Is a Double Major in Computer Science and Physics Worth Pursuing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the consideration of pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Physics. Participants explore the implications of this academic path, including the differences between a BA in Physics and a BS in Physics with a Professional Physics Concentration, as well as the relevance of advanced mathematics in modeling physical systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in adding a Physics major alongside their Computer Science studies, noting the financial constraints that prevented a switch to Mechanical Engineering.
  • Another participant recommends choosing the BS in Physics due to its inclusion of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations, emphasizing the importance of these subjects for modeling physical systems.
  • A participant shares their positive experience of meeting with a professor to create a three-year plan that allows for graduation with both majors and additional research opportunities.
  • Resources related to programming and physics simulations are mentioned as potentially useful tools for those interested in the intersection of these fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the BS in Physics due to its mathematical requirements, but there is no consensus on the overall worth of pursuing a double major, as individual experiences and opinions vary.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and recommendations, but lacks a comprehensive analysis of the long-term benefits or drawbacks of a double major in these fields.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a double major in Computer Science and Physics, as well as those interested in the integration of programming and physics concepts.

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Hi all. Awhile back I posted about potentially changing schools to study Mechanical Engineering. Unfortunately financially this was not possible.

However, my school does offer degrees in physics which I do find interesting.

Currently I am studying Computer Science, and I'm considering adding a double major in Physics.

My school offers a BA in general Physics and a Physics, Professional Physics Concentration, BS

The biggest difference between the two programs is the BS requires Multivar Calc, Differential equations, and two additional physics electives.

What are your thoughts on this? Does anyone here have any real world experience with this path?
 
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Take the one with Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations. When you combine Physics with Comp Sci it means you're modeling physical systems which means you're integrating Differential Equations that describe the system.
 
Thanks Jedishrfu! Makes sense, I leaning that way already.

Planned out my next few years and it looks like everything should pan out well!
 
SOme other fun stuff to checkout as a distraction but could be relevant:

- Julia programming language: MATLAB clone but many times faster and interoperates well with Fortran and Python

www.julialang.org

- IJulia nd IPython notebook: web app that is pretty cool (see Dave Sanders Julia tutorial video on YouTube)

http://quant-econ.net/python_or_julia.html

- Open Source Physics: java based toolkit for doing physics simulations (Runge-Kutta ODE Solver and others) many examples

www.compadre.org/osp
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Fantastic thank you again! Some fun stuff to mess with ha!
 
Again thank you jedishrfu! I met with a professor in my physics department and she helped me put together a 3 year plan which will have me graduate only a year late.

However, I will have time to do both a semester research project AND a summer research project which should set me up for the Grad school.

If anyone reading this thread is considering anything like this, definitely meet with a professor! They typically rock and only want to help you out!
 

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