2nd year science

L_isamess · 31-08-2013 03:59PM #1

Looking for some help choosing my subjects for 2nd year. Trying to decide whether to drop physics or chemistry, would have equal interest and ability in both. Which would be more difficult,have more hours,and which with would have the best career opportunities? Thanks

stephmcgarr · 31-08-2013 05:18PM

L_isamess wrote: »

Looking for some help choosing my subjects for 2nd year. Trying to decide whether to drop physics or chemistry, would have equal interest and ability in both. Which would be more difficult,have more hours,and which with would have the best career opportunities? Thanks

I'd say drop physics way more jobs with chemistry

Boeing777 · 31-08-2013 05:35PM

I'm going into 2nd year Science Ed and I've been told repeatedly during first year to stay away from Physics. The jump in standard in second year is suppose to be phenomenal and someone on boards told me last week that a module in first semester of 2nd year physics had a 84% failure rate last year. I'd say avoid it at all costs, but if you have the aptitude and interest for it well then don't let anything stop you.

Planemo · 31-08-2013 05:38PM

Did physics in 2nd year - the difficulty level goes up (there's a 7.5 credit module with a ~80% failure rate) but it's doable if you really work at it and the hours are alright (one 3 hour lab a week, no tutorials).

Didn't do chemistry but I've heard the labs are brutal and the organic chem module is rough going. I'd say look at the coursework for the year in each subject and do whatever you think will keep you interested enough to want to learn the material.

TheBody · 31-08-2013 06:31PM

Far more jobs in chemistry. When was the last time you spotted a job in the paper looking for a physicist??!! Most physics grads often go into computing or banking because of their logical/mathematics skills.

stephmcgarr · 01-09-2013 03:01AM

TheBody wrote: »

Far more jobs in chemistry. When was the last time you spotted a job in the paper looking for a physicist??!! Most physics grads often go into computing or banking because of their logical/mathematics skills.

Is expietmental physics ok for first year

01-09-2013 09:17AM

Yeah it's a nice first year module with a high pass rate.

The 7.5 credit module in first semester was brutal, the other ones were not so bad. Stay away from it either way.

TheBody · 01-09-2013 09:57AM

stephmcgarr wrote: »

Is expietmental physics ok for first year

First year experimental physics is a breeze.

lemansky · 01-09-2013 07:27PM

Don't for one second consider reported failure rates when deciding. That isn't what it should come down to. If after weighing it up you find that physics is more your thing than chemistry, go for it. Don't be put off. Don't build that module into some big insurmountable obstacle that makes your choice for you. If you decide to go with physics then take it as it comes.

As for jobs....there's as much choice with a physics degree as with your other options really.

2nd year science

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