Experimental vs. Astro (Physics)

Zoodlebop

Hi guys. Can anyone give me some advice about the difference between these JS courses. As far as I can tell, The only difference is that APs do two extra lectures a week and have one term of AP labs instead of EP ones. Is this about right?

The difference is more marked in SS, with AP being the only ones doing any astro. Still two more lectures a week than EP. Am I interpreting this all right?

Thanks anyone in advance.

Podge_irl

I never, ever understood why we had to do AP lectures in JS. Always completely hated them (as did everyone in TP), but people could have picked AP if they wanted to do it at that stage.

Anyway, I have very little constructive to add seeing as I only did (most of) the EP courses and no labs. You'll get a good grounding in a broad area of physics either way though, as you still do nearly all of the general subjects (though you get to miss out on Coey's course, which would be a plus in my book). It's a physics with astrophysics option as opposed to a pure astrophysics option, so you won't be missing out on anything bar the EP labs and some lab courses as far as I know.

So yeah, I think you're interpreting it right. You miss out on one or two subjects to fit in your 4 astro ones in SS.

daisy123

You miss out on Solid State Physics courses, really important in the field of Physics today. Also, as for missing Coey's lectures, he is one of the most cited academics in Ireland, could make for a handy contact to have if looking for Postgrads etc...

ApeXaviour

For all intents and purposes, they are the same degree. If you're looking to do a phd in astrophysics, then the astro degree will make you slightly more preferable. Same with solid state physics. I really mean slightly too, more influential is the grade you get in your degree. I'd say do whatever you have more interest in, and believe you'll have more success at.

For my Ph.D (which is mostly solid state), my supervisor would have accepted anyone with a physics, chemistry or theoretical physics degree. But a boy in my group came in with a degree in astrophysics from UCC.

I'd say the main advantage/disadvantage in choosing, is your final year project. Will you really enjoy pointing an instrument at the sky and waiting for something to happen?

Edwardius

Dunno why you'd wanna miss coey's lectures, they were hilarious.