What is Physics degree: Definition and 221 Discussions

Physics education refers to the methods currently used to teach physics. Physics Education Research refers to an area of pedagogical research that seeks to improve those methods. Historically, physics has been taught at the high school and college level primarily by the lecture method together with laboratory exercises aimed at verifying concepts taught in the lectures. These concepts are better understood when lectures are accompanied with demonstration, hand-on experiments, and questions that require students to ponder what will happen in an experiment and why. Students who participate in active learning for example with hands-on experiments learn through self-discovery. By trial and error they learn to change their preconceptions about phenomena in physics and discover the underlying concepts.

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  1. T

    Programs 4 year bachelors physics degree taking 5 years -- is that bad?

    I'm entering my 3rd year, for a bachelors degree in Physics. I messed up in the first year and now I'm trying to catch up. Can I get a place in a university for a doctorate or MA afterwards?? Even if my grades are really good in each subject/course? I'm getting worried! Thanks.
  2. M

    Programs How hard is it to get a physics degree?

    How hard is it to get through university studying physics? Do you lose your social life and spend crazy amounts of time on it or is it managable? Also is it a big problem if you are missing the basics and can you ever catch up during Undergrad?
  3. D

    How much programming in a physics degree?

    So I recently posted on here how I am torn between the two courses, computer science and physics, I am leaning towards computer science as I really want to head into the software engineering side of things e.g. game development etc. However, I feel like programming isn't as large a part of the...
  4. Allen Beers

    Programs Particle Physics Degree: Schools Offering Degree

    Does anyone know of any schools that offer degrees specifically in particle physics?
  5. TheOracleIsBack

    Programs Can I make it through a Physics degree?

    Hey! So I am in a bit of a situation, let me explain: I did my GCE A Levels (British high school curriculum) and did not do too well in Physics in particular, due to some serious health issues. I am now in university. I started out taking a biology major and, after continuously dealing...
  6. W

    Programs MIT Physics Degree Requirements

    Hi everyone. I'm very interested in learning physics. I did physics for two years in High School but dropped it on the last year. Currently I am doing a International Business Degree in NZ. I'm posting here because I have questions about how to form a physics degree at MIT. The reason I'm doing...
  7. G

    Furthering Physics education inline with current job

    Hi, I have a Degree in Pure Physics and I was recruited last year as a cadet hydrographer for a mine. Hydrography is the branch of applied sciences which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of terrestrial water catchments, as well as with the prediction of their...
  8. G

    Can I get a job in patent law with a physics degree?

    I am in my final year at university as undergraduate BSc student majoring in physics, and I am wanting to train in IP. I know about all the requirements and exams etc, my question is, am I at a loss compared to engineering students?
  9. Aswin

    What options do I have after my physics Degree

    After my physics degre.. what arw the suitable master degrees. Can I take MBA after physics degree, will there be job opportunities for this combo ?
  10. D

    What to do during physics degree to improve job prospects

    I've just completed the first year of my physics degree. After probing several threads on the subject of job prospects, the outlook from many on here is very bleak. During the summer I've already started learning more mathematics and intend to improve my ( admittedly very basic) programming...
  11. S

    Is it Possible to Earn a Masters Degree in Physics in Spain in Just 1 Year?

    Hi to all, I plan to get a masters degree in physics in Spain, but from the information I got, it only lasts for 1 year. Do anyone know if this is possible or plausible? As I know, the standard duration is 2 years. Thanks!
  12. J

    Programs What to do with a physics degree...

    So I'm currently enrolled at a college with a great physics program and signed up and on course to be a physics major. I'm working on doing research to see what kind of jobs a physics major does and I figured here would be a could place to ask. I love everything about physics but I get mixed...
  13. A

    Programs Stressed about jobs with a physics degree for sciences jobs

    Hi, in two weeks, I am going to send my application to a university to get a degree in physics (I live in Europe so it is going to last 5 years, 3 years for a bachelor's degree and 2 years for a master). At the moment, I am a 27 years old software developer (I have a bachelor's degree in...
  14. kkefalas

    Programs Helpful courses outside of the physics degree requirements

    Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and I got to say I'm glad I found it because boy do I have questions. Basically, I'm a sophomore in college, I just switched my major from finance to physics and I'm stoked. I just finished the pre-req to intro physics which was Calculus so this upcoming semester...
  15. C

    What to do with my Physics Degree (low GPA)

    Hi everyone, This post is a hybrid between career guidance and academic guidance. I'll be graduating with my B.Sc. in Physics next year in April 2016, from a Canadian university. I had a very rough first couple years, but I seem to be improving. My GPA is really low right now 2.33, I think (my...
  16. E

    Programs Graduate Advice for Achieving a First in UK Physics Degree

    I started my undergraduate physics degree in September, and having been enjoying it a lot so far. As I'm sure any student does - I am aiming for a First. I was wondering if any graduates would be able to help me out by answering a few questions for me on their experience: Are there any things...
  17. T

    Achieving Physics Degree as a "Late-Bloomer"

    Hi, I am a "late-bloomer" who recently decided I want to pursue a degree in physics with the goal of eventually getting a phd in astrophysics. A little about me, I am 41 and a professional with a young family. I do not have any academic pursuits other than my own personal desires (at least at...
  18. C

    Schools How out of luck am I for graduate school?

    Hi Guys, So I am in a pretty peculiar pickle, by the end of my junior year I will have completed all graduation requirements for both my majors (Physics and Mathematics) and all graduation requirements for the university to grant me my degree. I want to emphasize that I am not overloading on...
  19. T

    I want to go back to school for Physics

    Hello All! Ill get straight to it. I went to a small private university for my first degree. I did not complete that degree and now I would like to go back to college for a BA in Physics. What are, realistically, my best options? Where should i start in my pursuit for this? I don't know where...
  20. C

    Shoud I take Ring/Field Theory or Complex Analysis?

    Having just finished an introductory course on group theory (with some bits of ring and field theory), I am completely enthralled with this type of math. I initially planned on taking Complex Analysis next semester since so many people say it's "useful" for physics (this was also a compromise...
  21. Evo

    What can you do with a physics degree?

    I think this video should be a sticky in Academic Guidance.
  22. rania yassin

    Job Suggestions for Physics Majors: Beyond Teaching

    well,, i still have one and a half year to go,, so you might think that this is a little bit early but this is really a concern for me,, i really don't know what should i do after i graduate,,, I'm majoring in physics and I'm going to be honest I SUCK AT TEACHING ! I'm considering having masters...
  23. P

    Programs Is it possible to pursue a career in nuclear physics without getting a degree?

    I am currently in my final year at college and wish to pursue a career in nuclear physics as this is something which strongly interests me. However, if it is possible i would rather skip the university part and take a different route into the career like an apprenticeship. i have found it hard...
  24. T

    Programs Is a Physics degree right for me?

    Hello! I am currently attending Utah State but transferring to a community college in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon for spring semester due to family and financial complications. I really want to attend University of Oregon next year. To my understanding they have a very good Physics program...
  25. Elnazar

    Options for Pursuing Physics Degree While Working Full-Time

    Hi guys! My apologies if this has already been posted, I couldn't find anything. I'm on my way to finish my Bachelor in Business Management in February at the age of 21. I come from a small town in Europe and worked my ass off to the point where I currently have lucrative job offer straight out...
  26. P

    Programs Conversion of physics degree to meng in aerospace

    I am in my final year doing a physics bsc but max i can achieve is a 2.2 grade. I'm looking to do a conversion to an aerospace MEng after graduation, however i'd like to ask; 1. Do you think typically I could move to an M Eng course ( 1 year )directly after getting the degree? 2. Would I...
  27. T

    Physics Can I be a Physicist with only a B.S In physics degree

    And what is Ph.D lol
  28. S

    Engineering Physics degree, taking Fundamental Engineering test

    Just wanted to let the forum know that through some diligence I have been approved to take the Fundamental Engineering test in South Carolina with a B.S. in Physics. I took about a extra year worth of advanced engineering classes along with skipped all freshman and sophomore engineering...
  29. I

    Programs Want to pursue a Physics Degree Please advise

    Hi guys, I am currently at a crossroads where I have to make an important decision and was hoping the kind members of the PF forums could help me. I have a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an Ivy League school (GPA - 3.88). Lately, I have had the opportunity to rekindle my...
  30. R

    Programs Questions about Engineering Physics Degree

    With an engineering physics degree, which concentration would bring more job opportunities? Mechanical or electrical engineering? In terms of electrical engineering, I know an EP degree is good for going into nanoelectronics/photonics. Any other areas? Anything in power engineering...
  31. T

    Programs Transition to EE master from physics degree

    Hello, Since I have no time to take ee classes, I plan to self study it. What are the suitable books I can refer to. Thank you
  32. T

    Programs Master in Electrical Engineering from Physics degree

    Dear all, I am this dilemma. I found out that I am not suitable to be a physicist. I want to be an electrical engineer but it is too late to change to ee now. My plan is to finish my degree in Physics and Applied Math, then apply ee for master. I want to know how can I do it, in order to...
  33. A

    Programs Difficulties encountered in my Physics degree, what should I do?

    Hi guys, this is mainly a question to people who have completed a degree in physics already, but I would love replies from anybody who has a opinion, or has had a similar experience. I am in the third year of a masters degree in physics. As I have progressed through the degree things have...
  34. M

    Programs Biomaterials engineering PhD programs with a physics degree

    I'm currently a physics major in my junior year, and was wondering how difficult it would be to bridge into bio-related materials and devices engineering. For a while I've had plans to pursue a materials science and engineering PhD, but have recently been drawn to biomaterials and soft matter...
  35. M

    Programs Should I go for a physics degree?

    I never did any high level math like calculus in high school. I was in a higher level math class once though, and I didn't understand any of it, such as calculus (I also didn't have the previous foundation for that math, such as algebra since I slacked off really bad in my math classes the...
  36. L

    (Yet another) getting a job with a physics degree thread.

    I am looking for a job, any job. Fortunately, I will be starting graduate school in the fall. I have already graduated with a BSc however and want to make the best of my time until it starts, saving at least some modest amount that'll cover for the eventual travel and first month(s) of living...
  37. sa1988

    Programs How to get into nuclear power career from Physics degree?

    Hi all, no idea if this is the correct place to ask this but I'll just put it here anyway. I chose to take Physics at university because I find the breadth of it so interesting. However in terms of applying my knowledge, I think it's generally accepted that as a physicist I'll need to branch...
  38. F

    Programs Cater physics degree to possible forensic career?

    Cater physics degree to possible forensic career? Hello, I am currently a California Community College student and hoping to major in physics/applied mathematics. I am interested in serving my country and having an exciting career. But I would like to keep a career centered around physics and...
  39. M

    Programs How much maths knowledge is needed in order to do a physics degree?

    I'm doing a computer science degree this year, I might do a second major in physics next year, but I'm not sure if my maths is up to scratch. I never did much maths in school apart from basic things in math A, it says that I must have done maths B as a prerequisite for the physics major (which...
  40. P

    Programs What can I do in the physics field with a physics degree specializing

    That's what's called, according to the UCSD catalog, a physics degree with an emphasis in Earth science. I want to enter the geology field, but my school doesn't offer a true geology (or geophysics) major, so I'm thinking a physics degree is a viable path towards entering that field...
  41. S

    Programs Getting a Physics Degree While Working in the US

    Hello everyone, I have always loved physics but for many reasons (mostly parents) I didn't major in physics. I am about to get my master's in computer science in europe and am soon moving to the US to work. I know that continuing studies is easier than in europe (in my country it's simply...
  42. J

    Programs Physics Degree without A2 maths?

    Hi All Background info first: I`m currently in Year 14, studying A2 Physics and A2 Chemistry. I am also studying a full A2 course (AS and A2 Simultaneously) in one year. I have an A2 in applied mathematics at Grade A, which includes Calculus, Hypothesis testing, Data Analysis and Algebraic...
  43. B

    Am I too old to pursue a physics degree/ UF vs Florida Tech?

    I have been going back and forth between pursuing a degree in physics or ee. A recent opportunity is making me decide a year sooner than I had planned. I will be 35 yr old when I finish my B.S. and plan to pursue a M.S. in whichever I decide. Will I be considered too old by employers in the...
  44. Z

    Engineering Engineering jobs with a Physics degree

    If applying for engineering jobs (excluding civil) would there be any benefit in having one of the following degree titles over the other? a) Physics BSc b) Physics with Astrophysics BSc In other words, would it be preferable to have one instead of the other? Or would it make little...
  45. T

    Programs Junior year of physics degree. Financial and lifestyle question.

    This is my first post but I've lurked for awhile. I just finished a two-year AA degree at my local community college in physics. I'm transferring to a university in the fall and recently went to speak with the academic adviser there. A little background about my situation before I continue...
  46. G

    Programs What kind of grad programs can I get into with a physics degree?

    A question I have always had is what sort of graduate school programs are open to you with a Physics undergrad. Obviously Physics and Astrophysics. But I have also heard Materials Science and Electrical Engineering. Is this true? What other programs would be open to a Physics major? And how...
  47. A

    Physics degree. Which career has the highest earning potential?

    I'm half way through a physics undergrad degree. I have yet to decide exactly which field I'd like to study in more depth, or even which career to try and get into. I'm leaning towards nuclear power. I'd like to be honest and say that the potential to make money is a huge worry for me and...
  48. trollcast

    Chemistry Jobs / Employability with Chemistry / Physics degree?

    I'm just wondering about the above 2 degrees (or possibly physics and something like applied mathematics or computer science as a double honours) and what sort of outlook there is for jobs and variety of jobs out there. I'm interested in the areas of science that are working to produce new...
  49. T

    Careers available with a Physics degree

    Hi guys, I was wondering what career paths there are for people that are planning to do a degree in physics. My friend's son (13) is brilliant at physics but is put off by the fact that he doesn't know of any jobs (other than a teacher) that would be suited to a degree in physics. Thanks, Joe
  50. S

    Engineering Engineering physics degree vs physics degree

    This is a topic that I would like to pose to Physics Forums. I have always wondered about the differences between a bachelor's degree in engineering physics and a corresponding bachelor's degree in physics. Specifically, what I would like to know if whether studying engineering physics...
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