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. Z

    Definitive math books for a physics major

    So as a physics undergrad, I have been studying extensively into the popular (and useful) textbooks books by Stewart (Calc), Boas (Methods), and Riley (Methods). Any ways, I was just wondering, is there another book on mathematics for that a physics major should probably like to look, say after...
  2. V

    Programs Jobs for an Engineering Physics major.

    Hello everyone, I am doing B.Tech. in Engineering Physics and in my final year right now. I come from a reputed institute we are generally offered on campus jobs although at my institute there aren't many core companies related to my major. Anyway, my plans are to obtain a masters degree. My...
  3. Q

    Programs Physics major - does it get harder every year?

    2nd year undergrad here. What did physics majors think about the difficulty of their various courses? I took the honors versions of the intro course and did pretty well but I'm in intermediate classical mechanics and it's destroying me... I guess taking six classes might have been a bit too...
  4. P

    Physics Nanotechnology as a career option for Physics Major

    Hi, I'm in my Junior year and I'm starting to think very seriously about what I want to do once I graduate, especially about whether I want to go to grad school or not. I've had a bit of experience doing research (spent two summers doing academic research) and I don't really think it's my...
  5. X

    Programs Taking intro Mechanics 2nd semester freshmen year as a physics major?

    In my college students who don't have AP credit for calc I are required to delay physics a semester till they are done with calc I. Because of this students take E@M sophomore year and have to take a intro waves and thermo class 2nd semester sophomore year. This means students don't take...
  6. M

    Physics Physics major need career advice

    Hi, I'm going into my second year of the physics program and I was thinking about trying out for med school afterwards. In case that doesn't pan out, what are some other jobs that require a physics degree? If I don't make it into med school, I'll probably go for a masters and probably Ph.D...
  7. M

    Programs Premed and Physics Majors: Finding the Perfect College for Your Dual Interests

    So, I'm looking at colleges and whatnot, and I know I want to be a doctor of some sort, so I am going to do pre med, but I am also really into physics. The plan is to hopefully go to a college that has a good premed classes and advice, but also get a physics major at that college. First off, is...
  8. B

    Programs Advice to a freshman physics major

    Hey I've been browsing these forums for some insight into the field I'll be currently majoring in. But I feel I may as a well ask myself and get some firsthand advice. Being a physics major, it's only natural that the course load will be quite heavy compared to others. I'm taking five...
  9. I

    Programs As a brand new physics major, I have a question.

    This is my first semester at uni so, I am also enrolled in my first physics class. It is an honors mechanics class. So far, there have been 2 problem sets of around 20 questions. The questions in the problem sets are orders of magnitude more difficult than anything covered in class. It comes to...
  10. D

    Programs Prospective Physics major; taking AP Physics B

    Hey PF, I'm in my senior year of high school and I'm taking AP Physics B this year as my school does not offer AP Physics C, and I'm wondering if I should supplement with extra studying as I plan on majoring in physics. I took calculus AB (equivalent of first semester calculus) last year and I'm...
  11. A

    Programs What difference will dropping a Physics major make?

    I was strongly considering getting a BS in Physics along with a BA in Math until right now when I'm starting to consider dropping the Physics major. By "dropping" I don't mean leave Physics altogether but instead of getting a BS in it, I'll just be taking a lot of courses in it (such as quantum...
  12. X

    Programs Do I have a good math sequence for a Physics Major who want to go into QFT

    I like to plan ahead so as of now I basically have a good idea what my schedule will be like for all 4 year of college. I want to go into QFT eventually so I think the math classes I have decided to take will be best for that. They are Multivariable calculus( freshmen year 1st semester) Half a...
  13. L

    Programs Should a physics major learn optics?

    People never seem to mention optics when they talk about the core courses an undergraduate student majoring in physics should take. Yet, a professor told me it was a very useful course. Is it applicable to other areas in physics? How demanding is such a course? (my college uses Hecht's book...
  14. C

    Engineering Can a physics major get hired as a software engineer?

    I'm wondering if I'll be able to find a job once I graduate, if my grad school plans don't pan out. I'm graduating with a BA in physics from a University of California, to be able to take computer science classes on the side (enough for a minor). Am I qualified enough to get software engineering...
  15. H

    Physics Physics major looking at Medical Imaging Sales

    I am currently in my last year of a B.S. Physics degree. I have an emphasis in medical physics and have spent the past year interning at the local cancer center's radiation oncology department. I love the field, but interning has made me realize that the patient interaction is not for me. I'd...
  16. QuarkCharmer

    Programs General Chemistry 2 for physics major?

    Did any of you take General Chemistry 2 as part of a physics degree? Most of my fellow students are engineers and they are only required to take Chem 1, but the physics degree lists Chem 2 as a recommended course. Either way, is this something that would prevent me from taking any third year...
  17. B

    Programs What engineering minor would complement a physics major?

    I was thinking about majoring in physics with a minor in an engineering like chemical. electrical,or materials science. I want to ultimately have a PhD in physics and an engineering. Do you think this is advisable? Or should i major in an engineering with physics minor?
  18. X

    Programs What kind of math should I know as incoming Physics Major Freshmen

    I will be starting my freshmen year at college this September and I can't wait to do physics. I really want to learn as much physics as possible and do a lot of research. However I feel that I don't know enough math to go at the pace I really want to go at. Compared to most H.S students I did...
  19. C

    Programs Advise on math courses to supplement physics major

    Hi, I am entering Rice University this fall as a Physics major, with the intention of double-majoring in Mathematics. Although I'd like to take every math class they have to offer, I need some advice on which math classes are crucial in providing a mathematical foundation and possibly a timeline...
  20. F

    Programs Which programming languages might a physics major learn and why?

    Other than C++, which is obvious, and MATLAB, which is unavoidable.
  21. R

    Programs Can I become a physics major after starting late in my college career?

    Hello! I am new to this site as you can see but I plan on being here for a while. I am just finishing my freshman year of college, and I have 20 unites with between a 3.4-3.7 GPA. This year I did not want to declare a major because I was to scared to commit to one.. Ive known my whole life I...
  22. D

    Programs What can I do with Physics Major and Comp. Sci. Minor

    Hi all, I'm a graduating freshman at university right now. I'm currently enrolled in the engineering program but am strongly considering switching majors to physics with perhaps a computer science minor, or at least some computer science classes. I eventually plan to go to graduate school...
  23. A

    Programs Where to go for an exchange? Physics Major

    Hi all, My university has an exchange program, and I am thinking to apply for it Some of the notable choices (in Europe) are: -ETH Zurich -EPFLausanne -TU Munich -TU Darmstadt -U Stuttgart -Utrecht -KTH -Chalmers I am a Physics Major (undergraduate) and do not speak any...
  24. B

    How Did Overcoming Addiction Lead to a Passion for Physics?

    Hey PF, just thought I'd post a story. Kind of long, sorry. I'm 19 next week, and a freshman at a community college. Long story short, up until this semester my school effort has been hit and miss. I'd do great sometimes, then terrible at others. Until senior year, I just stopped caring...
  25. J

    Programs Math required for physics major

    Heya folks! So I had a question about mathematics requirements. In my current physics program, you are only required to go up to calculus 3. Some people choose to do a math minor, others choose other minors. This same program, goes up to QM 1 + 2 as capstone classes. My question is...
  26. D

    Physics Studying Astronomy with a physics major?

    I want to study astronomy/astrophysics. But only two of the University of California offers astronomy or astrophysics. Would it be possible to major in physics and get a job in an astronomy related field or later get a masters in astronomy/astrophysics with a BS in physics?
  27. S

    Schools Best Undergraduate School for a Physics Major

    Hello everyone! Our son wants to pursue physics as a major (eventually getting a Ph.D.) and wants to ultimately become a research physicist. He has narrowed down the schools that he has been accepted to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Case Western Reserve, and the University of Rochester...
  28. M

    Programs Best way to gain electronics knowledge? (for undergrad physics major)

    I see more and more that any professor or REU program wants one of three skills: programming (which I am in the process of obtaining), fabrication/machining/welding(which I know very well), or electronics knowledge, the latter which I do not have and have no idea even where to start. I know...
  29. L

    Physics Graduating Physics Major needs Employment Advice

    I'll be graduating soon and don't really want to go to grad school. My heart is just not in it anymore and I want to start "living" outside of the context of school for once. I don't have any internships or anything to make me particularly attractive besides pretty good grades. A few years...
  30. B

    What Should I Major in to Become a Research Scientist: Chemistry or Physics?

    I want to be some sort of a research scientist. I was wondering what you guys think would be better to study. Is one easier to get jobs with? How much harder is physics then chemistry? and finally how much would a research scientist with a masters degree earn right out of school with those...
  31. D

    Programs Engineering Courses for Physics Major

    Hello, What are some recommended engineering courses I should take to diversify my physics degree? Thanks! DoubleMint
  32. R

    Programs What extra Maths course should I take (Physics major)?

    I'm going to be a second-year student next year, and since for the first semester I only have three courses I need to take, and there are no optional Physics modules other than the already prescribed core courses everyone needs to take anyway, I was thinking I'd pick another Maths course...
  33. H

    Schools Applying to Aerospace Grad School as a Physics Major

    Hello, I'm currently a junior undergraduate majoring in Physics/Math at a well ranked university. I've recently decided that I'm way more excited by the new commercial space industry than I am by pretty much anything in frontier physics (although I find many topics in frontier physics really...
  34. R

    Programs Programming classes or self-teach? (physics major)

    Hello. I am a third year physics major (technically, although I am still taking 200 level classes) and understand that programming is a must. I do not know anything about programming. I initially planned on taking a summer programming course (if not, then next fall) but it seems as though I'd...
  35. P

    Programs Is it possible be a Physics major w/o HS Physics?

    Hi, I'm currently a grade 11, and due to certain extreme circumstances I was unable to study Physics in the four years of High School (only Chemistry and Biology and Math, albeit to the highest levels possible for my age). I was wondering if I could still be double majoring in Physics & Math...
  36. S_Happens

    Back to School as a Physics Major

    After working in the real world and saving for the past 4 years I'm headed back to school tomorrow. Due to a technicality (sorry) I'm actually a physics major until next semester. Since I'm now married with a house, I'm staying local and finishing up my BS in Mechanical Engineering at the...
  37. D

    Programs What grad schools can I get into with a 3.0 GPA as a physics major?

    I'm a 2nd year physics major, with a minor in math, i have a GPA around 3, (4 point system), and i will probably graduate by next year, i was wondering what grad schools i would have a shot at?
  38. C

    Programs Masters options for physics major

    Hi, I am a physics major graduate and i what to do a masters preferably in engineering and i would like some suggestions on the possible courses i can do. Thanks
  39. M

    Programs Starting physics major in sophomore year

    Here's some background to the story: Throughout HS, I always thought physics and math was my forte, and went to several international competitions in both subjects. But as I started college in the US, I fell in love with art history and over freshman year thought that I should major in the...
  40. J

    Engineering Senior physics major to software engineer?

    Hello everyone! I have recently decided that I want to pursue a career in software engineering, but the problem is that I haven’t taken many courses in it. I’ll briefly describe where I’m at now: I’m a senior physics major, and I had originally planned on doing some sort of medical physics or...
  41. P

    Physics I'm a physics major interested in the new energy industry

    What kind of energy field should I focused on? Solar? Geothermal? Biomass?
  42. M

    Engineering Physics major wanting to get into software engineering

    I am in my 3rd year of a physics b.s. program. I have been taking a few courses (not many) to get a computer science concentration. I have become increasingly interested in software engineering (not just programming), so I'm looking into how hard that is going to be with a physics degree...
  43. W

    Schools Rising college freshman, physics major?

    Hello. I'm a recently graduated high school senior who is attending an Ivy next fall (I don't know if there's a forum decorum issue about naming which one). I need advice on what career path to take. I'm currently planning on majoring in physics, since I feel that physics and chemistry are...
  44. Simfish

    Schools Should I Take Quantum/Classical Mechanics if Not Required for Physics Major?

    I don't want to take the second quarter of quantum mechanics, since I can easily self-study the material and since I'd prefer to take graduate level courses in some other field instead. It's not required for the physics major here. Does it matter that much if I don't take it? Same goes for...
  45. C

    Programs Requirements for a physics major

    I wanted to know if most schools require you to take any physics classes that are not calculus based. Also does anyone have any suggestions on a good college to go to for physics or mathematics.
  46. S

    Programs Is a Physics Major Challenging Enough for Top Med Schools?

    I really like physics, however I'm worried about not being able to get a 3.8+ gpa (looking to go to a top med school) if I major in it. I'm also going to be attending a really good undergrad school so there will be much more competition in my classes (having a near 4.0 gpa in high school is...
  47. N

    Programs Thinking about being a physics major

    I recently got the idea of being a physics major. I was accepted for chemical engineering, but I'm not sure I want to concentrate on that just yet. I will be entering college in the fall. I really love studying physics, even though I've never had an actual class on it. I read physics...
  48. C

    Advice on 3+2 Program for Applied Physics Major at Coastal Carolina

    I will be attending Coastal Carolina University in the fall as an applied physics major, but the school also has a 3+2 program with Clemson where I would get a Physics degree from Coastal and an Engineering degree from Clemson. My question is would it be better to do the 3+2 and then graduate...
  49. A

    Programs Im a physics major and i want to specialize in opticsany

    im a physics major and i want to specialize in optics.. any suggestions which path and university i should follow what would a good idea as of making good money in future and also doing research by specializing in optics (physics)
  50. Z

    Programs Best math classes for a physics major?

    Best math classes for a physics major?? So I'm double majoring in physics and math, what are some beneficial math classes? REQUIRED FOR A MATH MAJOR: - Calculus I - Calculus II - Calculus III - Linear Algebra - Abstract Algebra - Differential Equations - Intermediate Analysis -...
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