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. D

    Engineering Physics major vs. mechanical engineer undergrad degree to become an engineer

    physics vs. mechanical engineering undergrad degree to become an engineer hi-- i am an intended mechanical engineering major (undergrad) since that's where i would like to end up professionally. I'm still relatively early on in my education, but upon taking physics I'm struck by how much more...
  2. I

    Programs Physics major looking for some advice

    Hi I am a physics major at UCF and currently have decided to pick up a math minor. The physics program is requiring calc 1,2,3 and differentials. The math minor is the same + a 3000 level course + a 4000 level course. I decided to take matrix and linear algebra as the 3000 level elective. I am...
  3. P

    The story behind a physics major

    hi guys, just to share some stuffs. I am a physics major in an asian country, and the very reason i choose to major physics is purely out of interest. Theoretical physics is just way too cool... But again, i feel that there is a price to pay for this interest and is a pretty heavy one. In my...
  4. A

    Programs Exploring REUs: Opportunities and Benefits for Physics Majors

    I was asking my professor about other classes they taught because I enjoyed her style of teaching. The subject of research came up and she is working on a discrete haar wavelet transformation. When I looked it up it said it would be useful in image processing and data reduction to "denoise" the...
  5. Totalderiv

    Programs Physics or Math? Choosing a Major for College

    Hey I'm sort of in a predicament at the moment, since I'm not sure what to major in. Physics has always been my passion as well as math. But, my current Physics class (high school) is making me wonder if I can put up with doing everything the professors way. I'm having a hard time with my...
  6. M

    Programs Learning about fluids as a physics major

    Hopefully I'm posting this in the correct forum but I was just wondering, when would would a physics major learn about fluids? We covered it a little bit in high school but I don't see fluids at all in my university's curriculum.
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    Programs How important is Biology for a Physics Major?

    How important? My university requries at least 1 year of Biology in a high school, but I didn't take it.
  8. C

    Physics Physics Major to related career?

    ^^^^^ Sorry about the title of the post (typo) it should read "Physics Major to Finance Related Career" I've a BSc in Physics at the moment; majoring in Experimental Physics and minoring in Mathematical Physics. I wanted to know how hard would it be for a physics major like me to transfer to...
  9. M

    Programs Electrical Engineering or Physics major?

    Which degree is more employable? Anyone ever change from Physics to EE and not be disappointed? I'm just scared to major in Physics because I've never seen a job posting that says "Physics Bachelor's required." So it's a bit scary. Thanks.
  10. F

    Programs Physics Major vs Theorical Physics Major.

    OKay there is a problem. I am a senior and going to college next year and I want to become a theoretical physicist. Here is the big problem, I signed up for Physics, but I noticed that at another university, there is something called Mathematical Physics and just Physics. Obviously I want to...
  11. V

    Boost Your Physics Skills: Must-Have Books for Struggling Physics Majors

    Hi. I am a physics major although I am having a hard time getting good marks in teh first semester of my first year. I just wanted any suggestions from peers and any senior students if there are any books out there which I can use as a physics major to understand concepts thoroughly and has a...
  12. A

    I want to stay a physics major, but

    I'm having a very distressing problem and could use the advice of other physicists or physics students on this one. Ever since I was little, I've been absolutely enamored with astronomy. The stars, space, planets -- all of it. I couldn't get enough. So obviously, when I entered into a...
  13. L

    Programs Qus on Chemistry for a Physics Major

    Hi, I'm a freshman Physics major heading planning for my second semester (starting sophomore physics b/c of APs yay!) Anyway, I was planning out my next 3 years based on the outline my school gives for physics majors heading to Graduate school, and I figured if I take two maths and two physics...
  14. O

    Schools Picking a college for a physics major

    My son is thinking of majoring in Physics, but I've had virtually no luck in finding any information about the quality of undergrad Physics programs. Is there any objective rankings or assessments out there? Any other suggestions on how to pick would be appreciated. His interest (at least...
  15. S

    Programs Exchange to German for a physics major

    Hi guys, I would like to ask for a few opinions on exchange to German for a Physics major degree. First, I like the German culture. And I would love to learn how Germany study science, especially Math and Physics. I wonder how much it will do for my studies? What is the best year...
  16. L

    Multivariable Calculus book for a Physics major

    Hi everybody. I'm currently taking Calculus III with applications, and the book they gave us was Multivariable Calculus by Ron Larson. I wanted to Calc III, which is more pure math as opposed to the class I'm in that's mostly for engineers (theres a third class oriented even more for...
  17. D

    Programs Foreign Language Most Useful for Physics Major

    I will be entering University next month as a new freshman. Through AP testing, I already have 19 credits going in. For this reason, I no longer have to take some of the courses I was scheduled to take first semester. I am thinking of filling the open spaces with Psych 101 (social sciences...
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    Engineering Computer Science/Engineering positions for a physics major?

    I will soon be starting my freshman year in college studying physics. As I read more and more about the actual career of a physicist, I often see people mention that after getting a physics diploma, they get jobs in engineering and Computer Science positions. I'm pretty ignorant about academia...
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    Laptop for a Physics major: Lenovo vs. Mac vs. Acer

    I'm an undergraduate at Stony Brook University (safety, but i had no choice) and I'm planning on buying a laptop soon, and I've narrowed down it to either a Mac, Acer, or Lenovo. I'm going to major in physics, and I'm not sure what my second major will be (math, engineering, astronomy) 1) 13...
  20. R

    Programs Recommend Maths and CS Courses for Physics Major

    Hi there, I'm planning on double major in Physics and Mathematics...and i could really use some help from you guise (Physics major in particular). First off, i recon that i'll be needing some skills in CS, being able to operate some programs like Maple, Matlab etc. I'm already working on...
  21. S

    Programs Concentration with my physics major

    Should I take a concentration with my physics major? What are the benefits? I'm interested in astrophysics, should I take a materials science or astronomy concentration?
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    Recommended reading for undergraduate Physics major

    I am currently in my freshman/sophomore year of college and am majoring in physics. I was wondering what books you can recommend that I read. I really love physics and I just want to learn as much as I can about all different areas of physics. I have completed Calculus 3 and am willing to...
  23. A

    Which laptop will be better for a physics major: Macbook vs. Sony

    I am going to buy a laptop very soon. I think that I have narrowed it down to two laptops: Apple MacBook 13.3" 4.5lb. Processor:Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile 2.4GHz RAM:4GB DDR3 Hard Drive: 250GB 5400rpm Sony VAIO 13.1" 3.4lb. Processor:Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile 2.4GHz RAM:4GB DDR3 Hard...
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    Programs Physics major contemplating Math Minor. Need Help Deciding.

    I'm currently a 2nd year Physics undergrad who is contemplating adding a math minor. My plans for what to do after undergrad will most likely involve a Masters in some engineering branch (contemplating Mechanical Eng.) or grad school for physics (not so certain if I love the stuff enough to...
  25. N

    Physics Prospective Physics Major - What kind of opportunities are out there?

    I'm about to finish up all the available physics/math classes at my local community college, and I've decided I want to major in physics. As far as what field, I'm not sure yet. But in the meantime, I was wondering what kind of job opportunities are out there for somebody with a BS in physics...
  26. R

    Programs Physics major - Am i cut out for it?

    to the physics majors out there...do/did you find that although your work is challenging, it is extremely rewarding and worth struggling over? i recently decided on a physics major and will be hitting the heavy courses next year
  27. S

    Is Blogging About Physics as a Freshman at UNCG Effective for Learning?

    Hey guys, I'm new to your forum and just thought I'd make my presents known. I'm currently a freshman physics major at UNCG and love it! Physics is much more than a passion for me, it's more like a lifestyle. Being a freshman with such a challenging major I find it quite important to have a...
  28. M

    Programs Beginning Physics Major, what could I stuyd/do over the summer?

    Hello again guys. The summer is coming up and for most of my friends this means sitting around and eating Haagen Das. For myself, though, I'd like to keep up with what I learned this year so I can avoid that really uncomfortable first two months of school where you're rushing to relearn...
  29. T

    Programs Control theory useful for a physics major?

    Is a control theory class usueful for someone who wants to do experimental physics in grad school?
  30. P

    Programs Physics Major (WAS:Any Anomalies in Physics at Above-Atomic Level?)

    Does anyone know of scientific anomalies that don't agree with the theories we've used to predict and explain physical phenomenon? If so, must I try to find a new theory that explains both the anomalies and the other phenomenon, too? Please give me the articles or personal findings you've...
  31. C

    Programs Physics major unable to get engineering internship

    i'm in my 4th year in college, double majroing in physics and applied math and I've only taken 1 engineering class (i'm taking it currently). since I'm staying for a 5th year, I'm looking for an aerospace/mechanical engineering internship this summer. I've applied to over 100 different positions...
  32. W

    Stressed Physics Major Seeking Engineering Science Program Advice

    I have a serious question. I'm currently a physics major taking Chemistry for Engineers, and Calculus. I'm trying to get into my university's engineering science program. I've never been able to deal with stress well, in fact you could say I'm terrible at it. If I'm stressed about my current...
  33. F

    Programs Should I Pursue a Career in Physics or Consider Other Options?

    i'm currently in Diff Eq and Theoretical Physics, and these classes are so dull! I'm already struggling with the material two weeks into the semester. I'm questioning whether i really even like physics anymore. i used to love physics and astronomy (or what i could grasp of them) when i was...
  34. A

    Programs Math classes for a physics major

    Hi, I'm a high school senior that's just been admitted to Caltech. They sent me their course catalog in the mail, and I've been looking over it this week. I want to major in physics, and someday study elementary particles, gravitation, and string theory. What math should I take? Caltech...
  35. M

    Programs Physics Major with Engineering Envy Advice?

    Currently, I'm a freshman in physics at a top 5 physics university. I absolutely love the department, so there's no issues with the professors or administration (they are incredibly helpful and love their students) and I love the subject. Physics itself is fascinating and I like that it's so...
  36. D

    Programs How hard is a Physics major at a top 35 Uni?

    Hey folks, I am thinking about maybe trying to do a physics major. However, I don't want it to be too hard and lower my already low gpa. How hard is the math and courses like upper division Moldern Physics, Mathematical Physics,Dynamics,Thermal Stat, E&M and QM? Also how hard are the require...
  37. C

    Programs Which Major is Better: Chemistry or Physics?

    I'm currently a freshman student a local community college, where I'm taking some liberal arts classes to transfer to a university. I've taken AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, and Physics in high school, and I liked them all. Because of this, however, I'm at a crossroads as to what I should major in...
  38. S

    Programs Not sure if a physics major is right for me. Need insight into lifestyle

    I've been on the fence between a physics major and an engineering major (of some sort) but I have a few problems associated with both. First off, what is it like to be a physicist? I really don't want to sit around and crunch numbers all day and not actually do anything with all the material...
  39. K

    Failing Linear Algebra: Worried About Physics Major?

    So I think I'm going to fail linear algebra. Has anyone else ever failed a course? My worry is, is that I also didn't do very well in discrete mathematics. I realize linear algebra is very important, & I'm not exactly sure why I'm doing so poorly. Whether its me not being able to understand...
  40. A

    Programs Liberal arts physics major requires only 1 math class - should I be worried?

    Hello! I am an second year undergrad at a liberal arts college majoring in physics. I want to go on to grad school in physics (although I have no idea what field right now, but I'm leaning toward theoretical). My school's only math requirement for the physics major is a class called...
  41. O

    Programs Engineering Physics Major- Carrer Advice Needed

    I am an Engineering Physics Major/Math Minor. I am a senior now after finishing my first 3 years. I am beginning to wonder if I will be able to find a job with a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics. I have been trying for 8 months to get an internship but I have had absolutely no luck...
  42. S

    Programs How important are highschool English classes for physics major?

    I'm asking because I'm going to be a senior next year and I really, really don't want to take AP Literature. I loathe English with every fiber of my being. I'm also taking German IV which I've heard is mainly going to be a writing/literature class and I don't think I can handle two similar...
  43. P

    Programs Dedicated course on optics during my physics major

    I've been planning out my future coursework and it seems unlikely that I'll be able to take a dedicated course on optics during my physics major. Therefore, I'm hoping for some suggestions about Optics textbooks that would make a good reference for self-study during the summer. I'm a junior and...
  44. F

    Programs Starting out as a physics major: what's this attitude?

    I'm currently a sophomore in physics, and I'm pretty happy with my choice of major. Part of the reason I liked it was that it seemed like everyone chose it because they genuinely liked physics. I have other reasons too, I can easily see myself doing research later on, but this isn't my point. My...
  45. W

    Physics Major Worried about Career Options

    Hi, I'm a physics major at Cornell and after reading a few of the threads on this site, I'm worried I might not end up with the career I'm expecting. I love physics, and have been planning on going to graduate school for my Ph.D. But I'm not sure I love physics enough to be...
  46. V

    Programs Advice for an undergraduate physics major.

    For anyone here who is a physics major, have you found the undergraduate courses tough and easier as you went up the ladder or more of the opposite? Just how much do you need to know to be prepared at the university level and as a physics major post B.S. degree because we are only human and...
  47. L

    Programs Complex analysis as physics major

    I am a physics major and I have taken many math courses, but not Complex Variables. I did a little contour integration along time ago, but I never took it as a course. I do, however, have the option to take this semester. Should I take it instead of another physics elective? I know that it is...
  48. Shackleford

    Programs What kind of engineering jobs could I get with a physics major?

    I'm not majoring in engineering, so do not suggest it. I know it is possible to get an engineering job with a physics major. Here are a few minors (not exhaustive) I am considering: Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management Technology I know it might be a little...
  49. C

    Programs CS courses for physics major

    I'm interested in taking some CS courses to show basically I know half what I'm talking about to employers when it comes down to coursework. I'm a physics major who's taken first year CS (In my case "Designing Functional Programs", "Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction"). Ie. I...
  50. M

    Schools Physics Major Looking for Advice on Computer Engineering Grad School

    I'm a sophomore at a small school (1600 students) in North Carolina, and I'm majoring in Physics. I'm also double minoring in Computer Science and Math. I'm doing this with the intention to graduate in four years and attend graduate school to work towards a Masters Degree in Computer...
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