the only problem is that the only college that i can get in to right now is a community college. i want a short vocational job so that i can support my way through the whole process of becoming a quantum physist. im training to be a bartender right now and should have a bartneding licence before the end of the year. i was thinking of working on a college campus so that way at least id be close to where the "action" is. another problem i find is that im not that good at math. i can understand the concepts extremly well but when it comes to actually doing the math on my own i get lost.
any advice would be of great help. i just feel i need a piont in the right direction so that i can start plainnng out my journey. thanks
2006-12-13 05:36:21 · 9 answers · asked by lostnkhaos 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Concepts and application in class are entirely different. If your not good at math then you reallly should think about other avenues.
Physicists don't just sit there and think about concepts. They must rigorously solve problems and prove their ideas with mathematics. That is the only tool they have. Anyway to get to that point is a LONG road and it is possible to build the skills along that path, but you really must be dedicated to doing TONS of math.
As far as the community college thing goes i'd say that that is not really a good step if this is your goal. Alot of people may say differenent, but once you get a bachelor's degree (from a 4 year school) you still must apply to get into grad school and pursue a masters or phd. If on your application you have a community college chances are that it's not gonna look so good. By the way grad schools are VERY competitive.... and expensive.
Long story short is that you should take small steps and decide along the way if you really want to go in to that field.
step 1. Get a Bachelors degree in either physics or mathematics or engineering from a college. From there you will be able to lead yourself.
2006-12-13 11:30:41 · answer #1 · answered by travis R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advice is worth what you pay for it but here is mine.
Math is the foundation of physics. So you will need to get "good at math". I received a D in Algebra 1 in high school and failed algebra 2. But in the Navy I learned some Trigenometry and basic algebra that was required by my profession as an electronics technician. From this foundation and from going back to the basics I was able earn a minor in math and a major in physics. Working and reworking the examples and homework as well as attending study sessions and extra study will work. Find others that can help you study and you can help them.
Working through school is a good idea but you will definitely need a lot of time for studying as well, so working full time may not be possible. Also, working on campus is a good idea but a better one would be to ask your professors if you could work in their labs. Initially this work may be for free but at some time in the future you may even get paid for it. Summer work in a physics lab may also be possible and this is more likely to be paid work than during the semester. Some of the best times i had in college were those working in physics labs and I learned a lot about experimental physics.
Getting involved in the department is also a good idea. For example, if your school has a physics club, join it and be involved. Attend the seminars and colloquiums and get to know the professors and what they do. That way you may find a professor that is working in an area that interests you. Make sure you attend all classes and study sessions. Some of the other students may be working in labs and may know of an opening.
One more thing. You can change your major if you desire.
2006-12-13 06:39:26 · answer #2 · answered by rshelton3000 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that you keep taking as many math classes as you can. Also, take astronomy, logic, philosophy, etc... The interesting thing I learned about math was that once I got through the basics--Algebra, geometry, trig, and calc (which were all very difficult for me. Took me three tries to pass intermediate algebra and 4 times to pass trig.) the more advanced math is more theoretical and beautiful.
Also, a couple great books--"The Philosopher's Stone by F. David Peat (anything by him is great) or "The Quantum Self" by Dana Zohar. There are lots of great books at books stores and libraries about Quantum Theory, Systems Theory etc...
I wish you good luck. I first learned about Quantum Physics when I was in community college taking a 200 level astronomy class. I have been hooked ever since.
2006-12-13 05:44:47 · answer #3 · answered by Misty B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first thing is decide how committed you are to this field. If it is all you want to do, you better get started studying math. Don't be afraid to step back to intro math courses to get the basics down. Once you get to Calculus, start taking physics. It may take longer than the typical 4-years to a B.A. and 4-6 more to a Ph.D., but if you are committed, you can make it happen.
By the way, why do you want to be a physicist? I ask only because there is a difference between wanting to *be* a physicist and wanting to *study* physics and work in the field. Perhaps it was just your wording, but if not, give yourself some time to think about it. Good luck!
2006-12-13 05:44:36 · answer #4 · answered by C C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to decide what it is you want to do. There is not really any such thing as a quantum physicist - quantum mechanics is just an aspect of many parts of physics. You would be most likely to use it if you were involved in research and development.
If you do not plan to work in physics, then just read some good books to learn the subject. However, you will need to be good at maths to get very far using quantum mechanics.
2006-12-13 05:57:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are on the right path, get a bartending job and pay your way, go to the community college and keep getting good grades, eventually make the jump to a four year school and you will make it if you dont give up and keep working hard
2006-12-13 05:46:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah...19 year olds are young people; and they are the future, as long as you are continuing to develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
2016-05-23 19:13:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would keep working on my math if I were you. You won't be able to understand upper level science courses if you can't math.
Try to purchase books in addtion to your textbooks to help you. Keep looking at example problems.
2006-12-13 05:57:24 · answer #8 · answered by sharke45 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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There are many interpretations of quantum physics.
American physicist J.A.Wheeler had a hobby:
He collected different interpretations of quantum physics.
Here is one more interpretation of the quantum theory.
www.socratus.com
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2006-12-13 07:11:06 · answer #9 · answered by socratus 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋