Should I Switch from Physics to Biology With Only a Year Left?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics major contemplating a switch to biology with only a year remaining in their physics program. Participants explore the feasibility of such a transition, the implications for degree completion, and personal experiences related to changing majors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Personal experience sharing

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a lack of confidence in completing their physics degree, citing struggles with the subject and a diminishing enjoyment of physics.
  • Another participant highlights the difficulty in assessing the time required to complete a biology degree without knowing the individual's prior coursework and the specific requirements at their institution.
  • A participant questions the timeline of having a year left for a physics degree, noting that the homework questions mentioned seem to be from an introductory physics course.
  • One contributor suggests that since biology and physics are in the same department at their school, it might be possible to apply some physics credits towards a biology degree, advocating for the switch based on their own positive experience of changing majors.
  • There is speculation about the original poster's course load, with one participant suggesting they might be planning to take multiple classes simultaneously to complete their degree.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of switching majors or the timeline for completing a biology degree. There are differing views on the implications of the original poster's current academic standing and the potential for credit transfer between departments.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information about the original poster's completed coursework, the requirements for a biology degree, and the potential for credit transfer between physics and biology courses.

leroyjenkens
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I'm a physics major right now, but I've figured out that I'm just not smart enough to complete this. I struggle with every aspect of this subject. And I used to like physics, but the more physics classes I take, the less I enjoy it.
How long would it take to complete a bachelors if I switched to biology? I've got a year left for my physics degree, but that's like 9 more physics classes, and I'm sure I'd fail some of them.
 
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leroyjenkens said:
I'm a physics major right now, but I've figured out that I'm just not smart enough to complete this. I struggle with every aspect of this subject. And I used to like physics, but the more physics classes I take, the less I enjoy it.
How long would it take to complete a bachelors if I switched to biology? I've got a year left for my physics degree, but that's like 9 more physics classes, and I'm sure I'd fail some of them.

This is almost impossible for any of us to answer. We have no idea what classes you've taken, especially your electives, and what requirements are needed for a biology degree at your school.

Please go to the Biology department, and ask to speak to an academic advisor who can answer such a question.

Zz.
 
I don't know how you have a year left for a physics degree when your homework questions are from a first semester introductory physics sequence (i.e. physics I)
 
At my school biology and physics are the same department (granted there is no physics major here). You could probably argue biophys and have a lot of the physics credits used towards your biology degree. Especially since you have the vast majority of your major classes in front of you and not behind you, I would go ahead and do it. I switched majors from Econ to Math when I was a senior, and I don't regret it. It has opened up a lot more opportunities for me, and it is much more intellectually stimulating. The math major pretty much encompasses all of the econ major anyways.

Woopydalan said:
I don't know how you have a year left for a physics degree when your homework questions are from a first semester introductory physics sequence (i.e. physics I)

He was probably planning on taking them 5 at a time (maybe summer too)
 

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