What Should I Study: Physics or Engineering for Real-World Projects?

[Dmenam21]

I love physics, I’m literarily fascinated and passionate about it. Although I would like to focus on applying physics on real world projects (more than on research or discovery). Like making a better combustion system on rockets, helping build the fusion reactors they’re trying to make, using superconductors for transportation systems or building an invisible wall or making awesome projects like that. What should I study: physics or engineering. If physics, which branch of physics would you recommend me more, explaining me why you like it the most and what future applications you see of it. And if engineering which branch would you recommend me more based on the ideal projects I mentioned.

I’d really appreciate your help!

 

[phinds]

which branch would you recommend me more based on the ideal projects I mentioned.

Your "projects" are all over the map. No way you are going to find one area of specialization that encompasses them all. If you want a specific focus for your studies, you'll need more focused project goals.

 

[hutchphd]

I have a doctoral degree in theoretical solid state physics. My grandfather (a very good civil engineer) recommended physics to me at age five and it stuck. It was wonderful advice.

Now I am my grandfather's age and I realize most of my best work has been engineering. I have been able to do optical, electronic, mechanical, production, and systems engineering at a high level and get paid for it!. I've been given my own laboratory to play in! What's best is that colleagues from disparate disciplines often bring me difficult problems. Usually they are fascinating, and sometimes I can help.

So although I can't speak to your proclivities, I know that working very hard to gain a broad knowledge of physics will serve you well. I don't think the specialization really matters...just stay open to quality teachers and interesting stuff and enjoy.

And never be afraid to ask a stupid question.

 

[berkeman]

I’d really appreciate your help!

It's hard to tell from your multiple threads that you've started or your Profile page, but where are you in school? Are you in high school trying to figure out what to major in when you get to university, or are you in university thinking about switching majors?

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/mechanical-or-electrical.977101/#post-6230852

 

[Dmenam21]

yes definitely! I am already at university but I was thinking about switching majors or staying. I am currently studying mechanical engineering at 3rd year. I like physics a lot and I also like inventing and doing awesome projects as I mentioned earlier. The thing is that I’m not sure what to purse, pure physics or engineering. I can’t decide because I like both a lot.

 

[Dmenam21]

What I dream of doing is real world proyects involving the frontiers of physics we currently have. Like the projects I mentioned and many more. The problem is that I don’t know if mechanical engineering is the best pathway to do this or is there a better one?