Help Degree selection and pressed for time

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dilemma of choosing between an Honours Physics Degree and a Computational Physics 4-year Stream. The Honours Physics path includes a rigorous course load with challenging subjects like Quantum Mechanics II and an Honours Thesis, making it unlikely to complete in two years. Conversely, the Computational Physics option allows for a more manageable schedule and aligns better with the individual's interests in coding and computer science, though it is not an honours degree. Ultimately, participants recommend pursuing the Honours Physics Degree for a stronger foundation, despite the potential for a longer completion time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of physics concepts such as Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics
  • Familiarity with programming languages like C, PERL, and Matlab
  • Knowledge of academic structures, including honours vs. non-honours degrees
  • Awareness of graduate school requirements and timelines
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  • Research the curriculum and requirements for an Honours Physics Degree
  • Explore the Computational Physics 4-year Stream and its career prospects
  • Investigate graduate school prerequisites for physics and computational degrees
  • Learn about time management strategies for handling rigorous academic workloads
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Students in physics or related fields, academic advisors, and individuals considering graduate studies in physics or computational sciences.

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Help :( Degree selection and pressed for time

So I just went to see my academic advisor and it turns out my scholarly plan is more screwed up then I thought :( I've been going over it and I really have two options for what I can do for my degree. I would really really like to finish in two years, but IDK what the heck to do... I need your help :(

Here are the options

1. Do an Honours Physics Degree

This was my plan from the getgo, but there were a few hidden courses I didn't realize I had to take. The problem with doing this is that it is HIGHLY unlikely I will be able to finish in two years, because the courseload would simply be too much for me. I also have to take two courses I really don't want to, those being a Biology course and Intermediate Calculus. My courses for the next two years would be:

This Year
Classical Mechanics
Math Physics
Scientific Computing
Quantum Mechanics
Biology (Concepts in Biology, the easy peasy slacker one, but nonetheless I DONT WANNA)

Next Year
Honours Thesis
Quantum Mechanics II (Notoriously the hardest course offered)
Advanced Physics Lab
Thermal Physics
General Relativity (A close runner up for hardest course)

Both full courseloads, PLUS I would have to do the Intermediate Calculus in the summer...

2. Do a Computational Physics 4-year Stream
This is NOT an honours degree, but I can do a thesis so there is a still a possibility of graduate school after. It's more directed towards the fields I am interested in as well. However, I would have to start with Applied Computer Science NOW, none of which I have done yet. I am working in coding this summer so I have a passing understanding of some of the concepts (ie done some C, used PERL, Matlab, Octave, stuff like that.) My courseload would be something like this:

This Year

Classical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Scientific Computing
Programming Fundamentals

Next Year

Quantum Mechanics II
Honours Thesis
Numerical Method (3c.hrs)
Digital Systems (3c.hrs)
Intro to Internet Programming (3)
Advanced Internet Programming (3)
Unix (3)
PERL (3)

And then I need three more credit hours of Computer Science, which I could do a Spring or Summer term (like eCommerce or Software Systems...). I DO NOT need Math Physics (my Linear Algebra and Differential equations takes care of that) or Intermediate Calculus or Bio.

TL;DR: SHOULD I DO HONOURS PHYSICS AND KILL MYSELF OVER TWO YEARS/TAKE THREE YEARS OR DO COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS AND RISK FLUNKING OUT?!
 
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Your first option contains a lot of physics, but that's what getting a physics degree is all about. I wouldn't let the fact that it might be difficult stop you from getting the degree you want.
 


It seems that you are planing to go to Grad school anyway. If that is the case, then what difference does it make if you finish in 2 years or more. I mean you're going to spend around 4/5 years to get a Ph.D, one year delay in undergrad won't do much harm in my opinion.
I would say go for the first choice. If you want to do something, do it right.
 

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