Is a Physics Degree Really for Me?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and uncertainties faced by a participant contemplating whether to pursue a physics degree or switch to a business degree. It explores personal experiences, feelings about current educational circumstances, and potential alternative paths in related fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses doubts about continuing with physics due to a lack of engagement in current lessons and a poor relationship with a teacher.
  • Another participant suggests that the end-of-year teaching conditions may be affecting the first participant's perception and advises taking time to reflect over the summer before making a decision.
  • Some participants share their own experiences of choosing their degrees based on personal strengths and interests, indicating that many students have a clear direction from an early age.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of pursuing an engineering path as an alternative to physics or business, highlighting various engineering disciplines.
  • There is a suggestion that switching from a science to a business degree may lead to boredom and underutilization of talents, recommending a business minor instead.
  • Another participant expresses interest in a combined Physics and Management course, indicating a desire to integrate business with physics studies.
  • One participant considers the option of taking business studies modules alongside a physics degree, suggesting a flexible approach to their education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share a range of perspectives on the decision-making process regarding degree selection, with no consensus on the best path forward. Some advocate for staying in science, while others explore business options, indicating a variety of opinions on the matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and subjective feelings about educational choices, with no definitive conclusions reached regarding the best degree path.

_Mayday_
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Hey All,

I'm having a bit of trouble deciding what degree to do. I have always seen myself doing a physics degree, but recently I have been put off. It's the end of the year (1 or 2 weeks left) and teachers haven't been in all the lessons, and the whole physics thing just doesn't seem a rosy as it once did. I'm not enjoying what we are doing now in the lessons, and I have a poor relationship with one of my teachers. With teachers not being in much my learning seems to be a bit stuttered. I have thought of a business degree as that would be my second choice. I just can't imagine myself putting the effort into Business like I do for physics.

I need to start deciding on a Degree and University. I just wanted to find out if anyone else ever questioned whether physics was the right subject for them?

_Mayday_
 
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_Mayday_ said:
It's the end of the year (1 or 2 weeks left) and teachers haven't been in all the lessons, and the whole physics thing just doesn't seem a rosy as it once did.

Don't be put off by this: the few weeks between AS exams and the end of teaching for the year are always shoddy, since teachers try and cram a topic into a few weeks. This seems to be the main reason you seem to be questioning yourself, so I wouldn't do anything rash now, and at least mull things over during the summer. You don't need to decide on which university until around Christmas time, so that leaves a lot of time to think over your options, and time to meet with teachers and discuss them.

Personally, I never questioned which subject was right for me, and just decided in upper sixth that I was going to do a maths degree since I was better at maths than my other subjects. I enjoyed all my A level subjects, so the only way I could think to decide was by how good I was. I know there are many people around who knew they wanted to study a certain degree since they were younger.
 
How did you know he was British?!
 
cristo said:
Don't be put off by this: the few weeks between AS exams and the end of teaching for the year are always shoddy, since teachers try and cram a topic into a few weeks. This seems to be the main reason you seem to be questioning yourself, so I wouldn't do anything rash now, and at least mull things over during the summer. You don't need to decide on which university until around Christmas time, so that leaves a lot of time to think over your options, and time to meet with teachers and discuss them.

Personally, I never questioned which subject was right for me, and just decided in upper sixth that I was going to do a maths degree since I was better at maths than my other subjects. I enjoyed all my A level subjects, so the only way I could think to decide was by how good I was. I know there are many people around who knew they wanted to study a certain degree since they were younger.

Thanks for that Cristo, that has made me feel a lot better. I also take maths and biology, but I would never consider taking either at university, though I am sure I will encounter maths again in a physics degree! :smile: I didn't know I had so much time! I've just been looking at a few University websites, and some of the courses are incredibly specific to my interests even though it is a normal physics degree, and in some you can even take Finance modules etc. Thanks again Cristo, is nice to know my school isn't the only one trying to cram a subject in, in a week.

uman said:
How did you know he was British?!

Multi-Account :eek:

Haha nah, Cristo and I have spoken before. :approve:

_Mayday_
 
you can always pursue an engineering path... computer, chemical, electrical, biomedical...

I'm a business major and I'm looking into taking up another field to supplement my business degree... I was considering physics, but now I'm leaning toward computer engineering...I wouldn't recommend switching from any science to business, though... you'll be bored and you won't be utilizing your talents... if anything, take a business minor and stick with a science as your major...
 
Im thinking of a Physics and Management course now =]
 
Or physics and business studies, but those will just be modules on top of a normal physics degree
 

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