Maths or Physics???

Question

I've already finished my first year in University.. I'm now have to choose either Pure&Applied maths or Physics or ...(many other things)...!
Which is a more suitable road to theoretical physics- especially relativity, particle physics, astrophysics and string theory???
Note: i'm also interested in number theory, Chaos and complexity, and programming.

Answer 1

I did a double major of math and physics. My experience was that the math became more elegant and interesting as I went on, and the physics (ironically) became more and more number-crunching and equation solving. By the time I was doing upper-division quantum theory, a single homework problem could be 10-15 pages of mind-numbing calculations. I knew what to do and how to do it, I just had to churn through it. Math was more stimulating because I had to figure out how to get from point A to point B, and it might take 3 lines or 3 pages.

Careerwise, degrees in math or physics are virtually equivalent; if you want a physics job and you've got a degree in math, you just prove to your interviewer that you know some physics. And vice versa. I've spend a lot of time working with physicists, and their feeling is that if you know the math, they can show you the physics to go with it, so it's not a problem.

For you, if you're looking at theoretical physics, you're going to need such a huge swath of math you might as well major in it. I did a couple of graduate theoretical physics courses and they were almost entirely mathematical. Both relativity and string theory would be better served by a strong mathematics background. But I could be biased...

As for me, I went on to a Ph.D. in pure math (all my friends assured me I was wasting my life), taught for a few years, and then got picked up by a real-time software company. I'm with my third software company now, and haven't suffered for lack of job offers, so I think you're safe either way.

Answer 2

Go for physics. Whatever you describe is studied in physics. Math will come with it. Suitable road to theoretical physics is physics.

Look at the courses offered. Whever courses fits better in the description.

If you're into it that seriously, you're going to grad school. Whatever your BS diploma says doens't matter so much, as long as you get the best education.
You do serious physics is grad school anyway, not earlier than that. You'll be able to change either way when applying for grad school.

Answer 3

Why not do both??? I would expect that many of you elective requirements will overlap between the two majors. I would talk to your adviser and see how reasonable it is. Honestly if you want to do theoretical physics, the more math you have the better.

Otherwise I would consider majoring in physics and getting a minor in math. Or major in math and minor is physics. The truth is that it won't make much of a difference which route you take. The things you seem interested in have graduate school written all over them and any of the paths I have mentioned will prepare for graduate school in either field.

Answer 4

this question bargains with infinite sequence, and no count number if or no longer they converge or diverge. The Greek philosophers and mathematicians ought to no longer satisfactorily answer such questions because of the fact the maths to handle an infinte sequence of infinitesimal quantities had no longer been stepped forward. subsequently, cutting-side mathematicians in sequence and set concept etc do no longer evaluate that the article not at all reaches its purpose. fairly they say the observor is basically take a swifter and swifter sequence of snapshots, with the objective to communicate. reckoning on how the sequence or sequence is defined, at times the purpose won't be attained, a minimum of mathematically. however the sequence won by utilising successively dividing a quantity in 0.5 and addin each and every of the words does converge, to a million, representing "achieving the purpose". In math, time and different conceptual variables would be divided indefinitely. In physics you may actually attain assorted limits imposed by utilising quantum mechanics, under which we can't say if or how our physics applies. subsequently the infinte branch technique is fairly meaningless in physics.

Answer 5

Physics is the best way to learn the math that matters. If you choose the math route, you may find some obscure, yet useful mathematics with a physics application and get a Nobel for your effort, but the physics route is more certain.

Answer 6

I majored in Pure Math in college and minored in Physics -- my two favorite subjects. I don't see why you can't major in one and minor in the other. You should be aware that Pure Math doesn't lead to many jobs, but it's a great background if you're thinking of getting a higher degree. Personally, I had no problem finding a job after college with my math degree -- I had lots of options in several different industries.

Answer 7

probably easier to make a living with a physics degree more so then math. Unless you like to teach, then either will be good.

Now with your programming interest, a math degree may be your choice. There are some hi-powered programming techniques deal with cryptography/cryptoanalysis.

Lots of luck

Answer 8

Study physics. The necessary math will come with it.

I did it the other way around, concentrating on the math first, and picking the physics later. That was a mistake. You can do math without physics, but you can't do physics without math.

Answer 9

From what you say you are interested in I would go for Physics.

Answer 10

Go for Physics.