Is mech engineering enough for grad school in physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of pursuing graduate studies in physics with a background in mechanical engineering. Participants explore the implications of transferring majors, the adequacy of an engineering degree for physics graduate programs, and the challenges of the current curriculum limitations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to switch from mechanical engineering to physics but is concerned about the implications of transferring and the potential loss of credits.
  • Another participant questions whether the individual can take necessary physics classes within their current program, suggesting that upper division courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics are essential for a physics graduate program.
  • A participant clarifies that the curriculum does not include key physics topics and distinguishes between statics and statistical mechanics, emphasizing their differences.
  • There is a suggestion that self-learning the missing physics courses could be an option, though one participant warns that this may be challenging and that lab experience is also crucial for graduate studies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether completing a mechanical engineering degree is sufficient for applying to graduate school in physics. There are differing views on the feasibility and value of self-learning the necessary physics material.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to fixed curricula and the potential gaps in foundational physics knowledge that may affect graduate school applications.

Headacheguy
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I'm planning to study physics for grad school, but my parents didn't let me take a BSc in Physics. I'm currently on my second year in mechanical engineering (5 yrs). As of now, I have no interest in engineering--no plans on working in that field.

I'm thinking whether I should switch majors to physics. In my university, however, we are not allowed to change majors after sophomore year. So this means I would need to transfer.

Transferring would waste my 2 years, most universities wouldn't take credit for most courses from other schools. Would it be worth it to transfer, or should I just finish my BSc in ME and then apply for MSc in Physics? (As far as I know, ME wouldn't suffice much for a solid foundation in physics)Edit: The physics program to which I'm planning to transfer to consists of 5 yrs. That means 7 yrs in undergrad O.O
 
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Is there no way to take the physics classes you need? Are you in the US? You need upper division classes is classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. That's about 8-9 classes.
 
Hey, thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately, I'm not from the US. Our curriculum is fixed. We can only take classes which are on the list.

We are never taking classical mechanics, E&M, and QM, we will be taking static of rigid bodies though. Is this the same as statistical mechanics?
 
Headacheguy said:
Hey, thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately, I'm not from the US. Our curriculum is fixed. We can only take classes which are on the list.

We are never taking classical mechanics, E&M, and QM, we will be taking static of rigid bodies though. Is this the same as statistical mechanics?

Not at all; they're completely different. Don't let the similarity of the terms confuse you. Statics looks at systems in static equilibrium (ie. systems that don't accelerate, don't rotate). Statistical mechanics uses areas of probability and statistical methods to predict properties of systems with high number of particles in it.
 
Thank you, Jokerhelper. So we're not going to have that either. Maybe I should just self-learn all this courses that I'm going to miss?
 
Headacheguy said:
Thank you, Jokerhelper. So we're not going to have that either. Maybe I should just self-learn all this courses that I'm going to miss?

Frankly, you are missing a lot, so that would be quite challenging to achieve. Plus, even you were able to do so, you'd be missing out on lab experience and research work in physics, which are important for grad school.

I would suggest you look into some upper-level physics textbooks, and see if the material really interests you. Just make sure you are not having a case of the grass being greener on the other side.
 

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