My Study Plan for Physics: 17 Years Old from South Africa

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a 17-year-old student's study plan for pursuing a career in physics, with a particular interest in quantum mechanics and its applications in quantum computing. The scope includes academic pathways, career aspirations, and personal motivations related to studying physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The student expresses a long-term goal of obtaining a PhD in physics, with a focus on quantum mechanics and its intersection with computer science.
  • Some participants suggest that becoming a professor is a viable career path, while others express skepticism about parental approval of this choice.
  • One participant mentions the potential for high earnings in academia, contingent on extraordinary achievement, while another emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion regardless of financial considerations.
  • The student seeks recommendations for books to prepare for a BSc in Physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of pursuing one's passion in physics, but there is disagreement regarding the feasibility and desirability of becoming a professor, as well as differing views on parental support for such career choices.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions about the academic and career landscape in physics, including the specific requirements for specialization in quantum mechanics and the job market for physicists in relation to quantum computing.

BlindSniper
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Hi all,
I'm a 17 year old student from South Africa and I have a few questions about how/where to study physics. I also really like computers and how they work and I also love programming.

First of all my long term goal is to eventually get my phd in physics.

I want to go study my bsc physics at the university of pretoria and get my honors as well. After that I want to study further and somewhere along the line I want to specialize in quantum mechanics. That's assuming that they allow you to specialize.

My goal is to one day do research in quantum mechanics and somehow apply that to quantum computers, because that's the only place I saw an intersection between physics and computer science, but it would mostly be physics. I don't know who would hire someone in that field, maybe Intel or AMD. But I would also not mind working at a university.

Is this a plausible plan for studying and career ? I don't really care about making lots of money, I just want to do physics and learn new stuff and maybe even discover something new.

EDIT: just a small side question, are there any books you would recommend for someone going to do bsc Physics ?
 
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I also thought I could become a professor. My parents don't really like the idea but screw them. It's my life.
 
don't say 'screw them'...
If you use knowledge and strategy, you might become a good professor.
You can earn lots of money (like $400,000 per year for the person I perceive as the world's top mathematician.
Note that if you are extraordinary you earn much more than ordinary professors.
I am confident that a person can become extraordinary using knowledge and strategy.
http://calnewport.com/blog/
 
Screw them might be harsh but they tell me to do what I love no matter what and when I tell them what I want to do they don't approve. It's just that hypocrisy that is a bit annoying, but In the meantime it seems that they have accepted that I want to study physics.
 

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