Is Studying Physics at Concordia University Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of studying physics at Concordia University, particularly from the perspective of students considering their options for undergraduate education in physics. Participants share personal experiences, insights about the program, and opinions on the importance of institution reputation versus individual learning experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for studying physics at Concordia after a change from journalism, highlighting the appeal of small class sizes and personal learning experiences.
  • Another participant recounts a conversation with a recruiter who claimed Concordia did not have a physics department, leading them to choose McGill instead.
  • A later reply challenges the recruiter's statement, noting that Concordia does have a physics department now, suggesting a possible misunderstanding or misinformation from the recruiter.
  • One participant suggests that students can start at one school and transfer later if they meet the requirements, indicating a potential pathway for those uncertain about their current institution.
  • A current physics undergraduate at Concordia shares their satisfactory experience with the program, mentioning good teachers and the availability of online resources to supplement learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views on the value of Concordia's physics program, with some supporting its merits and others questioning its reputation compared to other institutions like McGill. There is no consensus on whether Concordia is a worthwhile choice for studying physics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference past experiences and information that may not reflect the current state of the program, indicating potential changes over time. The discussion also highlights differing perceptions of program quality and the impact of class sizes on learning.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students considering physics programs, particularly those weighing options between institutions and looking for peer insights on educational experiences.

peddler
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Howdy,

I'm a student at Concordia University and have been chipping away at the various prerequisites (ie: chemistry, biology, math) that are required to take Physics there. I originally went to this school for Journalism, but have since changed my direction. It might sound a little crazy to some of you, but i didn't do math in high school. I couldn't stand it. But i took a math class at concordia and absolutely fell in love with it. So now I'm doing what I've always wanted to do...study science...and am as happy as a pig in sh*t.


I really want to go to Mcgill for Physics, but due to some strange events in my life, my GPA kinda sucks right now, so I'm stuck here. I read in another post that in the Physics world it doesn't really matter where you go (excluding the M.I.T.'s of the world)...it only matters what you know at the end of it.

Can anyone way in on that comment? Does anyone know anything about Physics at Concordia? does anyone know anyone that is doing a physics undergrad there?

The major bonus I can see to staying at this school is that since there are very few physics undergrad students...the second and third year classes would be as small as just two or three students. Which is pretty damn fantastic.

Personally I would rather go to a mediocre school and learn in a tiny group then go to a fantastic school and just be a face in the crowd. But at the same time...I don't want to lose out on an opportunity just because the guy next to me went to a "better" school.

I would really appreciate any insight you guys might have.


Thanks.

Oh, by the way...i should point out that i don't have any real ambitions to getting a PHD or doing research at this point (although i do intend to get a master's). I'm taking it because it's the science that has always held a fascination with me and I couldn't imagine taking anything else. I guess you could say that I'm doing it for myself...and I'm going to figure the rest out later.
 
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sorry about the double post there...i hate when people do that too.
 
I talked to a recruiter from Concordia when I was attending CEGEP. I told her that I was unsure about going into math or physics, and I was wondering whether Concordia has a joint math-physics program. She replied, "We don't have a physics department." So I went to McGill.

I hope they changed that since then.
 
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Dragonfall said:
I talked to a recruiter from Concordia when I was attending CEGEP. I told her that I was unsure about going into math or physics, and I was wondering whether Concordia has a joint math-physics program. She replied, "We don't have a physics department." So I went to McGill.

I hope they changed that since then.

I know that Concordia had a physics department 15 years ago, and that it has a http://physics.concordia.ca/" now. It seems either that you misinterpreted what the recruiter said, or that the recruiter was ignorant about her own school.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well then, the recruiter must have been mistaken.
 
u can always do the first year or two at a school and then if your grades are sufficient enough transfer to the school of your choice(if you get in and have their requirements) for 2nd or 3rd year.
 
Ya...that's sort of what i was planning on doing if I wasn't satisfied with Concordia. I was kind of hoping to attract the attention of someone that can give me the inside scoop on concordia. A post or present student perspective on that school.
 
I'm a physics undergrad at concordia. I started last fall after finishing a degree in computer eng. in lebanon. I wanted to go to mcgill, and i got refused too (i only had 3.1-3.2 gpa since i wasn't that interested in eng.). The physics program here (so far) is satisfactory to me. There are some really good teachers, and the rest is well ok but not like what i had to go through with some teachers back in my eng. days. Plus, if you really like the material and the science, there are http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/index.htm" of material onl the internet, lots of problem that you can solve and get you interested. And I'm sure some teacher(s), if he/they find you interested, will give you some sort of extra guidance. All you have to do is get good grades, and then apply to any other MS program wherever you want.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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