Chemistry vs. Physics

[gophins72]

go chemistry, every physics major i've met is a whiney d-bag. physics was cool in the 50s.

zinfamous's post has it right.

 

[IcePickFreak]

Loved Physics, hated Chemistry.

So Physics.... maybe you'll be able to contribute something to society like this guy.

If he were a chemist though he could contribute something to society like this guy.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Which major do you guys think is better? I'm in college right now taking both chemistry and physics classes but I have no idea which path I should go down. I do definitely want to specialize/go into one of them.

I've been leaning towards the physics side because it is is something I have always enjoyed and I would kinda feel good inside completeing it... but I don't really know. The only practical jobs I'm seeing are dosimeterist or medical physicist (I would prefer working in a hospital). What else is achievable with this degree where I'd work a full time job with decent pay? Job opportunities are my main concern going this path because I've read many stories where some guy ends up teaching a highschool physics class because he use to work in a lab for $15/hr.

With Chemistry I'm specifically looking towards Pharamcist, Pharmaceutical science/chemistry opportunities. Form what I've seen the job opportunities with this are pretty good, specially working at a pharmacy... The work however kinda seems dull, but I'd be making a hefty amount of money. Pharamcists get paid very well here.

I was a Physics major during my college years and while at the univeristy I met my future wife, who was a graduate student in chemistry.

Clinton did Physics a raw deal in his first year and pretty much shut down the field for a long time, saying the US should be responsible for doing basic research. Hence the SSC construction closure left a wake of dispair as senior Physicists took jobs that post doc's had, the post doc's took the jobs grad students had. And graduate advisors were advising undergrads in Physics to change their majors and not go to grad school.

At the time I finished up my undergraduate studies ('95), the outlook for Chemists was better, but then again a lot more people majored in Chemistry, too. I remember helping the wife put together her first set of packets in looking for a job that best suited her PhD in Chemistry. She sent out 60 packets, got three responses, and one offer--and that was one-year contract job.

Within each major (ahem, Chemistry and Physics) you will find sub-majors and these tend to reflect the industry investment of the times. For instance, high-energy Physics rules in the early 90's as did Organic Chemistry. Can the same be said today? Also, are you seeking an academic career or one in industry?

You may find that neither major at the bachelor's level will provide much of a prospect for getting a real income, and then that breeds a whole new set of evaluations if you consider graduate school. If you have the right skills, maybe consider something like an MD-PhD program and become a medical researcher.

And remember, you are not just competing with your classmates, but with the entire world, which typically has a stronger education suitcase to compete with.

 

[Dominato3r]

Most of that is physics... condensed matter. It's physicists who grow all that kind of stuff.



OP: I did astrophysics, then did a few years of research in condensed matter for very low pay, then went and did an MBA and now work in business.

If you want a career in physics that pays more than $15/hr, then prepare for the long haul of B.Sc + Ph.D + post doc. Chemistry is probably not much different.

However, having a technical degree like that provides you with a very valuable set of skills that won't really GET you a job, but will allow you to DO almost any job.

Where did you get your degree? UoT?

I'd just like to apply one of those two, or any branch of them into the medical field - without going into med or nursing school.

 

[PsiStar]

Physics. Chemistry related jobs are dirty. Although I liked chemistry better ... qualitative/quantitative analyses classes kick your butt & makes a monk out of you.