Programs Not sure if a physics major is right for me. Need insight into lifestyle

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the dilemma between pursuing a physics major versus an engineering major, particularly aerospace engineering. Concerns about the practical applications of physics are raised, with a desire for hands-on work rather than theoretical number-crunching. The job market for physicists is perceived as challenging, leading to doubts about career prospects in the field. On the engineering side, the lack of aerospace programs in Kentucky poses a significant barrier, with alternatives being either too expensive or not suitable. The conversation highlights that physicists often engage in practical work, especially in experimental physics, where they build apparatus to explore natural laws, bridging the gap between theory and application. Ultimately, the distinction lies in the motivations behind each field: physicists seek understanding while engineers focus on application.
STS816
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
I've been on the fence between a physics major and an engineering major (of some sort) but I have a few problems associated with both.

First off, what is it like to be a physicist? I really don't want to sit around and crunch numbers all day and not actually do anything with all the material I learn. That seems a tad pointless to me. I really enjoy physics and learning how the universe works but I want to be able to do something with all that knowledge. I've also heard the job market isn't exactly great and there is a good chance I won't even end up working in a physics related field. Right now the physicist's lifestyle doesn't sound too appealing.

Now for engineering. I don't know exactly what do to here. I really would like to go to University of Kentucky but aerospace engineering isn't offered there. The closest thing is a certificate for what I think is grad students. Obviously doesn't help me much. I've come across one other college in the very general area that even offers aerospace but it's far too expensive. Aerospace isn't offered anywhere in Kentucky.

So do physicists do anything practical or do they merely think up stuff and leave it to the engineers to apply it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
STS816,

I had a similar dilemma between physics and engineering during my undergrad, and was often tempted to switch from physics to engineering. I was, and still am, really into both the amazing science that you study in physics and the fascinating applications you build in engineering.

In the end, it's the questions that motivate research that differentiate between engineering and physics. Physicists search for better understanding of nature and the laws of how things work. Engineers use that better understanding to build things. So, I've found myself happily as an experimental physicist, where I still build a lot of experimental apparatus and use that apparatus to study the laws of nature.

Taking the skills you learn as an experimental physicist would put you in a decent place to work in either industry or a national lab.

In short, many experimental physicists do all sorts of practical stuff, but the motivating factor is usually exploring a realm of the laws of nature that we don't know as well yet.
 
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Back
Top