Engineering or Physics?
Hi, I’m in year 12 and trying to decide on a uni course. I want to do research into physics, quantum or nuclear and into energy. But I’m not sure if I should study physics or theoretical physics, or some type of engineering. I want a high chance of using the degree I get too, what would you suggest ?
If you want to do physics research you realistically need to do a physics degree. There are some areas of applied/experimental physics where an engineering background in either materials or electronic engineering might be suitable, but pretty much any other engineering discipline (except maybe chemical or the extremely rare nuclear engineering) isn't going to be suitable preparation for that, and also the areas those degrees prepare you for are not related to the areas you have expressed an interest in.
That said, I would note "quantum or nuclear" physics covers an enormous range of research areas, both theoretical and experimental, basic and applied. So it's not really that meaningful I suppose? Even something like "I want to go into quantum theory" still leaves quite a lot of scope. "Nuclear" physics ranges from applied nuclear physics as relevant to nuclear engineering etc, to the experimental but definitely not "applied" fusion research, to fundamental theoretical research in high energy physics.
However, given you are interested even very broadly in those areas, the only degree which really suits is, as stated, physics. So I'd suggest you pursue that as a degree. Going from a physics undergrad to a career in the engineering industry is much more straightforward and typical than going from an engineering undergrad to physics academia.
That said, I would note "quantum or nuclear" physics covers an enormous range of research areas, both theoretical and experimental, basic and applied. So it's not really that meaningful I suppose? Even something like "I want to go into quantum theory" still leaves quite a lot of scope. "Nuclear" physics ranges from applied nuclear physics as relevant to nuclear engineering etc, to the experimental but definitely not "applied" fusion research, to fundamental theoretical research in high energy physics.
However, given you are interested even very broadly in those areas, the only degree which really suits is, as stated, physics. So I'd suggest you pursue that as a degree. Going from a physics undergrad to a career in the engineering industry is much more straightforward and typical than going from an engineering undergrad to physics academia.
Original post by jagodaszalewicz
Hi, I’m in year 12 and trying to decide on a uni course. I want to do research into physics, quantum or nuclear and into energy. But I’m not sure if I should study physics or theoretical physics, or some type of engineering. I want a high chance of using the degree I get too, what would you suggest ?
As @artful_lounger says, if you want to do physics research, then a physics degree (or even a maths one) is going to be far more useful than an engineering one.
Original post by artful_lounger
If you want to do physics research you realistically need to do a physics degree. There are some areas of applied/experimental physics where an engineering background in either materials or electronic engineering might be suitable, but pretty much any other engineering discipline (except maybe chemical or the extremely rare nuclear engineering) isn't going to be suitable preparation for that, and also the areas those degrees prepare you for are not related to the areas you have expressed an interest in.
That said, I would note "quantum or nuclear" physics covers an enormous range of research areas, both theoretical and experimental, basic and applied. So it's not really that meaningful I suppose? Even something like "I want to go into quantum theory" still leaves quite a lot of scope. "Nuclear" physics ranges from applied nuclear physics as relevant to nuclear engineering etc, to the experimental but definitely not "applied" fusion research, to fundamental theoretical research in high energy physics.
However, given you are interested even very broadly in those areas, the only degree which really suits is, as stated, physics. So I'd suggest you pursue that as a degree. Going from a physics undergrad to a career in the engineering industry is much more straightforward and typical than going from an engineering undergrad to physics academia.
That said, I would note "quantum or nuclear" physics covers an enormous range of research areas, both theoretical and experimental, basic and applied. So it's not really that meaningful I suppose? Even something like "I want to go into quantum theory" still leaves quite a lot of scope. "Nuclear" physics ranges from applied nuclear physics as relevant to nuclear engineering etc, to the experimental but definitely not "applied" fusion research, to fundamental theoretical research in high energy physics.
However, given you are interested even very broadly in those areas, the only degree which really suits is, as stated, physics. So I'd suggest you pursue that as a degree. Going from a physics undergrad to a career in the engineering industry is much more straightforward and typical than going from an engineering undergrad to physics academia.
Thank you so much!
Original post by jagodaszalewicz
Hi, I’m in year 12 and trying to decide on a uni course. I want to do research into physics, quantum or nuclear and into energy. But I’m not sure if I should study physics or theoretical physics, or some type of engineering. I want a high chance of using the degree I get too, what would you suggest ?
Hi @jagodaszalewicz
It's a very difficult decision deciding what to study at university so I'd definitely recommend doing research into the courses you're interested in. In your case I'd recommend looking up physics courses as well as Electrical Engineering courses if you're interested in energy. Looking at the modules available in both courses can really help with you decision so I'd look at the modules for both to see if they offer the kind of modules you're interested in.
I'm studying Electrical and Electronic engineering and most of the physics which I do in my course is based around electromagnetism, so if you're interested in that it's definitely a good idea to consider engineering.
In general engineering courses tend to be a lot more concerned with how to apply the physics to solve problems, physics covers a lot more theory and is less concerned with applications to real life situations. If you want to go into research physics may be a better choice, but electrical engineering will also open doors to research opportunities in energy.
If you have any questions about engineering courses to help your choice I'd be happy to help!
Abi (3rd year Electrical and Electronic engineering student)
Original post by Uni of Southampton Students
Hi @jagodaszalewicz
It's a very difficult decision deciding what to study at university so I'd definitely recommend doing research into the courses you're interested in. In your case I'd recommend looking up physics courses as well as Electrical Engineering courses if you're interested in energy. Looking at the modules available in both courses can really help with you decision so I'd look at the modules for both to see if they offer the kind of modules you're interested in.
I'm studying Electrical and Electronic engineering and most of the physics which I do in my course is based around electromagnetism, so if you're interested in that it's definitely a good idea to consider engineering.
In general engineering courses tend to be a lot more concerned with how to apply the physics to solve problems, physics covers a lot more theory and is less concerned with applications to real life situations. If you want to go into research physics may be a better choice, but electrical engineering will also open doors to research opportunities in energy.
If you have any questions about engineering courses to help your choice I'd be happy to help!
Abi (3rd year Electrical and Electronic engineering student)
It's a very difficult decision deciding what to study at university so I'd definitely recommend doing research into the courses you're interested in. In your case I'd recommend looking up physics courses as well as Electrical Engineering courses if you're interested in energy. Looking at the modules available in both courses can really help with you decision so I'd look at the modules for both to see if they offer the kind of modules you're interested in.
I'm studying Electrical and Electronic engineering and most of the physics which I do in my course is based around electromagnetism, so if you're interested in that it's definitely a good idea to consider engineering.
In general engineering courses tend to be a lot more concerned with how to apply the physics to solve problems, physics covers a lot more theory and is less concerned with applications to real life situations. If you want to go into research physics may be a better choice, but electrical engineering will also open doors to research opportunities in energy.
If you have any questions about engineering courses to help your choice I'd be happy to help!
Abi (3rd year Electrical and Electronic engineering student)
Hi Abi
im another yr12 sudent trying to decide which engineering to study, so do you have any advice on how you chose?
Original post by User_2804122826
Hi Abi
im another yr12 sudent trying to decide which engineering to study, so do you have any advice on how you chose?
im another yr12 sudent trying to decide which engineering to study, so do you have any advice on how you chose?
Hi,
I'm Binali, a fourth year mechanical engineering student. My main advice to you would be to pick the subject you feel more interested in. If you enjoy quantum or nuclear physics, then engineering is not the path for you. But if you enjoy maths and physics and practically solving problems, then engineering is the way to go. When it comes to choosing a speciality, there is generally no rush!
At Southampton, all engineers complete the same modules for the first two years before choosing a speciality (or not) in the third year. These first two years at university allow you to find what you are interested in, which will give you some idea of which area to pursue.
Some universities will also allow you the flexibility to switch courses in Semester 1. If you are still unsure, you can always apply for generic Mechanical Engineering like I did, which opens many possibilities for the future. I would recommend having a look at the modules for the courses you are thinking of choosing, and finding out which ones seem most interesting to you.
If you have any more questions, do let me know
Binali (4th yr Mechanical Engineering)
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