DrDu,DrDu said:The truth is:
If you really like to gets your hands wet in the lab, then go for chemistry and make afterwards a career in oil field chemistry, pharma or the like. Knowledge in physics is frowned at, makes you suspicious and you won't get the job. If you should get pregnant and hence not allowed to work in the lab, you can go to the theoretical chemistry department for you thesis. Well, maybe you can do quality management, or regulatory stuff afterwards as people suppose you at least learned how to use word when writing up your thesis.
If you want to be a physicist, then either you dream of programming simulations of particle tracks at CERN or to bury yourself for some years of your thesis in aluminum foil, cooper cables and high vacuum pumps. However if you should find out during your physics study that you are too stupid for real physics, then you still can become a physical chemist and make arrogant comments to the chemists in their PC lab classes.
Of course you are right and the above post is ironic to some extent. The point I wanted to make is that although there are many very interesting interdisciplinary studies popping out like mushrooms, you often run in danger of not being taken serious by any of the fields you overlap with. The more it is important to ask about job opportunities before deciding for a given subject. What chemical industry expects from a chemist and is willing to pay for, is several years of proven lab experience as certified by a PhD. There is also a market for analytical chemistry like NMR, mass spectroscopy where quite some physical knowledge is required.symbolipoint said:DrDu,
Your experiences may be what they are, but Chemistry benefits much from Physics. More and deeper Physics knowledge can make one a better chemist.
Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes, while physics is the study of energy and the fundamental principles of the universe. Chemistry focuses on the composition, structure, and properties of substances, while physics focuses on the behavior and interactions of matter and energy.
Chemistry and physics are closely related and often overlap in their study of matter and energy. Many chemical reactions involve the transfer or conversion of energy, which can be explained by the laws of physics. Additionally, many physical phenomena can be explained using chemical principles, such as the behavior of gases and the properties of materials.
There are many examples of how chemistry and physics are combined in our daily lives. For instance, the process of photosynthesis, which involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy, is a combination of chemical and physical processes. Other examples include the combustion of fuels, the properties of materials used in construction, and the behavior of electronics.
Combining chemistry and physics allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the natural world. By studying both the macroscopic and microscopic properties of matter and energy, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of how the universe works. This interdisciplinary approach also allows for the development of new technologies and advancements in various fields such as medicine, energy, and materials science.
There are many career opportunities for individuals who have a strong understanding of both chemistry and physics. Some examples include materials scientist, chemical engineer, biophysicist, and nanotechnologist. These fields often involve research and development in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and electronics, and require a solid foundation in both chemistry and physics to effectively solve complex problems.