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. L

    Programs Possible to get a Physics Degree online? (Also, good ways to prepare?)

    Hello, I am interested in a physics degree and I was wondering if there is a good school for it online? Also, what kind of things should I study in order to prepare for it, and do they have book for it? I am currently finishing up my Bachelors in Psychology and I have been trying to work...
  2. D

    Physics Outdoor jobs with physics degree?

    I have a masters degree in physics. I specialized in semiconductors with the hope of getting into the photovoltaic industry because it really interests me. I worked as an intern for a year in and R&D department and liked getting to work in the lab. After that internship ended and I...
  3. L

    Is There a Mathematical Physics Degree?

    Hi, I am wondering if there is a mathematical physics degree. I was thinking about doing consultant/contract work for applied or research physicists, insofar that I would be paid to help establish/confirm the mathematical foundations of their work or research. Thank-you.
  4. S

    Programs Choosing UK undergraduate physics degree

    Hello there I'm in the UK, wanting to study physics, I'm applying late through clearing in August next year for 2013 entry. Could someone direct me to a UK specific guide to undergraduate physics degrees? The sticky seems to be on the US system. I'm not sure whether to do a 3 year bachelors...
  5. C

    Programs Which Degree is Best for Aspiring Theoretical Physicists: Math or Physics?

    I am hoping to become a physicist focusing mainly on the theoretical side in the future. I am trying to decide whether to go for a physics or math undergrad course. Assuming that I am capable of doing either, what are the pros and cons of either route? I know that mathematics is essential to...
  6. R

    Physics Do i have to get a physics degree to pursue astrophysics?

    i have a bachelor's degree in math...and after working some years in the music industry, I've decided to pursue another passion of mine, astrophysics...after looking at the GRE physics practice test, i realized i really don't know much about physics in general...and there aren't any good...
  7. E

    Programs Job outlook for a physics degree

    Hello, My name is John and I live in the cincinnati area in Ohio. I am a senior this year and I am going through the process of finding a college and choosing a major. Initially, I was dead set on a biochemistry degree. However, through research and looking at facts and figures the salary...
  8. C

    Programs Pursuing Physics Degree (in the Evening): Is It Possible?

    Ok let me preface this a little without getting lauged at. I posted on here twice before. I am a banker, with an undergrad degree in business/economics (total joke). I am mostly interested in physics because 1) I am always curious about how everything works 2) my girlfriend is a chemistry...
  9. G

    Engineering Engineering Job with a Physics Degree

    I am an incoming high school senior in the greater Pittsburgh area who is interested in studying physics at the collegiate level. My plan is to eventually get a PhD in Physics and work at a research position at a university. That is a PLAN. I am aware that academic/research jobs are not...
  10. S

    Physics Investment for Physics Degree from a foreign country

    I am from India and I am currently studying Electrical Engineering from a good private college( with a considerable CGPA of 8.5). But I was never interested in Engineering. All I wanted to go for was Pure,Basic and theoretical Physics. Many "experienced" people advised me to do engineering and...
  11. B

    Physics Job applying with physics degree

    i have been reading around about physics degree gpa's and businesses looking at resumes and the first thing they see is gpa...etc... my question pertains to the importance of my gpa as a whole, or my gpa of math and physics classes alone. I am asking this because my gpa isn't that high right now...
  12. C

    Physics Options After Getting Undergrad Physics Degree

    I'm about to go to college in one year, so I'm trying to figure out what I want to do (which college I want to go to, what major, etc.) Right now, I am most likely looking at majoring in physics and doing the pre-med track. Of course, though, this is only tentative...who knows what I'll want...
  13. M

    Engineering How do you get an engineering job with a physics degree?

    Long story short, I flunked out of grad school for a physics PhD last year. My advisor hired me on as an employee in the lab. Basically I made a grad student salary and worked like a grad student, but it wasn't towards a degree. Now I want to find a "real" job that I can actually support myself...
  14. S

    Physics Is it better to get a physics degree than a business degree to work in business?

    I was reading an article how the business degree (aside from accounting and perhaps finance) is considered by employers to be virtually worthless. The reasons for this are basically that the typical business student is not too bright and rather lazy, with virtually no math or computational...
  15. M

    Physics Jobs as a physics degree for processor developing companies (e.g. Intel)

    I'm near the end of sophomore year at undergrad as a physics major, and recently, my biggest dream job became combining the two fields I love the most: Physics and Technology. I love technology. I 'm always updated on the newest microprocessor chips and tech news. I go on engadget and other tech...
  16. S

    Schools Which university is the best for a physics degree

    I was just wondering which university, in england, would you say is the best for a physics degree. I was hoping to go to manchester, but they've put up their entry requirements too high, so I am thinking probably birmingham. Are there any other unis that you would suggest?
  17. P

    Debt or No Debt? Transferring for a Physics Degree

    I am currently in my second semester at a university with a small physics department (4-6 professors, 40 undergraduates and 0 graduates). It’s cheap enough that if I stay here till I graduate I probably will have no debt or maybe 1-2,000, but I’m considering transferring. Right now I have about...
  18. G

    Physics So what types of jobs can I expect with a physics degree?

    So, not going to lie I'm kinda scared about majoring in physics, I'm sure it will be very tough. I plan on majoring in physics and then going for astrophysics while getting my doctorate. After spending all of this time in school i'll have jobs right? I mean I wouldn't think someone with a...
  19. C

    Physics Jobs to consider while getting a physics degree

    I am a freshman in college and have my heart set on a degree in physics. Although this is just the beginning for me, I think its worth thinking about my end game. What I'm looking for is knowledge about a job relating to a degree in physics. This is not specific to scientific research or...
  20. C

    Programs What Are My Options for Combining Physics and Engineering in a Degree?

    Hy I have to make a decision and this is my dilema: Let's say this is my top3 :D Bachelor's Degree: 1.Engineering Physics(45%) 2.Physics(40%) 3.Applied Mathematics(15%) Master's Degree: 1.Interdisciplinary Science: Integrated approach to Natural Sciences(60%) 2.Renewable and alternative...
  21. O

    Schools Transferring out of a community college to pursue a Physics Degree

    Hey guys! Basically I'm at the stage where I'm looking for a four year institution to transfer to. I currently attend a community college named Northern Virginia Community College and so far I have applied to an in state university - the University of Virginia. As some background...
  22. T

    Programs Doing a theoretical physics degree from home UK only please

    Is there any point in doing a theoretical/astrophysics degree from home, even if you are able to achieve exceptionally good grades, what about people who are agoraphobic and can't get to a uni?
  23. M

    Physics Programming or EE with physics degree?

    A while back I made a post here: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=536451 detailing how I got kicked out of grad school for physics and whether or not I can ever hope to get back in. Long story short, I decided to get a job for now and possibly go get a Master's in EE later...
  24. E

    Physics Job/Academic Prosects After a Combined Biochem and Physics Degree

    I go to university of victoria, which offers a combined honors biochem and physics degree. I think this would be an awesome degree to have than includes all 3 physical sciences and would probably leave you open to a lot of opportunities. Because I switched from Biology to Physics, I have quite a...
  25. P

    Programs 7 Keys to Success with a Physics Degree

    7 Keys to Success with a physics Degree As spring approaches and new graduates will begin their job search, once again we are hearing alarm bells ringing about the risk of getting a degree in physics and then facing the unemployment line. It is true that getting a physics degree is less of a...
  26. K

    Programs Electives for an Applied Physics degree

    So as my first year of undergraduate Applied Physics comes to a close I have to start picking electives for next year. I have two options, I can either do 'bludgy' subjects so I can focus more on my core subjects and hence get better marks in them, or I can do a sub major which would probably...
  27. J

    Physics Did past technical experience + physics degree help you get the job?

    Did past "technical experience" + "physics degree" help you get the job? Reading another posting on this forum got me to thinking, and I want to see if anyone else here was in the same situation as I am. I have 15 years experience in manufacturing and 2 technical diplomas: Machine Tool...
  28. V

    Mathematical modeling: physics degree or math degree

    I am currently a double major in biology and math, interested in mathematical modeling of ecosystems and physiological systems. The math portion involves modeling and pure math, but there isn't a lot of concentration on knowing physical laws. I'm not sure if I would miss all the knowledge...
  29. binbagsss

    Programs How much maths in a theoretical physics degree?

    I am soon to apply for either theoretical physics, theoretical physics with maths, or joint honours - maths and physics year 1 and then transfer to theoretical physics. Only just finished A levels and unsure of the math content in a theoretical physics degree. At the moment I am more or less...
  30. binbagsss

    Programs Durham or Lancaster for physics degree?

    Having trouble deciding between the two :)...
  31. K

    Schools Engineering Graduate School Admissions with Physics Degree

    Hi, I'm a concerned college student (aren't we all :0 ), who is intending to major in physics in one of the bigger universities in US. However, it seems that my inclination lately lies more towards engineering graduate school (if I go). So if I apply for an engineering grad school with physics...
  32. B

    Programs Physics or Economics Degree: Which Is Better for a Career?

    Which will be better to have for a job, physics or economics? I know on the undergraduate level that there are not many high paying jobs, but I have interests in both fields. I like physics because it is heavily math based and it is good to have a good knowledge of science, but economics opens...
  33. T

    Engineering Physics degree or Engineering Physics degree for space?

    Next year is my final year in high school, and, rightly so, I've been thinking more and more about my future. This year I finished with high marks in math and physics, and a decent grade in chemistry. I know it is presumptuous to assume that I would certainly get into either a Physics program or...
  34. R

    Engineering Can you get an engineering job with an Applied Physics degree?

    How likely is it for someone with a Bachelor's in Applied Physics to land a job as an electrical or mechanical engineer?
  35. M

    Programs Would like to continue physics degree at UF

    I was a physics major at USF with abysmal grades some time ago and I sort of panicked and got a degree from Thomas Edison State College (not prestigious, but I figured any B.A. is better than none). I feel much more prepared through self-study and was hoping to go back and finish at UF (I have...
  36. C

    Programs Is an Astronomy or Physics Degree the Best Path for Studying Space?

    Hello, after recently graduating high school, I'm planning on going to college soon, and I got a couple of questions regarding Astronomy and Physics. First, after recently getting interested in Astronomy, and always being interested in Physics, my question is how much is physics/mathematics...
  37. M

    Programs Contemplating dropping out of physics degree due to poor math

    In need of a little help/guidance. I have an enormous passion for physics. I took an introductory physics course my 1st semester at a community college, I enjoyed it so much I decided to start my math all over so I could build a good foundation. I started with intermediate algebra, then trig...
  38. S

    Programs Physics or Engineering Physics degree? Both requirements met.

    I'm interested in both physics and engineering. After undergrad, I would like to pursue a masters in engineering, then a PhD in physics. Right now, I'm taking both physics and engineering courses. I will meet the requirements for both the physics or engineering physics major. Since my...
  39. L

    Programs Exploring Applied Physics: From Passion to Career Aspirations

    Its what I'm passionate about, Physics. I'm a first year Applied Physics student and I have lots of questions and problems, firstly what is Applied physics and how does it differ from pure Physics. Initially I was hellbent on Astrophysics I still am, to me Astrophysics makes every other...
  40. J

    Programs What physics degree to choose?

    Hello! I am currently a second year student at Scotland (by I am not from UK, I am from smaller country in EU), and I am successfully studying Physics and Maths after successful direct entry to second year. Unfortunately I currently see a big dilemma waiting for me. At first main, general...
  41. K

    Physics Can i work in some companies as a website developer with a physics degree?

    i always want to develop some website but due to the lack of knowledge of programming, i can only use software such as frontpage. I always want to learn java and C++ but the tight schedule of physics makes it impossible. I am yr3 now so i can't switch major and with 1 yr left. so there's only...
  42. T

    Programs What can I do with a physics degree?

    I'm sure this question has been asked a lot, but it's a fairly big concern of mine. I just finished a semester of engineering at the university of calgary, (about to start my second) and while I like it and I'm doing well at it, I really think that my passion lies in pure science, specifically...
  43. M

    Physics degree for engineering

    Hello. I'm currently a high school student interested in the field of physics/engineering. My thesis for this thread is a question about degree choices and the effects of them. It appears to me that the university I plan to go to is better fit for a physics degree than and engineering degree...
  44. P

    Physics Should I Pursue a Degree in Geophysics or Switch Back to Physics?

    Hey everyone, I'm a longtime lurker, first time poster. I'm currently a second year undergrad student enrolled in BS.c of geophysics with a minor in physics. I'm interested in pursuing a career in geophysics, however, I'm not sure I'm going about it in the best way. The way I see it, I have...
  45. B

    Engineering Advices on careers with physics degree to civil engineering or other industries

    Currently needing career advices in this job-searching transition phase. I have recently completed physics degree in Canada, and am seeking three career planning possibilities in order of preference: (i) Apply physics degree to civil engineering preferably without more schooling Need...
  46. C

    Programs Will chemistry classes go towards a physics degree?

    I've taken general chemistry I and II, and i was planning on becoming a physics major. I just wanted to know if i wasted my time taking chemistry or if it will go toward a physics degree at most schools. I havnt taken any physics classes yet but should i wait until i finish calculus II and...
  47. K

    Engineering Engineering Physics degree and employment

    I'm a 2nd year Engineering Physics and Mathematics major, and I have loved all the classes I have taken thus far. I took some college classes in high school and received some credit through AP tests, so I'm already a semester and 1/2 ahead of most of my peers. I plan on going to grad school for...
  48. O

    Programs The education of physics degree.. and jobs.

    I love watching documentaries on that which utilizes physics principles and since I lost my job, I have pondered the idea of going to get a second degree. A part of me thinks how great it would be to go into a physics type degree, but I know that means the highest level math would be required...
  49. B

    Programs Theoretical or just physics degree? Maths is sort of good, is that enough?

    Hey, as you may have guessed I'm thinking of taking a Theoretical Physics course rather than just straight Physics, but that due to its maths-heavy nature I'm worried I might not cope all that well. I mean, I love the idea of theoretical - admittedly it's a rather romanticised view of it - but...
  50. S

    Schools Making the Right Choice: Staying or Transferring for a Physics Degree

    I am currently a physics major at a mediocre local university(Coastal Carlina University) and I intend to get a Ph.D. in physics. Would it be better for me to stay here, and concentrate on a high GPA in the most advanced classes possible, or to transfer to a better university for my...
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