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Physics degree - is it worth it?

I am very interested in a physics degree

I can be good at the subject, enjoy some of the ideas and concepts, started reading around the subject in magasines given to me by a teacher and also find it challenging

At uni, i am under the impression that it is a HELL OF A LOT of maths, compared to a level, and maybe a bit of a let down in terms of what you learn - obviosuly i have know right in saying this as i do not have a physics degree.

Also i heard physics graduates are highly sought after (more than maths?) and despite this many physics deparatments are closing due to low graduate intake. is this true?

and also anyone got any ideas or opinions on moderin physics?

i will understand if your response to this question is a yawn :smile:

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Reply 1

ashy

As you say, Physics at degree level is mostly maths, really. The jump from A level to degree is quite noticeable in terms of content, but I've never really found myself bored. I'm actually quite proud of some of the things I know. You do have to be mathematically able. Granted my course is more mathematically inclined than most Physics courses (as we do lots of exchanges in Europe where the standard of maths is much higher).

Physics graduates are very highly sought after, yes :smile:

Reply 2

witness the sickness

i would love to get in on a physics course..
for imperial, what a levels did you do? what was the application processs like?

Reply 3

fleur_de_haine

I darned well hope so! Yup, there's an awful lot of maths involved I've noticed, in fact, most of it is maths with a little theory thrown in here and there.

Raz

Reply 4

studyboy

This is how Physics is suppose to be like! Heavy in mathematical content.

Reply 5

ashy

witness the sickness

i would love to get in on a physics course..
for imperial, what a levels did you do? what was the application processs like?

I did Maths, Physics, Chemistry and German. I got AABB (2 years ago. The standard offer is now AAA).

The interview was easy, and I was told I'd got the offer before it even began, really. That said, people have suddenly discovered that Imperial is good, so they're being tougher now. If you're good, you should get an offer without too much hassle :smile:

And yes, it is mostly maths. :p:

Reply 6

witness the sickness

ahh out of interest.. what sort of career are you spectating, anything in mind?
is the maths boring, time consuming - or is it enjoyable as it leads to a purpose in physics?

Reply 7

fleur_de_haine

Me personally, I'm more and more drawn to graduate entry medicine, though I had had teaching in mind before. I've never really considered going into research.

Raz

Reply 8

DirtyHarry

I did Physics for a while, was doing pretty much everything the engineers were doing, load of boring ****e.

Reply 9

F1 fanatic

witness the sickness

At uni, i am under the impression that it is a HELL OF A LOT of maths, compared to a level, and maybe a bit of a let down in terms of what you learn - obviosuly i have know right in saying this as i do not have a physics degree.

absolutely not, at A-level you don't even scratch the surface. Doing a physics degree you actually understand things, can apply ideas and have an idea of how the world works. It's the difference between pre-school and GCSE practically! :p:

Reply 10

NavalChicken

witness the sickness

ahh out of interest.. what sort of career are you spectating, anything in mind?
is the maths boring, time consuming - or is it enjoyable as it leads to a purpose in physics?

This largely depends on your own enjoyment of maths. But finding the solution to an applied problem is very rewarding. :smile:

Reply 11

mumakil142

witness the sickness

i would love to get in on a physics course..
for imperial, what a levels did you do? what was the application processs like?

Physics, Chemistry, Maths & Further Maths. If you carry on with Further Maths, you will have an advantage, because you can concentrate more on the Physics.

Application: just ucas + interview, although the interviewer told me that he wouldn't be making the final decision... :s-smilie:

Reply 12

eulerwaswrong

has anybody body seen that "now ive got my physics degree" video on youtube parody of high school musical?

Reply 13

fleur_de_haine

eulerwaswrong

has anybody body seen that "now ive got my physics degree" video on youtube parody of high school musical?

Yup, I look forward to singing my own rendition! Anyone care to join me?

Raz

Reply 14

div curl F = 0

If you enjoy physics I say go for it because the chances are you'll enjoy it more at university. Sure there are some ultra boring courses you'll have to attend (this obviously varies for each individual as to which courses these are) but there will be some good ones to make up for that, and if you like mathematics then thats a bonus.

Reply 15

Robob

Yes there's a lot of maths, but there is also a crap load of physics.

Reply 16

witness the sickness

of the people who have/are interested in/studying for physics degreees.. what career intentions do you have?

Reply 17

div curl F = 0

For me the short term is 3 more years doing a PhD, then its uncertain: Possibly carry on in academia, possibly become a teacher, I'll have to see what happens.

Reply 18

witness the sickness

anyone got any interesting views on modern physics i.e. string theory? quantum gravity? super summetry? etc etc

i have recently read a book called "the Trouble with Modern Physics" by Lee Smolin and it has raised a lot of new ideas about physics in my mind! :smile:

Reply 19

eulerwaswrong

witness the sickness

yea i read it a couple of months ago - thought it was an ok book - he writes well. I thought it was a bit dreary towards the end though.

Ive read much better but similar books by the likes of john gribben etc