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Careers: Physics/Applied or pure Physics

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Expert: - 6/14/2011


Question
im a second year student at university of kwazulu natal.im currently registered for applied physics,and my question is that.im good in mathematics but i don't want to do applied maths,ill rather chose between applied or pure physics,than i want to know which physics must i take so that i will use my mathematics skills mostly,

Answer
Dear Ayanda:

My suggestion is that you choose pure physics.  An applied physics degree is good but usually requires less of the theoretical portions, which are all really applied mathematics.  If you then choose elective courses such that you get some more applied subjects, you will be poised to either pursue a graduate degree in physics or move into an engineering-type career.

Applied physics degrees are most well-suited to individuals who are interested in taking engineering positions or working in industry.  That is not to say that you can't do the same with a pure physics degree, however.

Definitely if mathematics is a strong point, take the pure physics program.  It will give you the best base from which to move forward with your career.

Cheers,

Carlo

Careers: Physics

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Carlo Segre

Expertise

I can answer most questions about studying physics in college and graduate school; questions about condensed matter physics; x-ray physics; synchrotron radiation; and general and modern physics. I can also answer questions about careers in academia.

Experience

Professor of physics for 27 years at Illinois Institute of Technology. Academic adviser for undergraduates and graduate students. I have served on university promotion and tenure committees, search committees for Deans and Department Chairs. I have also been an Associate Department Chair and an Associate Dean. I have 30 years experience in materials science research and I have been responsible for building and now managing a User facility at the Advanced Photon Source.

Organizations
American Physical Society
Sigma Xi
American Chemical Society
American Associate for the Advancement of Science
International Centre for Diffraction Data (Fellow)
International X-ray Absorption Society


Publications
Nature; Physical Review Letters; Physical Review; Applied Physics Letters; Journal of Physical Chemistry; Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials; Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics; Solid State Communications; Physics Letters; Journal of Low Temperature Physics; Journal of Crystal Growth and Design; Physics Letters; Journal of Applied Physics; Journal of Archaeological Science; Physica C; Corrosion Science; Electrochimica Acta; Journal of Nuclear Materials

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. Physics, 1981 - University of California, San Diego
M.S. Physics, 1977 - University of California, San Diego
B.S. Physics, 1976 - University of illinois, Champaign-Urbana
B.S. Chemistry 1976 - University of illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Awards and Honors
Fellow, International Center for Diffraction Data

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