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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a student's decision to pursue a double major in Computer Science and Physics after financial constraints prevented a switch to Mechanical Engineering. The student is weighing the benefits of a BA in General Physics versus a BS in Physics with a Professional Physics Concentration, noting that the BS requires advanced math courses like Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations, which are crucial for modeling physical systems. The conversation highlights the importance of these mathematical tools in integrating differential equations relevant to physics and computer science. The student has created a three-year academic plan that allows for research opportunities, emphasizing the value of consulting with professors for guidance. Additionally, resources such as the Julia programming language and Open Source Physics toolkit are mentioned as useful tools for simulations and programming in the field.
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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
 
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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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