Deciding if I should major in physics

[Plain Jane]

Deciding if I should major in physics
Sorry to intrude. I really need some advice. I have a dilemma on my hands and need to get some feedback from experts like yourselves ​

Please permit me to give you a little background about myself. I am 34 years old. I have about 82 college credits (none of which involve math and only one science class: environmental science).​

I will just be open here and describe my experience. I had been planning to return to school and I was contemplating which field to enter (most of my credits cover most of the general requirements at my local college). I was really perplexed because none of the subjects I was considering (psychology, etc.) seemed to deeply interest me. Then, I had this amazing experience. It was like I came to myself. I realized in a flash that I loved science (I have a strong religious background which steered me away from science for about 16 years). And then the word "physics" popped into my head. I didn't even know what the word meant. I had been that alienated from the scientific community (how sad). I might add that I just recently discovered that I am an INTP and extremely visual-spacial (I just had assumed everyone thought in pictures). The intuition that comes with being an INTP probably brought this to the surface. I went to my local library and checked out some books on physics (my favorite was Lee Smolin) and COULDN'T PUT THEM DOWN FOR HOURS. I was instantly hooked! Totally fell in love with it and felt like my mind was finally being challenged! All the theories that Lee Smolin described, I visualized and created symbols for in my mind. I was mentally watching it unfold and it was so beautiful! After discovering this I don't think I can be satisfied with anything else.​

Well now that you have read my love story of how I met physics I desperately need advice... please please please! Again, I am 34 and I am concerned about starting into math at my age. I am willing to take Algebra, and trig and pre-calculus before starting a physics major. Time is not the issue. I just worry if my brain is still young enough to be proficient in this. I was told that math is the language of physics and I totally respect that. In school I hated basic math. I hated the repetition. I liked geometry and algebra intrigued me: not because I was trying to answer the equations, but because I wanted to understand how they came up with the whole system of algebra in the first place. That really peaked my curiosity. Because I am a visual-spacial thinker I hope that calculus will appeal to me. I must be solid about my choice of a major because there is no wiggle room left and I just barely have enough financial aid to complete a major (with no switching). Can someones awe and fascination with physics get them through the math? I don't really worry that I'm smart enough, I just hope I will like it. When something interests me enough I can just loose myself in it, so I'm not afraid to spend a good 5 hours a day studying a subject I enjoy. This actually brings me great satisfaction. I know you can't read my mind, but I hope some of your responses will help to paint the bigger picture. Thanks!​

 

[Minuend]

I didn't have any interest in anything when in high school. It was only after I finished obligatory school I discovered I liked science. So even if you disliked math back then, it doesn't have to be that way now.

Math in relation to a subject you like is bound to be a bit different. I would believe there's greater motivation to comprehend it. I've also talked to others on the forum who say they are able to motivate themselves by finding something they do like about every subject they take. There's always a positive side.

An alternative is just studying some math on your own. Depending on how much you remember (I found I remembered more than I would've thought). Brush up on basic math if it has been a long time. If you get to it, find a calculus book and see how you like it.

This wasn't a very in-depth answer, but all in all I think you can do it. Yay.

There is this thing that sometimes helps me with difficult decisions. I can't remember where I got it from, but it goes like this; You have already decided what to do, now you're just trying to figure out why you decided it.

To me, it sounds like you have already chosen

 

[Jah]

Do it.

It's the most satisfying field. ()


The math can be a bit of a struggle, but if you're able to turn it visual/physical/intuitive, that may help a lot...




Here's something motivating in that direction:

http://paulgraham.com/hamming.html

 

[digital angel]

Deciding if I should major in physics
Sorry to intrude. I really need some advice. I have a dilemma on my hands and need to get some feedback from experts like yourselves ​

Please permit me to give you a little background about myself. I am 34 years old. I have about 82 college credits (none of which involve math and only one science class: environmental science).​

I will just be open here and describe my experience. I had been planning to return to school and I was contemplating which field to enter (most of my credits cover most of the general requirements at my local college). I was really perplexed because none of the subjects I was considering (psychology, etc.) seemed to deeply interest me. Then, I had this amazing experience. It was like I came to myself. I realized in a flash that I loved science (I have a strong religious background which steered me away from science for about 16 years). And then the word "physics" popped into my head. I didn't even know what the word meant. I had been that alienated from the scientific community (how sad). I might add that I just recently discovered that I am an INTP and extremely visual-spacial (I just had assumed everyone thought in pictures). The intuition that comes with being an INTP probably brought this to the surface. I went to my local library and checked out some books on physics (my favorite was Lee Smolin) and COULDN'T PUT THEM DOWN FOR HOURS. I was instantly hooked! Totally fell in love with it and felt like my mind was finally being challenged! All the theories that Lee Smolin described, I visualized and created symbols for in my mind. I was mentally watching it unfold and it was so beautiful! After discovering this I don't think I can be satisfied with anything else.​

Well now that you have read my love story of how I met physics I desperately need advice... please please please! Again, I am 34 and I am concerned about starting into math at my age. I am willing to take Algebra, and trig and pre-calculus before starting a physics major. Time is not the issue. I just worry if my brain is still young enough to be proficient in this. I was told that math is the language of physics and I totally respect that. In school I hated basic math. I hated the repetition. I liked geometry and algebra intrigued me: not because I was trying to answer the equations, but because I wanted to understand how they came up with the whole system of algebra in the first place. That really peaked my curiosity. Because I am a visual-spacial thinker I hope that calculus will appeal to me. I must be solid about my choice of a major because there is no wiggle room left and I just barely have enough financial aid to complete a major (with no switching). Can someones awe and fascination with physics get them through the math? I don't really worry that I'm smart enough, I just hope I will like it. When something interests me enough I can just loose myself in it, so I'm not afraid to spend a good 5 hours a day studying a subject I enjoy. This actually brings me great satisfaction. I know you can't read my mind, but I hope some of your responses will help to paint the bigger picture. Thanks!​

You should be a physics major. You should follow your interests because you'll invest a lot of yourself and time in a career. Take the time you need with math and see how you do. Find a professor or a mentor who can help you when you need it. I'm confident you'll do well; you already have the drive.

While I'm not a physicist, I relate to your story. I'm a tax lawyer. Tax law hit me when I was younger and I couldn't get enough. Now, I have a second law degree that is in tax law. I'm fortunate in that I've met some unforgettable professors. I too, love a challenge and love to learn. By the way, if I could I'd go back and study physics and math.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Math is mostly self-taught. Teachers are just there to nudge you in the right direction so that you will solve the problem with minimal input and thereby learn maximally through your own work. This means, though, that having a good teacher is really important when it comes to math. A good teacher will use a more socratic method, asking the right questions to give you that flash of insight as to where to go next. The key is to pick professors who will be effective. If you do go, find out from your fellow students which teachers were able to explain things clearly. Also, since math is a global language there tend to be a lot of foreign grad students teaching lower math classes at U.S. universities. Many of them are wonderful teachers, but for some the language barrier can make it difficult for them to convey information on complex topics. Try to pick teachers who are proficient in the local language.

Many physics majors struggle with the math. Einstein's forte was conducting his thought experiments, which required a solid understanding of the basics of the math behind them. But when it came to extrapolating his thought experiments into mathematical conclusions, he often had to seek help with the algebra from other professors. If you have trouble grasping the math, you can always seek help through a tutor, your professor's office hours, or a math workshop if you school has one. Even if it's really tough for you, a little discipline, humility, and elbow grease will get you through it.

 

[Plain Jane]

Thank you, all of you, for your input! This really helps me to get more of a grasp on this subject.

Minuend: I think you are right. I have found myself doing this before: I already know what I should do and I'm just working backwards to understand why and to try to make more sense of it. Some people call it the "gut instinct." Even when I wish I was wrong, I have found myself to be right about something... or someone. Also, I agree, if I can somehow relate what I'm doing to something I'm interested in I will have untiring motivation. This thought is encouraging and makes me feel hopeful that I will do alright with it

Jah: I'm glad to hear that it is a satisfying field. I think many times a first impression is the most authentic. When I met physics it was love at first sight I was saying... "where have you been all my life dear?"

Digital Angel and Spaceman Spiff: Thanks for the advice about instructors. I work pretty independantly, but I'm sure I will need help when I hit those rough spots. My next big decision will be which college to attend. These are great things to keep in mind as I sort this out.

I just recently discovered that I am an INTP. This was really very liberating. It's also been facinating to find people who I can relate with, and a little spooky to think there are others out there who think like me. Really love this forum

 

[Plain Jane]

Well thanks everyone. I have decided to major in physics! I will start back to school next fall.

 

[Jah]

good luck

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Melllvar]

Ugh, sorry I'm late to this. Honestly I'm gonna have to take the opposite recommendation as everyone else, which isn't to say that you shouldn't major in physics, but you should perhaps learn more about it before getting your heart set on it or anything.

I say this mainly because of your mentioning that a) you haven't really done a lot of math yet and b) your main interest in physics was sparked by the pop science novels by guys like Lee Smolin. Actual physics, both as far as what working physicists do and what you'll be doing in college, are nowhere near similar to the stuff in those books. Getting a physics major is basically like getting a specialized math major; you'll spend all your time learning PDEs and Fourier transforms and generally solving equations on paper. The cool stuff about the origin of the universe and wave particle duality and the actual physics will honestly be relatively few and far between.

Basically, it's an extremely difficult field and if what you love is knowing about the cool conceptual stuff, rather than solving intriguing math problems and modeling the physical world mathematically, you might rather just take physics as a hobby, because you could find yourself very frustrated with it and not enjoying it nearly as much as you thought you would from reading those books. There are also much less frustrating fields with higher pay and employability than you're likely to find as a physics graduate (w/ only a bachelor's). At 34 and (I assume) not attending some Ivy League school, you can pretty much write off getting a job as a physics professor or professional researcher. I.e. don't expect to end up doing what Lee Smolin does, unless you're incredibly lucky and talented at it. More likely you'll end up in some other technical position, engineering, science writing, something like that, or in a completely unrelated field.

Long story short physics is:
1) Difficult and tedious as fuck.
2) A lot different in actual practice than it sounds like in popular science books.
3) Not always the best degree for employability in a high-paying, enjoyable field.

That being said, physics and math ARE AWESOME, so I'm not suggesting you give up on it, just that you keep your options open and keep this stuff in mind until you're farther along in the mathematical side, then decide if physics is what you really want to do. Preferably get some physics books, as high level as you feel comfortable tackling, and start reading them and working the problem sets in the back, which would give you a better idea of what you'll actually be doing for the next few years, so you don't waste time and money taking classes then changing majors anyways.


I say this because this is basically what happened to me. Majored in physics for many years at several universities, and while I really love the subject, it's not what I'd want as a career, and even majoring it in made me quite miserable.

Also the responses in this thread might be relevant to you: http://www.intpforum.com/showthread.php?t=11277

 

[Plain Jane]

Melllvar,

Thanks for the input. I did get a college physics book to try to get a feel of what it might be like and also went to another physics forum to ask more questions. I am planning to start into the math first before I actually start the physics major just to make sure I can handle it. I totally get what you are saying

 

[digital angel]

Melllvar,

Thanks for the input. I did get a college physics book to try to get a feel of what it might be like and also went to another physics forum to ask more questions. I am planning to start into the math first before I actually start the physics major just to make sure I can handle it. I totally get what you are saying

Good luck and please let us know how things go.

 

[Vrecknidj]

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/