The discussion revolves around the interests and career paths in physics, particularly focusing on particle physics and quantum phenomena. Participants explore the implications of pursuing a career in these fields, the nature of experimental work, and the educational journey required to specialize in physics.
Participants generally agree on the importance of a broad educational foundation and the potential for changing interests over time. However, there are differing views on the feasibility and desirability of pursuing particle physics, particularly regarding the nature of experimental work and travel requirements.
Some participants express uncertainty about the scope of physics and the implications of their interests, indicating that further exploration and education are necessary before making definitive career choices.
ChrisisC said:I am trying to figure out what winfield oh physics i should study for a career. I absolutely love learning about strange quantum phenomena but also love learning about extremely small particles and how they interact at the smallest of scales Would i be interested in a career in particle physics based on my previously stated interests?
ChrisisC said:I am trying to figure out what winfield oh physics i should study for a career. I absolutely love learning about strange quantum phenomena but also love learning about extremely small particles and how they interact at the smallest of scales Would i be interested in a career in particle physics based on my previously stated interests?
However, much of the analysis can and probably usually does take place at the home universities. This may vary from one experiment to another. The analysis usually takes much longer than the actual data-collecting.Dr. Courtney said:One thing they don't tell you early is that most experimental work in particle physics only occurs at a few big facilities. This means that where ever your home university is, you have to travel to those to do your experiments (unless you happen to live close to one, which is rare).
Dr. Courtney said:One thing they don't tell you early is that most experimental work in particle physics only occurs at a few big facilities. This means that where ever your home university is, you have to travel to those to do your experiments (unless you happen to live close to one, which is rare).
As soon as I figured that out, I focused on the areas of experimental physics that could be done in any university laboratory, eventually settling on atomic, molecular, and optical physics. I'm not a fan of lots of travel, and I want to be able to do my experimental work more often than the days I spend away from home.
Of course, you can do theory anywhere.
ChrisisC said:Can you give me some insight on what kind of experiments that you do? I'm quite interested!
ChrisisC said:Can you give me some insight on what kind of experiments that you do? I'm quite interested!
ZapperZ said:Unless there is a dire need for you to select an area of study, I strongly suggest you simply study to be a physicist. The undergraduate curriculum at most schools here in the US are geared towards providing a solid foundation for a physics graduate to pursue a specialization at the graduate level. So unless you are there already, you should hold back and "shop around" first.
You should have plenty of opportunity to do this shopping around. Attend your department's colloquium/seminars. Read Physics Today and talk to students who are already doing research. Figure out what areas of physics do the faculty at your university do research in. In other words, truly shop around. From what I can gather at this point, you appear to still not be fully aware of the scope of the subject areas in physics. So why not hold back on any kind of decision before you get a better picture of what's out there?
Zz.
ChrisisC said:Haha, i wish i could but i need to graduate from high school first! Thanks for the information though, i really appreciate it!
ChrisisC said:Haha, i wish i could but i need to graduate from high school first! Thanks for the information though, i really appreciate it!
ZapperZ said:Unless there is a dire need for you to select an area of study, I strongly suggest you simply study to be a physicist. The undergraduate curriculum at most schools here in the US are geared towards providing a solid foundation for a physics graduate to pursue a specialization at the graduate level. So unless you are there already, you should hold back and "shop around" first.
You should have plenty of opportunity to do this shopping around. Attend your department's colloquium/seminars. Read Physics Today and talk to students who are already doing research. Figure out what areas of physics do the faculty at your university do research in. In other words, truly shop around. From what I can gather at this point, you appear to still not be fully aware of the scope of the subject areas in physics. So why not hold back on any kind of decision before you get a better picture of what's out there?
Zz.
ChrisisC said:The problem is i am simply not as interested in general physics as i am in QM. I'm more than happy to learn general physics to set myself up for QM, but i can't make a career out of normal physics, it needs to be, well, strange. And QM offers strange phenomena i crave to learn about.
ZapperZ said:You can't pick and choose. CM, QM, and E&M are almost the 3 pillars of physics that you must know. Every physics major must know those.
Secondly, the area of study called "QM" is actually almost non-existent. Everyone one studies QM, and then branches off into various fields that may use QM extensively. Particle physics uses QM. Condensed matter physics uses QM. Atomic/Molecular physics uses QM, etc...etc. Go the APS website, and look at all the divisions under the APS and see if there is such a field just called "Quantum Mechanics".
You have a lot to learn still, grasshopper.
Zz.