Where Can a 17-Year-Old in Suffolk Find Quantum Physics Job Opportunities?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding opportunities for a 17-year-old in Suffolk interested in quantum physics, particularly in the context of educational pathways and college choices. Participants explore the challenges faced by the original poster (OP) regarding their current college's lack of a physics program and seek to provide guidance on how to pursue a career in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The OP expresses frustration about their college not offering a physics program and seeks advice on how to start a career in quantum physics.
  • Some participants suggest that the OP should consider enrolling in a university physics program as a logical next step.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of taking advanced mathematics and physics courses, such as A-level physics and further mathematics, to prepare for university.
  • One participant questions the OP's choice of college, suggesting it may not be the right fit for their educational goals, while others acknowledge potential constraints that may influence such decisions.
  • Another participant outlines a general educational pathway for pursuing physics, emphasizing the need for foundational courses in mathematics and physics before specializing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path forward for the OP. While there are suggestions for university enrollment and course selection, differing opinions exist regarding the appropriateness of the OP's current college choice and the constraints influencing it.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of understanding the OP's previous accomplishments and specific constraints, which remain unclear in the discussion. The educational pathways mentioned are based on general practices and may vary by region.

shane jeffrey
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hi my name is Shane and I am currently in college but my college does not help in that branch of science, I am in England Suffolk and I am 17, I was wondering if anyone had an idea where I could start
 
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Your college does not have a physics program?
 
Dishsoap said:
Your college does not havehen they go off to university. a physics program?
in the UK college means senior high school. meaning 11 and 12th year of high school.
 
Combining posts #2 and #3, I believe the most sensible first step would be to enroll in a university physics program.
 
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Dishsoap said:
Your college does not have a physics program?
nope :/ I really wish thay did all I want to do is study space and time heh all the theory's are in my head
 
shane jeffrey said:
nope :/ I really wish thay did all I want to do is study space and time heh all the theory's are in my head

Then study all the math and science you can. Especially math.

Then university. (Then Phd, then post-doc, then...)
 
take further maths for a level, along with A level physics and normal maths. If the school does not offer further maths, do the mechanics modules and not decision mathematics or statistics IMO. Apply for experienc3e in labs
 
Why are you attending a college that's not providing you with the education you want? Isn't that kind of like getting on a bus that's heading in the wrong direction?
 
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Choppy said:
Why are you attending a college that's not providing you with the education you want? Isn't that kind of like getting on a bus that's heading in the wrong direction?

I can't speak for the OP, but I see this happen an awful lot. Usually the cause comes down to parental, legal, financial, or geographical constraints. But when it comes to colleges and their ability to prepare students for physics degrees, I don't think many really take students in the "wrong direction."

It's more a matter of not being able to take students as far as they want to go combined with students not fully appreciating the need for prerequisite material before they get to "the good stuff."

But to advise on ones path, it is helpful to know more about what one has already accomplished and where one wants to go. Some appreciation of the constraints also helps, otherwise, we tend to give advice based on our understanding of "normal" opportunities and constraints which may be much different from the individual seeking advice.

But until one has completed all these, most paths to any field of physics or engineering includes the following:

High school math through mastery of algebra and trigonometry, in the US the course is usually called precalculus which builds on earlier algebra 1 and 2, and geometry.

High school physics - a year long course covering mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism that builds on an earlier physical science course and uses algebra and trig in lots of quantitative problem solving.

University Calculus through multivariable and vector calculus. In the US, this usually takes three semesters.

University Physics for Scientists and Engineers In the US this usually is two semesters, one focused on mechanics and the other on electricity and magnetism.

The paths for special subfields do not begin to diverge until at least these courses are completed. If you get this far and are still at an institution that does not offer the courses you really want, you can productively take a year of University Chemistry, as well as math courses commonly known as Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Numerical Analysis.
 
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Choppy said:
Why are you attending a college that's not providing you with the education you want? Isn't that kind of like getting on a bus that's heading in the wrong direction?
See post #3
 

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