The discussion revolves around the capabilities and roles of physicists and engineers, exploring whether one can perform the tasks of the other and the implications for individuals interested in both fields. It touches on theoretical distinctions, practical applications, and career paths in physics, engineering, and related disciplines.
Participants express differing views on the extent to which physicists and engineers can overlap in their roles. While some assert a clear distinction, others acknowledge that individuals can transition between the two fields under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the capabilities of each profession.
Participants reference specific fields such as microwave engineering and telecommunications, but there is no consensus on the generalizability of these examples to all physics and engineering roles. The discussion also reflects varying assumptions about the necessary qualifications for specific jobs.
devendra8 said:can a physicist do everything that an engineer can do or both of them are on separate boats,
I am interested in physics,electronics and in computer science.
What am I supposed to do?
chikis said:They are two different things in two diferent boats. A pysicst can never do the work of engineer and engineer can never do the work of a physicst no matter what.
f95toli said:There are plenty of people with MSc/PhDs in physics who work as engineers. E.g. microwave engineering, semiconductors (manufacturing), test&measurement etc. Most of the people I studied with as an undergrad today works in the telecom sector.
There are also engineers that do the same work as some physicists, again in fields like microwave engineering etc. I also know of examples of people with a MSc in EE that went on to do a PhD in physics (experimental nanoscale physics, bascially work in a cleanroom)
That said, I wouldn't expect someone with a MSc in physics to ever get a job designing bridges, but many EE jobs would be suitable for a physicists with the "right" background.