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

  • Thread starter Thread starter BlindSniper
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Plan Studying
AI Thread Summary
A 17-year-old student from South Africa is seeking advice on pursuing a career in physics, with a long-term goal of obtaining a PhD and specializing in quantum mechanics. The student plans to study BSc Physics at the University of Pretoria and aims to conduct research that intersects physics and computer science, particularly in quantum computing. They express a desire to work for companies like Intel or AMD or potentially become a university professor, despite parental concerns about this career path. The discussion also touches on the potential for high earnings in academia for exceptional individuals and the importance of pursuing one's passion in the field of physics. Additionally, the student seeks recommendations for books to prepare for their BSc Physics studies.
BlindSniper
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
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 ?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
TL;DR Summary: What topics to cover to safely say I know arithmetic ? I am learning arithmetic from Indian NCERT textbook. Currently I have finished addition ,substraction of 2 digit numbers and divisions, multiplication of 1 digit numbers. I am moving pretty slowly. Can someone tell me what topics to cover first to build a framework and then go on in detail. I want to learn fast. It has taken me a year now learning arithmetic. I want to speed up. Thanks for the help in advance. (I also...
Hi community My aim is to get into research about atoms, specifically, I want to do experimental research that explores questions like: 1. Why do Gallium/Mercury have low melting points 2. Why are there so many exceptions and inconsistencies when it comes to explaining molecular structures / reaction mechanisms in inorganic and organic chemistry 3. Experimental research about fundamental Quantum Mechanics, such as the one being followed by Hiroshima university that proved that observing...
I am currently in the second (and final) year of my MS in Physics. I've just started my research, which focuses on identifying Dark Matter through Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) extensions. My supervisor has directed me to learn model building using FeynRules and subsequent calculations via MadGraph or other simulators. I've successfully built models for QED and QCD, and I am now working on Weak Interactions, Electroweak theory, and symmetry breaking. My immediate goal for the next few...

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
740
Replies
102
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
159
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Back
Top