Not sure about my major (Applied Physics or ChemE)

[dRic2]

Hi, I'm about to finish (finger cross) my B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering and I'm thinking about changing. I'll be very neat so I won't bother you too much.

My Ambition: be a research someday.

What I like: quantum chemistry, molecular modeling, properties of material (i.e. heat capacity, conductivity ecc...), molecular transport phenomena. (I know it is a lot, I don't have to do all of them, specializing in one of these fields is enough). I had a taste of everything in my BS so it is very hard to decide.

My Problem: Although what I mentioned above are part of the MS degree in Chemical Engineering in my University (there is a wide range of classes you can choose from), I don't want to take again mandatory classes like Chemical Plants, Industrial Chemistry and Mechanics of Solids and Structure (it's obviously a big chunk of the MS degree). Moreover I will have to self study a lot...

What I thought: What if I switch to Applied Physics or Engineering Physics (I don't know what it's called)? There will be lot of things to study from the beginning, but I there will be lot of fun things too, and there won't be anything too much Industry-related. It seems very hard, with a lot of physics that is new to me. My only problem with Applied Physics is that there are a lot a courses involving electronic stuff (not a big fan and zero background...).

I think I should stick to Chemical Engineering but I'm very sick of the industrial-plants' thing...

I don't know, I'm very worried. What do you think? Is It a silly problem?

Thanks,
Ric

 

[Dishsoap]

Have you considered materials science?

 

[dRic2]

In my University there is only the M.S. in "Material Engineering and Nanotechnology" (I don't know if it the same thing). I've considered it, It's an other possibility... I am not very enthusiast about it because it is very "polymer oriented" (lot of mandatory classes) and there are also a lot of classes about corrosions, durability, mechanics ecc.. which I don't actually enjoy

 

[Choppy]

What I thought: What if I switch to Applied Physics or Engineering Physics (I don't know what it's called)?

One suggestion is that you might need to learn a little more about the alternative paths that you're considering. Look up a course calendar and seriously look through the required coursework of any academic path that seems appealing at first. Look at the electives too and figure out what you would take. Doing a serious head-to-head comparison with your current path is going to give you a much better idea of what you're in for than any suggestions we might have.

 

[dRic2]

Yes, you're right. In fact I'm trying to contact a professor of the Physics' department and talk to him about this. But I would like listen to someone who chose a similar path, or someone who is experienced in the field because I know no one with a major in physics related degrees.