Expert: Daniel Mazur - 8/27/2009

Question
Hi Daniel, I am 29 and am interested in getting into studying the areas of energy production, and possibly microbiology, which I believe both involve physics.

Could you tell me how it is possible to specialise in investigating alternative and new sources of energy production in science? I think that physics covers many areas, but is it also the case that energy production would also require knowledge of chemistry and other disciplines?

Also, if one has a degreee in physics are many fields open to that person, such as engineering, biotechnology etc. or do these require a large amount of further study?

I have read that people studying these disciplines need above average intelligence levels. Is this true?

Best regards

Mike

Answer
Dear Mike,

through science or engineering it is possible (quite usual in fact) to specialize in alternative energy. In order to understand most existing energy sources you will only need physics, because that is the foundation of other sciences and engineering. In order to actually design a new device you will need engineering knowledge - chemical, electronic, mechanical...

Scientific physics does not cover engineering-specific subjects, as physics is merely the foundation, not the wrapper of the other fields. A degree in Physics will save you some time, if you switch to engineering, but you will still need several years to equalize your skills. Numerical methods, technical drawings, design methodology, subjects specific to the chosen kind of engineering... there is enough subjects that we don't learn during a physics curriculum.

Most people in engineering and life sciences are intelligent above average (considering the whole society) and it certainly helps a lot, but there is no rule that this would be required. One needs also keenness, dedication, perseverance,...

All best,
Daniel