Jobs with a degree in Maths Physics

RolandIRL

suppose this belongs in mathematics rather than physics...seems more related, i think.

anyway, come september, i have to decide what subjects i'm picking for 3rd year science in NUIG, which determines what my degree will be in. i'm a bit torn between maths, physics, and maths physics, but i can only do one (with smaller modules in any of the others), due to each being 36 credits (and max allowed is 60). i know a bit about careers opportunities in maths and physics, but not sure where maths physics would lead me in terms of jobs, what i would be working for.

would a postgrad in MP be handy in making myself more appealing to employers?

cheers

Fremen

If you have the chance to do some computer programming, that'll broaden your options.

If you're prepared to do a Masters' course, just do whatever you like most. You can specialise once you graduate, and as long as you have a decent technical degree, you can get into many different programmes.

If you're not going to do a Masters', then you should talk to a carreers advisor and figure out what you might like to do when you graduate, and tailor your course choices to that.

Ficheall

Could you post what modules you would have with each of the three subjects? I'd be inclined to think that a maths-physics qualification would suffice for a job in maths or physics. You will more than likely have a couple of 'redundant' modules in any of the three, which are mostly filler.

Atmospheric joy

You don't just have to choose one. There is an applied maths with physics degree which is 30 credits in each subject for 3rd and 4th year. You have to have achieved honours in both applied maths and physics in 2nd year. Ask either department about it.

RolandIRL

Fremen wrote: »

If you have the chance to do some computer programming, that'll broaden your options.

If you're prepared to do a Masters' course, just do whatever you like most. You can specialise once you graduate, and as long as you have a decent technical degree, you can get into many different programmes.

If you're not going to do a Masters', then you should talk to a carreers advisor and figure out what you might like to do when you graduate, and tailor your course choices to that.

cheers, i was considering doing some a sub module in programming next year. i'm just a bit concerned about where maths physics will take me in terms of jobs...i know that physics is very broad and can branch off into astronomy, medicine (chemo, x-rays)...etc but i don't really know where maths physics leads. it's not like you see jobs advertised in the paper looking for people with MP

unless i get offered a good job straight after college, i think i'll be going the postgrad route

Ficheall wrote: »

Could you post what modules you would have with each of the three subjects? I'd be inclined to think that a maths-physics qualification would suffice for a job in maths or physics. You will more than likely have a couple of 'redundant' modules in any of the three, which are mostly filler.

there's no mix between them afaik. none of them share modules (at least they haven't for the past 2 years)...maths physics doesn't delve into any of the theory in physics (except maybe for quantum mechanics, which is mostly a mathematical theory in physics), and it doesn't really compare with the straight maths module, in terms of material i've seen so far anyway.

i wouldn't see how maths physics would be able to secure a job in either maths or physics. the material just doesn't suit either one.

Atmospheric joy wrote: »

You don't just have to choose one. There is an applied maths with physics degree which is 30 credits in each subject for 3rd and 4th year. You have to have achieved honours in both applied maths and physics in 2nd year. Ask either department about it.

i'm currently in an undenominated programme, and i'm still undecided as to what i want to do for my degree so i'm a bit unsure about tying myself into a denominated programme. i'll enquire about it in the college and see about that programme.

Fremen

whiteman19 wrote: »

it's not like you see jobs advertised in the paper looking for people with MP

http://www.math-jobs.com/

whiteman19 wrote: »

i wouldn't see how maths physics would be able to secure a job in either maths or physics. the material just doesn't suit either one.

Off the top of my head, people working on MRI imaging would always be keen to recruit a good mathematical physicist.

RolandIRL

Fremen wrote: »

http://www.math-jobs.com/

curse the internet for showing me up :P

Fremen wrote: »

Off the top of my head, people working on MRI imaging would always be keen to recruit a good mathematical physicist.

Would that not be more in medical physics? my brother finished a masters in that around a year ago, but apparently there's not a lot of jobs in ireland, at least not for the moment

i'll do a bit of googling to see if i can come up with anything else. don't have to make my choices til september so plenty of time to decide. thanks for all the replies

Naikon

Fremen wrote: »

If you have the chance to do some computer programming, that'll broaden your options.

C and ASM are good to learn. Those two really broaden your understanding. I suggest ARM assembly though, modern x86 is messy to say the least.

Justin1982

I would consider Maths or Physics or Maths Physics much of a muchness in fairness.

What area would you like to work in? Which subject do you find the most interesting?

Maths might give you better exposure to programming/computer science subjects if you like that. Really good skill to have. Banks/Hedge fund/Accountancy/Actuarial companies will look at Maths or Maths Physics grad before a Physics graduate.
Company like Esb or Ericsson might prefer a physics graduate.

Personally I think that Maths or Maths Physics gives you better skills and opens more doors. You wouldnt believe the areas the wide range of areas that Maths grads work in.
Physics grads might get bogged down in Pysics areas kind of though and wouldnt be as respected as a Maths Grad.