Upper-level course decision: Solar converters vs. space physics

[morenogabr]

I am a 4th year Phy UG on a 5 yr plan and need some advice, these two courses overlap so I can't take both. I am interested in both topics but have more background in astrophysics, not much in the engineering area. I guess my indecision stems from a larger crisis I am having in trying to deciding what kind of career/graduate path I want to pursue... Its about that time for me. Nevermind that, I just want some informed opinions on the various prospects that these two fields have to offer, career-wise, $-wise, etc. Below are course descriptions. (the second is cross-listed as a UG and grad class)

4703 Renewable Energy: Solar Energy Convertors
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: PHY 3103 or consent of instructor.
Topics include physics of photovoltaic cells, semiconductors, solar energy convertors, thin film solar cells, nanostructures for solar energy conversion, dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells, fuels from water and sunlight, strategies for high efficiency.

6403 Fundamentals of Space Physics
(3-0) 3 hours credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
The Sun, solar models, solar and stellar winds, heliosphere and astrospheres, synthesis of elements in the Sun and stars, solar system composition and cosmic abundances, terrestrial magnetosphere, ionosphere and thermosphere, comparative planetary magnetospheres and atmospheres.

 

[Vanadium 50]

One course is not going to make a career. I would not think along those lines.

 

[morenogabr]

Right, obviously. But a semester is a long time, and time is something I don't have much more of. Taking one of these classes is a pretty decent invesment in my eyes, however naive that might seem.

 

[capandbells]

If you choice is only between these two classes, pick them based on:
1) the professor: a good professor can make even a topic you don't enjoy worthwhile and a bad one can making something you like a drag
2) personal interest: which one are you going to want to spend more time reading about or working on
If you're getting hired for something involving solar energy, chances are it's not going to be because you took one course on it.