Programs Materials Science for a Grad. Degree

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A chemistry major with a math minor considering a graduate degree in materials science seeks advice on relevant curriculums, the depth of physics and math needed in undergraduate studies, and job outlooks in the field. The discussion highlights concerns about transitioning from chemistry to a more physics and math-oriented focus, especially given a lack of satisfaction with analytical lab work. Participants express that while physics and math can be challenging, they find the material more rewarding. Additionally, a side discussion emerges about the scarcity of worked-out problems in physics classes, leading to frustrations with learning and understanding. The need for accessible solutions to homework and exams is emphasized, as many students struggle with mistakes and lack the time for one-on-one help from professors. There is a call for a more effective approach to teaching problem-solving in physics, advocating for better resources and support for students to enhance their learning experience.
mrshappy0
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Any advice on a chem major/math minor going into materials science grad degree?

Most helpful curriculums?
How deep should you take physics/math in undergrad?
Job Outlooks/what kind of work expected?
Is it really a safe jump for a chem major?
Will it be easy to push away from chem and more into the physics/math stuff?

I find chemistry unsatisfying.. especially analytical/lab tech work.
I'm not very bright in math/physics but the material more rewarding at the end of the day.


Relevant side question:
Why do so many physics classes not supply a wealth of worked out problems?

Every time I go to study I slave over foolish mistakes that stop me from learning 10 x the material I could be learning.

I understand that problem solving is important in physics but I personally think that training students to see the methods of working through problems can be very effective rather than deliberately hiding them from the students. Maybe it's just my school, but we aren't even given the solutions after we get our corrected exams. This is baloney because not everyone has time to chase down the professor every time they have a question. Not to mention large classes and one professor makes it near impossible to get one-on-one help.
 
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Problem solving comes with practice. Spending class time to solve problems or go over homework is often wasteful. You should be able to look at your exams and figure out why your incorrect answers are wrong. Talk to other students if the professor is not available.
 
I completely agree that using class time for problem solving and homework is a waste of time.

I don't agree that students don't have access to solutions to completed homework/exams/quizzes. Sure talking to professors and other students is super important in training for the world of science but some students are more focused on learning physics in the early stages -- rather than playing social games.
 
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Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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