fifth year of my engineering program. Our knowledge is more general and at the same time more specific in areas not covered by physicists. For intance, an usual physicist here don't know anything about Resistance of Materials, Machine's Design, Structural Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, Heat Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Finance and Administration of Businesses.

You know, a new knowledge takes away some time in your life and some space in your brain, so it is impossible you have had the time and space to have both knowledges.

 

[marlon]

Here you showed a bit of unreal superiority, didn't you?. I don't know how is engineering in Belgium, but here a physicist is unable to do something in the third, fourth, and fifth year of my engineering program. Our knowledge is more general and at the same time more specific in areas not covered by physicists. For intance, an usual physicist here don't know anything about Resistance of Materials, Machine's Design, Structural Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, Heat Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Finance and Administration of Businesses.

You know, a new knowledge takes away some time in your life and some space in your brain, so it is impossible you have had the time and space to have both knowledges.

I disagree, most people here that have studied physics will understand very well the subjects you just mentioned. Finance and Administration of Business is quite vague. What do you mean by those 'subjects'?

I never said a physicist will know these subjects better then an engineer, ofcourse not. I am only saying that for a physicist it is more easy to learn these topics because they are all just apllied physics...


marlon

 

[marlon]

You know, a new knowledge takes away some time in your life and some space in your brain, so it is impossible you have had the time and space to have both knowledges.

? :uhh:

I studied theoretical physics and did my master thesis on quarkconfinement. Now i am studying "engineering in applied physics" and my specialization is photonica. Why can't I have knowledge on two or more different subjects AND i am only 24 now...

marlon

 

[Soilwork]

yeah definitely.
Fluid Dynamics, resistance of materials and electrical engineering.
Those subject physicist would know about for sure.
I'm only second year, but I know the course structure and there are units relating to what you listed.
But it's not saying that physicists are smarter or anything like that.
Just cover those units.
And who gives a toss in the end.
As long as your life is good you don't need to be smart or carry a huge chip on your shoulder.
Just relax :) If people do feel the need to look down on others then that's their problem.

 

[Clausius2]

I disagree, most people here that have studied physics will understand very well the subjects you just mentioned. ...
I am only saying that for a physicist it is more easy to learn these topics because they are all just apllied physics...
marlon

That has more sense. The term ""understand very well"" is a bit vague too. How much? Enough to pass our exams? Answer-->Not. I know something about quantum dynamics, special and general relativity, atoms and atomic structure, and also about physics of particles. But it is, like your knowledge about the subjects I stated in my last post, a general knowledge or general culture. I'm not prepared at all to pass any of your exams of your theoretical physics program. My knowledge about that is maybe a 2% of what you really know about it. You don't know what is Electrical Engineering merely by solving an RC circuit, because the real problems of an Electrical Engineer are more difficult than that.

Surely, If you'd get into an engineering program you will find easy to get new knowledge about engineering because of that technical apprenticeship. But the inverse situation is also true. I would find easy to learn about theoretical physics due to my little knowledge in physics.