Should I pursue a B.S. in Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a student should switch their major from Nuclear Engineering (NE) to Physics, considering their academic performance and interests in dark matter research and space exploration. The scope includes personal academic evaluation, career interests, and the implications of changing majors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses concern about their grades in Calculus and Engineering Physics, questioning if these are indicative of future challenges in Physics.
  • Some participants suggest that pursuing one's interests is more important than focusing solely on grades, implying that passion can lead to success.
  • One participant reassures the OP that receiving B's is not a significant concern at this stage and encourages them to work hard without excessive worry.
  • Another participant notes the importance of deciding on a major by the end of the second year and suggests consulting with faculty from both NE and Physics departments.
  • The OP mentions an interest in space exploration and considers the versatility of a Physics degree, indicating a desire to keep options open for returning to Engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that pursuing interests is important, but there is no consensus on the implications of the OP's grades or the best path forward regarding the major switch. Multiple viewpoints on the importance of grades and faculty consultation are present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying perspectives on academic performance and career aspirations, with no clear resolution on the best course of action for the OP.

Haindi
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I am currently an NE major, but I am on the verge of switching to Physics at the start of my 2nd year.

I have received B's in Calc 2-3 and in Engineering Physics I ( a massive weed out course) 120 students started out in that class, only 26 are registered in the 2nd Engineering Physics class( a 2 part series)(60% dropped in the semester)

I have a 3.55 overall, 3.45 in NE major. If I switched to Physics my Major GPA would be 3.21. (3.9 in my Generals)

I am interested in dark matter research, for the fact that we don't know what 95% of our universe is made of intrigues me.

Do you think I should major in Physics or are my low grades a warning sign. ( I am in the Honors Program, if that changes anything)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
i think you must pursue your interests
and let the grades go to the dustbin
who knows maybe you will be the future of the world
 
Haindi said:
I am currently an NE major, but I am on the verge of switching to Physics at the start of my 2nd year.

I have received B's in Calc 2-3 and in Engineering Physics I ( a massive weed out course) 120 students started out in that class, only 26 are registered in the 2nd Engineering Physics class( a 2 part series)(60% dropped in the semester)

I have a 3.55 overall, 3.45 in NE major. If I switched to Physics my Major GPA would be 3.21. (3.9 in my Generals)

I am interested in dark matter research, for the fact that we don't know what 95% of our universe is made of intrigues me.

Do you think I should major in Physics or are my low grades a warning sign. ( I am in the Honors Program, if that changes anything)

So you mainly had B's? Those are not really low grades. Sure, you should try to do better, but I don't think you will need to worry much at this stage. Just work hard.
 
Haindi said:
I am currently an NE major, but I am on the verge of switching to Physics at the start of my 2nd year.

I have received B's in Calc 2-3 and in Engineering Physics I ( a massive weed out course) 120 students started out in that class, only 26 are registered in the 2nd Engineering Physics class( a 2 part series)(60% dropped in the semester)

I have a 3.55 overall, 3.45 in NE major. If I switched to Physics my Major GPA would be 3.21. (3.9 in my Generals)

I am interested in dark matter research, for the fact that we don't know what 95% of our universe is made of intrigues me.

Do you think I should major in Physics or are my low grades a warning sign. ( I am in the Honors Program, if that changes anything)

From your other post you were interested in space exploration. It's okay to not know exactly what you want to do at this stage in life, but for your major you probably need to nail that down by the end of the 2nd year. Have you talked to your NE and Physics faculty yet?
 
I am interested in space exploration. Physics is more versatile, so I am thinking of going with it. With Physics I can go back to Engineering as well. What do you think? I will be talking to a Physics faculty member in a week when I get back to campus.
 

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