Should I continue in physics or go to applied mathematics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to continue studying physics or to switch to applied mathematics. Participants explore the implications of each path, considering career opportunities, personal interests, and the nature of the work involved in both fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a lack of interest in experimental physics and technology, suggesting that their preference leans towards the mathematical theory of physics.
  • Another participant highlights the potential for applied mathematicians to easily transition into finance and engage in theoretical work, contrasting this with the perceived limitations of a physics career.
  • A suggestion is made to consider a path in computational physics, which could combine interests in both modeling and simulation.
  • One participant advises the original poster to pursue applied mathematics, interpreting their expressed interests as aligning more with that field.
  • Another comment emphasizes the importance of choosing a practical and applied direction, implying that theoretical pursuits may not be as beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path forward. While some suggest a clear preference for applied mathematics, others propose a hybrid approach or emphasize the value of practical applications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal preferences and career aspirations, with no definitive conclusions about the merits of either field. The original poster's uncertainty about their interests and future career paths remains a central theme.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a transition between physics and applied mathematics, or those exploring career options within STEM fields.

Tosh5457
Messages
130
Reaction score
28
I just finished the 1st year of physics licenciate (equivalent to bachelor's). I came to physics only with the intent to be a researcher in physics, I never even considered other jobs physics allowed to have. But I always knew the only thing I liked about physics was the mathematical theory, its applications didn't interest me at all and even bored me.
But I'm not so interested even in theoretical physics anymore (I know I haven't seen anything of theoretical physics in the 1st year, but I don't have the urge to know nor the interest I had in the beginning) , and even though I realize that interest can change over the next 2 years of the licenciate, it can also not change.

Because of this, I need to consider the other jobs possibilities. But I don't see anything a physicist could do that interests me... I think I don't like physics anymore, and that's what also makes me wonder why I should stay in physics...

On the other hand, applied mathematicians can work in finance very easily (and have a good income) and do theoretical work, like building models. While physicists can do this too, much of physicists jobs is to work on experimental physics and technology, which I don't care for. Applied mathematics is a more sure way of going to finance or to do more theoretical work, while if I stay in physics I might have to accept jobs that don't interest me...

I'm in this undecision for a month now, I've spoken to many physics and mathematics teachers at my university and I still can't decide... Is it worth it to change to applied mathematics, or should I keep in physics and maybe do a minor in mathematics or choose mathematics disciplines in the 3rd year? Please help me, in 1 week I think I won't be able to change to applied mathematics anymore because of the date terms...
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Or both, as in computational physics - modeling and simulation, particularly multiphysics modeling and simulation.
 
Sounds like you would rather do applied math, so do that.
 
Do something helpful (applied). Don't bs yourself and think you're Einstein.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K