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 A 23 year old getting his physics degree?

    Hey guys, Totally new to the forum, but I have been studying physics since the age of 16. I graduated at 16 from high school and applied to several colleges, I was accepted to a few awesome colleges, but because of my financial situation at the time, was unable to go to college. I since then...
  2. W

    Programs Physics Degree, and Engineering?

    I have just finished my first year of undergraduate education, and am currently trying to decide if I should major in physics (honours) or mechanical engineering (honours). (From everything I've read on this forum, I know I'm not the first person ever in the world to face this dilemma.)...
  3. R

    Physics Semi-sciency jobs after physics degree

    Hi Fellas, as the day I'm graduating is slowly but surely approaching, I've noticed I don't really have many good ideas concering future career possibilities - hoping you guys can help :) Ok, starting with background: I'll be graduating with a Master from one of the better universities in...
  4. X

    Programs What can I do with my undergrad Physics degree? I'm freaking out

    So I'm going into my senior year as a Physics major and I always thought that I wanted to go into a Physics PhD program. I have a 3.9 GPA and could probably get into a good program but I'm having second thoughts now. I've always loved my Physics classes but I'm starting to realize that I don't...
  5. X

    Programs Is it possible to get an engineering job with a physics degree?

    So I only have one year of undergrad left to finish my Physics degree. For the last few years I had been completely focused on getting into a Physics PhD program for grad school but I'm not so sure that's what I want to do anymore. Recently the idea of being able to get a real job in a year...
  6. G

    Programs Is getting a physics degree a good idea?

    Hey everyone. I'm getting ready to start college in a few months, and I've started to get a little worried about what I'm going to major in. Right now, I've been thinking of doing a physics/math double major, as they're both complementary and easy to pull off (there's a lot of overlap for degree...
  7. A

    Programs Starting my Physics degree in October, what should I do/read to prepare?

    I'm starting a Physics (with Theoretical Physics) degree in October (4 Years), and I'm wondering what I can read up on, or what I can do to prepare myself. I've read a few Feynman books, and read-up on certain areas, but is there anything in particular any of you did to get a head start? Thanks
  8. B

    Programs Can i finish a physics degree in 2 years

    I just complete year 1. I am a math major and i am attending a 3-year curriculum university. I want to learn sth more concrete than math so i wish i can major in physics. Can i finish physics degree in 2 years? 1.In my estimate, i can take all the core courses but will they be enough if i want...
  9. K

    Programs Physics Degree Advice for UK Student

    Hi everyone. First I'd like to say how glad I am that I found this forum! There's a lot of useful information but I still can't get rid of some fears I have. I'm in the UK. I left school at 16 after my GCSEs and went to college to study a higher computing course which I failed due to bad...
  10. C

    Engineering Do engineering classes go towards a physics degree

    I am in a program at a community college to get my associates in engineering. I was thinking about changing my major to physics but they don't have a physics program. i was wondering if i could put the classes i take for the associates in engineering towards a bachelors degree in physics.
  11. N

    Physics Teaching limits of a physics degree

    I was wondering what other areas besides physics one could teach with a MS or PhD in Physics? I was possibly planning on going for an MS in Physics, and then going to teach at a community college for a few years. I figured getting a MS in Physics would also qualify you to teach pretty much...
  12. S

    Programs Which math classes should I take to compliment a Physics degree?

    I'm working on a Physics/Mathematics double major at Oregon State, primarily focusing on physics, and I want to know which upper division math courses best synthesize with a physics program in graduate school. Right now I'm leaning toward Astrophysics. Of the classes described...
  13. K

    Programs What can I do with this Engineering Physics degree?

    I'll be attending University of Illinois in the Fall and am planning on majoring in Engineering Physics. I was trying to figure out what exactly I could do with this degree after graduating. Could I get into an MSEE program? or another field of engineering? Would I have any decent job...
  14. Simfish

    What were the requirement of a physics degree back in the early 1900s?

    Say, before the development of quantum mechanics and most of modern physics? What were the requirements back then? Did students have more of certain things than what modern physics students now have? (e.g. did they study classical physics in a lot more depth?)
  15. Kawakaze

    Switching Careers: Is A Physics Degree Worth the Investment?

    Hi all. I am a precision engineer with 10 years under my belt. I want to switch to a physics related career. My school is to college level, mechanical and electronic engineering (in Europe that is not University), I am studying for a BSc in physical science, part time. The problem is the time...
  16. Shackleford

    Physics Getting into oil and gas with a physics degree with no geophysics courses?

    Is that possible? UH offers a physics degree BS with geophysics specialization. I looked at doing that a while back but decided against it. With just a BS Physics, could I get into oil and gas/energy? If so, what kinds of jobs would I be doing? I live outside of Houston, btw.
  17. D

    Programs Which major to compliment physics degree? Applied or pure math?

    Hi. I'm entering university this year and planning to do a double degree. My chief aim would be theoretical physics. I'm facing the dilemma that my university's math department offers Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. Since I hope that my second degree would compliment and strengthen my...
  18. M

    Programs Ok I'm studying for a physics degree in 2010 or maybe 2011 but I am

    Ok I'm studying for a physics degree in 2010 or maybe 2011 but I am really undecided whether to go the part time route and work or the full time route and accrue debt? The part time courses are free because I am unemployed and haven't done a degree before, but I'm not sure part time is as good...
  19. F

    Programs From computer and communication engineering to physics degree

    hello, I have a diploma in computer in computer and communication engineering.in this field i studied mainly programming,electronics,electricity,mathematics,telecommunication and computer architecture.i can send you my CV and education documents if you like. but the physics is my dream and...
  20. G

    Physics What kinds of jobs with a Physics degree?

    I'm currently set to major in Physics. I'll be starting my Junior year next Fall, so I have some decisions to make. Above all, I need to be employable. I'm not the brightest star in my class and am tired of being poor, so I'm definitely not going the Physicist route. Probably not...
  21. W

    Math Math and/or Physics degree while working fulltime ?

    Do you think it is feasible to get a Math and/or Physics degree while working full time ?
  22. G

    Living Off Minimum Wage and Pursuing a Physics Degree

    Currently I'm living in a relatively cheap apartment. I live off a minimum wage job making about $12 000 a year, which isn't much, but it is apparently a bit more than enough for how I live. I haven't gone through my undergraduate years in college (right now I'm gathering money). I want to do...
  23. N

    Physics Combining Physics Degree & MBA: Benefits & Experiences?

    Hi all. I have read some stuff about how an engineering degree supplementet by a MBA is very valuable. Do you guys have any experience if it is the same with a physics degree? Niles.
  24. J

    Exploring an Online Physics Degree with a BA in Chemistry

    This will be somewhat unorganized as I am really just fishing for information at this stage. I currently have a BA in Chemistry, with a minor in math, but would really like to add a physics degree to this. Simple enough so far, the issue is, I would like to take online courses as much as...
  25. L

    Programs Adding another major to my physics degree

    Hi all, I've just finished my first semester of study towards a BSc in physics. My original desire to study physics was fuelled by space. Working on anything, from spaceflight to theoretical physics really, really interested me. However, most people here have said that it's too specific of a...
  26. thrill3rnit3

    Programs Physics degree vs. Engineering vs. Applied Math

    Pros and cons of each? I want my future to have something to do with Math [ it's my passion duh ], but I'd rather study an application of it than in it's purety [ though that's still not out of the question ]. So right now I'm considering getting a Physics degree, or maybe an Engineering [...
  27. S

    Physics Aeronautics from a physics degree

    Hi everyone, I'm studying for an MSc in physics at the moment, in the UK and I have two more years to run on the course. However, I don't want to stay in physics when I graduate, and I'm thinking of trying to work in aeronautics. How easy is it to move from physics to aeronautics? If I...
  28. W

    Become a U.S. Patent Clerk: Engineering Physics Degree & Pay

    What does it take to become a U.S. patent clerk? I will have an engineering physics degree. Is the pay decent? Right now I just don't feel like doing research in physics for an official institution of any sort.But there is a lot personal research I would like to do.
  29. C

    Programs Article about making physics degree more employable

    what do you guys think of this? http://physicspost.com/articles.php?articleId=211&page=2 that part where he said that if you want to go into mechanical engineering, you should spend another semester taking mechE classes the problem I'm having is that, since i go by the quarter/trimester...
  30. C

    Programs Quickest route to physics degree

    hi there i've just realized that physics is my true calling in life! unfortunately i am 28 and have a steady job. My question is, is there any way to do a physics degree with a decent UK university either part time or by intensive course? i've got a "A" at A-level to build on, further...
  31. M

    Programs Combined Eng. Mech and Physics Degree class list. Thoughts?

    I'm currently a freshman at UIUC and a physics major. I've asked for a lot of advice on these forums and elsewhere and I think I may want to consider a double degree in some sort of engineering and physics. I have all my general education requirements done (thanks to a lot of AP credits) so all...
  32. J

    Programs Getting a Physics degree later in life.

    I am an older person (30 +) that has worked in technology for nearly 20 years. I have worked on and with High Performance Technical computing clusters to support NASA and scientist. I have no degrees. I have always has a deep interest and enjoy Astronomy, Physics, Cosmology. I am...
  33. S

    What Careers Are Possible with a Physics Degree Besides Lab Work?

    Gday all, Just writing today about my current problem - not knowing what I want to do when i graduate, from my Physics degree. At the moment I'm not particularly keen on a lab sort of position, where I would be restricted to a lab for say, 95%+ of a given work day. I would like a active...
  34. L

    Programs Evalute My Potential Physics Degree

    As per a previous post I am considering switching my major from CS to Physics with a CS minor. Once I graduate I would like to have the chance to go onto a Ph.d. in the field. My school doesn't offer a hold lot of options for various higher level courses but there is the curriculum I would...
  35. P

    Programs Physics Degree for Financial Jobs.

    I'm an Undergraduate student and need help deciding on what to major in. I'm currently a double major in Statistics and Finance. I would like to work up in New York as a analyst or Hedge Fund manager of the sort. However, hedge fund manager might be unrealistic so an analyst job is probably my...
  36. O

    Engineering A career in Aerospace Control Systems with an Engineering Physics degree?

    Hello, first time poster (can't say I am a long time reader) and I've been looking for the answer to a question in regards to Aerospace Engineering. First a bit of background about my degree. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics with a focus on electrical engineering. I...
  37. U

    Preparing for a Switch to EE with a Physics Degree?

    I am a 2nd year physics undergrad and I am thinking about a switch to EE. I like the thought of grad school, maybe to be an engineer, so I want to know if my undergrad in physics is going to prepare me enough. Some of the upper year classes I will be taking are: (all 1 term classes): E&M I...
  38. D

    Physics Can a Physics Degree Lead to a Successful Career in Business and Finance?

    hi, I am about to choose which course i am going into for my university eduction, and i am planning to major in physics. However i am wondering about the career opportunities as a physics grad. From the university's website and from what i heard, a physics graduate can go into academia and...
  39. I

    Programs What are the options for studying theoretical physics degree in Egypt?

    Hello All i want to study theoretical physics and get a degree and then follow my post graduate studies, but i have to main problems, first is that i can't attend to much because i am working as a full time programmer so i need to find a reputable university that can offer the degree by long...
  40. B

    Programs Is it too late for a physics degree?

    Hello, I am a 30 year old with a BS in communication, with a specialization in video production. I've been working full time in this field since college, and although I enjoy my job and like what I do, I find physics fascinating and can see myself really enjoying a career in that field of work...
  41. B

    Programs Full A-Level Maths essential for a Physics degree?

    I am currently in Yr13 & studying A-level Physics, Chemistry & History. I took AS-Level Maths but due to certain circumstances failed, but I am taking it again this year & am hoping to get a B which I should have got last year. I would have dropped History but as I started AS Maths late, a week...
  42. C

    Engineering Becoming an engineer with a Physics degree

    I want to become an engineer but I am also interested in playing football at a small NAIA school that does not offer a degree in any kind of engineering but they do offer a degree in Physics. I was wondering how difficult is it to become an engineer with a degree in physics or if it is even...
  43. X

    Programs Will I require any physics degree to publish a paper?

    Will I require any physics degree to publish a paper? I am a computer Science student, but love theo. phy. till the core of my heart Will I be able to publish papers without any physics degree, and just by studying at home?
  44. D

    Programs Engineering Math Physics degree?

    Hello everyone, This is my first post. My problem is that I'm getting terribly frustrated trying to decide which degree to pursue? Everyday I change between electrical engineering, math, or physics. I have been back in school since spring '08. And my original intention was to pursue a...
  45. M

    Programs Is a Physics Degree Really for Me?

    Hey All, I'm having a bit of trouble deciding what degree to do. I have always seen myself doing a physics degree, but recently I have been put off. It's the end of the year (1 or 2 weeks left) and teachers haven't been in all the lessons, and the whole physics thing just doesn't seem a rosy...
  46. F

    Programs Extra Mathematics Courses for Undergraduate Physics Degree

    The BS degree for physics at the university (Kentucky) I will be attending has 'Calculus I-IV', as the only mathematical requirements. In addition to the calculus courses, I will be taking 'Matrix Algebra & Applications'. My question is, what are other mathematics courses that are helpful...
  47. M

    Programs Physics Degree and Military Service

    Hello, So I will be getting my physics degree soon but I've always wanted to go into the military. I will be enlisting soon (I can't be an officer right away because I am not a citizen yet) but I don't want to detach myself from physics. Are there any physicists that are in the military...
  48. H

    Physics Areer opportunities for student with undergraduate physics degree

    Hi everybody, I would like to hear you opinion I have one semester left and with bunch of classes taken from mechanical engineering and material science departments, high GPA, some research experiecne in physics department and no industry experience what kind of jobs one can expect to have...
  49. F

    Making My Physics Degree Decision

    Dear Physics friends, the time has come for me to decide what to do with my physics degree. I have asked a lot of people but in the end its me who has to take the decision. But I think I need your counseling. Let me tell you something about what I have done so far: I studied physics for 3...
  50. G

    Programs What Can I Do with a Physics Degree?

    I'm a senior in high school, and I'm thinking of majoring in Physics in college. The only reason why I'm hesitant in going through with it is the question "What can I do with a Physics degree?" I mean I love the subject, but I was wondering what exactly one does with a degree in Physics aside...
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