What is Physics major: Definition and 332 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. P

    Programs Not enough intelligence for physics major

    I'm looking for physics majors or grads that may have been in my situation. Recently I started studying physics in my spare time (enter University in a few months) and I really struggled with one dimensional motion...which was the first chapter of the book. It took me days to understand the...
  2. ZapperZ

    Programs The Life of a Physics Major - Comments

    ZapperZ submitted a new PF Insights post The Life of a Physics Major Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  3. kkefalas

    Programs Don't Need Chemistry as a Physics Major?

    I'm a Physics major, and I've heard most universities require that you take Chemistry. My school doesn't require this. Is it still beneficial to get some chemistry under my belt?
  4. M

    Schools Is it too late to get into a top grad school with a low GPA?

    Alright so I know that I am thinking far into the future here but I think it is necessary. I am a freshman in college and I am a physics major but my grades are poor. My first semester I got 2 C's(physics and math) because I did not study a lot. This semester I'm doing better, I'll get an A in...
  5. Crush1986

    Programs Physics major in Linear Algebra

    I'm a physics major taking Linear Algebra right now. It's been pretty boring but I'm doing well. I'm just wondering about which concepts from this subject should I really focus on understanding and knowing how to apply well? Obviously I'm focusing on everything and trying to receive and A in...
  6. grandpa2390

    Programs Best Minor for a Physics Major with these goals

    So I am majoring in Physics due to its flexibility (and my love of the subject), but I never intended on going into research. I finally think I've decided what I want to do. I either want to go into some sort of economics/finance (a graduate student I knew got an offer from a major bank), or I...
  7. KonaGorrila

    Programs What would be a good degree to accompany a Physics Major?

    Aloha, I am majoring in physics but have finished all my requirements outside of the physics field. So I am stuff taking only physics and math and want to become full time. Does anyone have suggestions on what would be a good second major/minor to accompany physics? I am thinking chemistry...
  8. Crush1986

    Best way to learn computer language for physics major

    It seems being able to program is a very valuable tool to a student studying physics (about to be a 3rd year). I'm transferring from a CC to a four year soon. I noticed a lot of the universities I've been accepted to have had their sophomores take some programming this year. Over the summer...
  9. M

    Programs Advice for 1st Year Physics Major: Struggles & Successes

    I am a first year physics major, and last semester I did poorly in calc and physics, due to a lack of studying and being new to college and all that. This semester I am destroying physics so far (not cocky, I have been studying and getting A's on most quizzes), but I am only doing average in...
  10. N

    Programs Essential classes for physics major?

    Hello, I'm not yet at the University level, but I was just wondering what core (meaning physics and math) classes are important for someone going into physics. Some background on my education thus far, I took Algebra 1 in 7th grade, Geometry in 8th, algebra 2 in 9th, doubled up on math in 10th...
  11. P

    Schools Local university doesn't offer physics major

    I've ran into a problem where my local University, that I would be able to attend for no cost due to my close proximity (staying at home) and scholarships, does not offer physics as a major, only a minor. If I were to attend a different University, my scholarships wouldn't cover my costs due to...
  12. N

    Programs Astro vs Chemistry for Physics Major

    Hi all. I'm a prospective physics major, hoping to either go into particle physics or condensed matter research or enter tech if research doesn't turn out to be for me. I was wondering which elective I should choose for next semester--astro 101 or Chemistry 1 or CS 1? Will chemistry help me with...
  13. N

    Programs Statistics vs. Astronomy for Physics Major

    I am currently signing up for classes next semester. I am already taking Linear Algebra, Physics 2 + Lab, and a required writing course. As my fourth choice I can either take Astronomy + Lab or Introduction to Probability and Statistics. The pros of statistics are that there is no lab, which...
  14. duran9987

    27 year old Physics undergrad needing advice

    Have a personal question for those familiar with the field. I am an "older than usual" undergrad student who is very interested in physics. At 27 years old I have fallen in love with understanding the world through physics and mathematics. I will be declaring myself a physics major this...
  15. M

    Advice for an Undergraduate Physics major looking for focus

    I am a sophmore physics major, and I'm trying to decide on a concentration. I'm very interested in psychology, and am trying to find a way to combine the two, but I doubt that with the time remaining that I could even minor in bio or psychology in the time remaining to me. If I wish to pursue...
  16. neosoul

    Programs Physics Major: Should I Take Abstract Algebra?

    Should I take abstract algebra. I was going to double major but I don't want to be at school for more than four years or pay for extra classes. Therefore, I decided minor in mathematics instead. I registered for abstract algebra before I decided to just minor in mathematics. I have a hard time...
  17. D

    Programs Future physics major looking for advice

    *I just realized I posted this to the wrong topic. Oops* [Note from mentor: moved to Academic Guidance. In the future, if you think you've posted in the wrong place, simply hit the "Report" button/link and tell us.] I'm starting college in 1 month, I'm so excited! My plan is to go in...
  18. C

    Programs Double Major in Computer Engineering and Physics?

    I am currently a senior in high school and next year I will be enrolling into my freshman year of college. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on doing a double major in Computer Engineering and Physics? For example, would it be worth the time and course load to complete a double major in...
  19. S

    What non-physics degrees can increase job prospects for a physics major?

    At the moment, I'm a second year phyics/astronomy major, along with a math minor. And like most people majoring in STEM fields, I hope to get into a PhD program in a few years or so (I don't exactly know what to go into specifically, I have an interest in a couple of somewhat specific fields of...
  20. majormuss

    Schools Physics major taking a 1 year break between undergraduate and graduate school?

    I am a physics major currently scheduled to graduate next May. However, I want to take a 1 year break before going on to graduate school. What are some worthwhile things that I can do during that 1 year break? I definitely want to do something/ or join a program that is travelling-related...
  21. J

    Changing career to an experimentalist from a Theoretical Physics Major

    Hi everyone, I 'm doing a physics degree in Imperial College london, I have a tendency to do experimental physics research in the future, however, I applied to the theoretical physics course 3 years ago, which means (a year less labs than the experimental physicists, I made this decision because...
  22. C

    Programs Physics major general career and academics help

    Hello everyone, First post here, so let me introduce myself. My name is Cameron Roberts, as I believe will show next to my post. I currently study at the University of Alabama as a Physics major with a somewhat undecided minor. I intend to get my Ph.D and work on the Bose-Einstein Condensate...
  23. B

    Programs Should I do a minor with a physics major or specialize in just physics

    I have to decide whether to major in physics and minor in something else or to do a specialization degree in physics for undergrad. Now a specialization degree (SSP) is basically a major degree on steroids; it's a major honours degree with some graduate courses stacked on top of it so that more...
  24. PhysicsKid0123

    Programs Applied mathematics and physics major.

    I'm currently a double major in applied mathematics and physics, but I'm not exactly sure what I will be doing after I graduate. I will graduate in about 2 more years give or take, and I just started my 4th year in college (I transferred into UT so things are taking longer but this was my...
  25. B3NR4Y

    Programs I just started undergrad as a Physics Major, and have lost confidence

    I tested out of my maths, and was placed in Calculus II, and being 16 I don't have time to be a full-time student (nor the mental capacity) so I only am taking two more classes, Physics I for Physics Majors, and Sociology. Going into the school year I felt very confident in Physics and kind of...
  26. N

    Programs Balancing Part-Time Work and Full-Time Studies: Is It Worth It?

    Hi, I'll be entering my second year as a physics major (full-time), at a competitive top-tire school (University of Toronto), and I am contemplating getting a part-time - 20 hour - job. Has anyone had experience managing full-time studies with a part-time job? If so, what are your opinions? A...
  27. L

    Programs Physics & Math Major Guide | Leon Pierre

    Hello, My name is Leon Pierre, and I am a physics major . I want to double major both in physics and math. My main goal is to be a mathematical physicists , who works in the fields dealing with electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. I am trying to figure out which topics of mathematics am I to...
  28. M

    Applied Physics Major with Minor in SysCon .where do I fit in?

    I am studying Applied Physics at the undergraduate level right now, and I have recently become interested in Systems and Control Engineering. I am working in a student robotics lab, and do a lot of SCE (Systems and Control Engineering) - related work there. I understand that SCE has direct...
  29. K

    Programs Math or Compsci minor for Physics Major?

    I am entering my second year in college, and I am thinking about majoring physics with an emphasis in astrophysics. If I were to go to graduate school in astrophysics, which minor would best complement a physics major? Mathematics? Computer Science? Or maybe even statistics? If I were to...
  30. C

    Programs What is a good minor for a Physics major?

    Hello everyone, I am new to this forum.Looking forward for being an active member here. I am from India, and have recently graduated from High School. I wanted to study medicine, and but did not score good marks in the entrance test.My second choice was to study pure science and do research...
  31. S

    Ex-Grad School Physics Major looking at Military for Job

    Hello, I currently hold a B.S. in Physics with a minor in Mathematics, but personally felt that to be more prepared for a job in industry, I would need to obtain a Master's degree, so I went through the whole graduate school application process, got into graduate school, and just recently...
  32. Ascendant78

    Schools Choice for undergrad college and grad school as a physics major?

    Ok, so I am just finishing my AA as a physics major and on the fence about two different universities to finish my BS. One of them is more well recognized as far as physics goes (University of Florida). However, being a non-traditional student, it would put me a substantial distance away from...
  33. Dishsoap

    Programs This is what happens when you hand math research to a physics major.

    Don't get me wrong, I'm all about research. I've been doing physics research for two years (not much, in the grand scheme of things), but I love it. I love programming which is mind-numbingly boring to most people, I love solving equations, I love being able to understand the universe around us...
  34. A

    Programs Self-Taught Undergraduate Physics Major

    All, Do you think that it would be possible for me design my own curriculum and teach myself all of undergraduate physics and the appropriate level math in a year potentially? I know that I will have to work lots of problems to become really good at the content. I was also thinking about taking...
  35. J

    Programs Physics major with a math minor

    I am a physics major with a math minor. I only have to take two more math classes after this semester to finish my minor. I'd like to know which classes would be most beneficial for me. I've taken: Calc I Calc II Calc III Diff Eq Linear Algebra Differential Geometry Courses that I can take...
  36. K

    Is an Applied Physics Major Employable?

    My university offers an Applied Physics major with seven specialties: atmospheric physics, chemical physics, computational physics, geophysics, materials science, physical electronics or physical oceanography. I could also pursue a B.S./M.S. degree in electrical engineering if I choose the...
  37. Ascendant78

    Programs What to focus on in calculus (as a physics major)?

    I just finished up calc II this semester. So far, seems fairly easy and I got an A no problem. However, there was a lot of material in each of the chapters that we didn't cover as well as more difficult problems in the sections that we didn't work on. Our professor told us it really isn't...
  38. S

    Programs How Feasible Is It? Changing English major to Physics major

    Hi guys. I'm an education major. I'm about to transfer to a university where I was planning on getting my undergraduate degree in education with a concentration in English. However, both my uncle and my dad were great at math. My uncle was accepted into a highly prestigious college for...
  39. M

    Life After Physics Major: Doing a Second REU

    Hey, I am a physics major who just found out he needs to stay another year before graduating. Have people done more than one REU?
  40. L

    What finance roles should a physics major consider?

    I'm a junior majoring in physics and I'm pretty interested in finance. I'm still considering going to grad school in geology (though I'm leaning towards finance) and I'm planning to intern in finance this summer. I go to a target school for the bulge bracket banks and for quite a few prop shops...
  41. S

    Programs Co-op as a physics major - is it worth it?

    Hi, I am in my last year of high school and am looking at different (Canadian) physics programs. The programs that I am looking at all have an option to do multiple co-op placements and I am not sure as to whether it is worth it to graduate a year later but with work experience. At this point...
  42. Last chance U

    Who's more well rounded, a physics major or a math major.

    I've recently stumbled upon this thread and one of the replies says that physicist tend to be more smarter/well rounded then mathematicians. In your opinion, who's more well rounded?
  43. Redstriker

    Programs Study Physics Abroad: Affordable Programs for IGCSE Students in Egypt

    Physics major Abroad ?? Hi everybody :smile:, I'm an IGCSE (high school senior) student in Egypt and I am planning to study physics on a higher level . I speak 2 languages , Arabic and English . I was searching for a physics program abroad and I prefer if it was in English . The real problem I...
  44. E

    Programs Physics Major Schedule: Modern vs. Classical Mechanics

    Should I take modern physics and classical mechanics in the same semester? Or is that a bad idea. And my concerns are mostly about needing to understand stuff from modern to understand classical. Thank you
  45. N

    Programs Language for an Applied Physics major

    I just started at my four year university, after doing my AA at a community college simply to save some money and get my gen ed requirements out of the way as much as I could. However, the university I started at has a language requirement in order to graduate. I only have to take 2 semesters...
  46. N

    Programs Physics major for applied physics career?

    If I was to major in physics in college, could I get a job in applied physics? If yes, would I need my PhD?
  47. N

    Programs Can a Physics Major Make a Real-World Impact?

    I've been annoying myself with this buzzing in my head all summer and posting questions about what major to choose here almost every day! I'm so confused what to do when it comes to my major. I love physics and I'm taking AP Physics B online this year. I watch all these physics shows on TV all...
  48. N

    Programs Physics major for technology research?

    If I majored in physics would I have the qualifications to work with technology? I like physics very much and sometimes want to research but mostly I want to work with technology and find ways to make it better. Is it smart to think of a major in physics and maybe double major or minor? Or...
  49. QuantumCurt

    Programs Physics major- Should I take biology with a lab?

    Hey everyone, I'm wondering if, as a physics major, I should take labs with all of my other science classes as well? I'm taking a one year sequence in general chemistry over the next two semesters, which has a mandatory lab component. My main question pertains to biology. I'm going to be...
  50. C

    Engineering Physics major with a minor in mechanical engineering

    Hi, so I'm a junior pursuing a B.S in physics but I'm thinking that might not be enough to make me competitive. So I am thinking about minoring in mechanical engineering to make me more competitive. The thing is I'm not sure if it will even matter in the job market. I want to wait a bit to...
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