Changing track...

[mmejavert]

(x-posted to _scientists_All right, I'm heading towards being a physics/astronomy major at the University of Pittsburgh. Thing is, I had two semesters of high school physics that were taught by an awful teacher, and therefore I have a very small background in physics. Because I really don't want to struggle through calc-based physics next semester, I'm looking

Comments

[oldschoolnewave]

Well you'd probably be required to take the more difficult one anyway, no? Its required here at least, although the only difference in difficulty really is one uses Calculus and the other doesn't (although honestly we barely used in Calc in my class).

GPA is annoying. To me it's so much based on what teachers you have, that I can't even worry about it. I do my best to keep it up, I need to keep a 3.0 for my scholarship, but other than that, I try not to think about it. The way I figure, I'm studying Astrophysics here, having not-perfect grades in that isn't too shabby. I love people who boast about their 3.7 in Art History or whatever ;)

One more thing I am noticing, does your school offer a "General Physics" track rather than specifically Astronomy? I ask because mine does, and the general physics track is basically "take 18 hours of any Physics courses." This allows me to take all the Astronomy I can, but when it doesn't fit my schedule, I can take something else. Because at least here, there is only one higher level Astronomy class offered a semester, and it's not always at a good time.

[mmejavert]

Yeah. Actually my major is just physics with an astronomy "flavour." The university only offers about eight astronomy classes -- four of which are gen. ed. and won't count towards my major if I took them. Basically the physics/astronomy major at Pitt takes the physics major and replaces four physics courses with the four astro ones. I have to take something like 11-13 physics courses.

Three of the four astronomy classes I have to take are only offered every six semesters (including summer terms). Two of them are offered this coming year so I won't be able to take them until my senior year. Intro astronomy is offered just every fall (used to be every fall/spring). Which only goes to show that there's few teachers and even fewer interest.

I don't have to take quantum mechanics, because I'm not doing the honours degree but I think I'll take it anyway, 'cause quantum's pretty damn cool. :)

[oldschoolnewave]

Now see that is pretty cool....here everybody has to take the core Physics classes, including a year of Quantum and a year of Electricity and Magnatism (both of which I've heard nothing but horror stories about, so I am extremely worried). Then you get to pick from a specializiation area, which is where Astronomy comes in.

Like I said I am just worried about QM and EM...if I can't pass those I am going to end up with a minor in Physics, Astronomy and Math, and thats about it :(

[mmejavert]

ugh.. electricity and magnetism. I can honestly say that, when I was trying to study (independently) for the AP Physics B test, that section of the book was the least comprehensible to me. I have to take one of those classes too. (Here Intro Quantum is a two-semester course.) Wave motion and optics and Mechanics and all sorts of physics things. I can add a Thermodynamics class but I don't know how much I want to overload myself, heh.

[oldschoolnewave]

Yep, QM is a year here too...so is EM. Then I think I take a Thermo class, Mechanics, a few cool labs, Statistical Physics and thats about it really. I was disappointed my school offers no relativity or anything.

Really I am just trying to take QM and EM asap so that I can see if its something I am going to be able to handle or something crazy.

[mmejavert]

Heh. If you get to it before I do, let me know how it goes! ;-)

Personally, I'm looking forward to Quantum and Galaxies & Cosmology my self... I figure since Thermo is optional for me, I'll wait and see if there's room for it my senior year, or just take it my fifth year if there's nothing better to do.

[oldschoolnewave]

I am curious how difficult the non-intro Astronomy classes are. Here the only prereqs are Intro to Ast and basic physics, so I don't think there is going to be much physisc or calc. This fall I might be taking Solar System Astronomy, which is described as "Interdisciplinary approach to the dynamics of the Solar System through application of Physics, Atmospheric Science, Chemistry and Geology."

The problem, at least here, with a Physics degree, is that almost all the higher level stuff requires Diff Equations, which I won't be taking till the spring at the earliest. And right now, I've almost run out of classes to take until then!

[mmejavert]

Have to take Diff Equations anyway. Calc I, II, III, then Diff. I was also advised to take Partial Diff. after that, if I've got the time/energy. Figure it'd be useful, really. I'm... really not the world's best math student, but hey. I'm up for a challenge. :)