i am a chem major (organic concentration) at UCLA who is taking my physics courses currently. i don't necessarily like physics and am wondering how much of it i am going to use once i start working? it seems i am learining a lot of stuff that i won't ever encounter again in my field....
130050
You will only use a tiny bit of what you do in college in the real world, unless you are going to be a lawyer or doctor. The REAL lesson you learn in college is how to work hard and indepenantly, and to solve tough problems. When you get to the real world, you'll have to learn a bunch of completely unrelated skills and acquire new knowledge. It seems pointless, but college is really a weeding out process. In all honesty if there was a way to determine if an 18 year old is a tough, hard working, intelligent, problem solver with leadership skills and self confidence, he would do just as well if not better than a 22 yo college grad. \n\nSo to answer your question, just get good enough grads to graduate, and hit the ground running when you get to the real world.
494412
DO NOT TAKE ORGANIC 1 WITHOUT FINISHING CHEM 2!\nThere are a lot of subjects that you will cover in the last half of Chemistry that you will be sorry you don't know. Your best bet is to finish the semester with Chem 2 and take Organic 1 and Organic 2 during the summer. That is what I did and I found it to be much easier. I was a straight A Chemistry student, graduating Magna Cum Laude. The labs and material in O Chem are different and more complicated than Inorganic Chemistry, so just taking the whole series over the summer gives you time to study and time to play and work. Good Luck!
108776
I think it starts with studying psychology, I just got admitted to university for psychology, so far I learn that there are two areas psychology with the department of science engineering or arts. they both or similar.Lots of studying, but its a good field, pays well,
511146
here's what I want to know:  is there anything you enjoy about physics?\n\nI know that's an odd question, but here's why I'm asking:  if you approach your studies as an opportunity to learn something new, it'll become less of a chore and a memorization thing. Concentrate on learning concepts rather than facts and formulas. \n\nIn high school you're taught to regurgitate information. In college it's usually (hopefully) different. Most professors want to broaden your mind, and that's not going to happen if you're just spitting out facts and figures. \n\nThe best way to stop worrying is to enjoy the process. Really.\n\nI'd recommend going to the prof and asking him what you're doing wrong--tell him you really want to succeed in his class.  (you may be surprised by his response, hopefully in a positive way)
504731
Wow, that's a broad area of a problem. What exactly are you having trouble with?\n\nMy guess would be that you're not confident in your ability to do maths, because that underlies most science. You need to "get" algebra, in particular, to solve most Physics problems, and some people just have trouble getting thir head round the idea that a letter can stand for a number you don't know (or even one you do).\n\nI'd suggest you try to get some remedial algebra help and see if that makes things easier.\n\n=======\n\nIf it's not the maths, then I guess you are having trouble concentrating because you don't find it interesting, and don't see how it relates to your life.\n\nPartly that's down to poor teaching, but you can't let that ruin your education. You could read some popular science books, or New Scientist magazine (your school probably has it in the library). I don't know if schools still run electronics clubs like they did in my day, but that's one way to get into a certain area of Physics. Astronomy is great to read about, or again join a local club.\n\nBut yeah, some of it is hard and boring. Thermodynamics springs to mind :-)
202202
Another important aspect of physics and engineering is building stuff.  In all the labs I've worked in (physics), there has been a large element of working with the hands, whether by putting together electronics, welding and soldering, using machine tools, sample preparation, or whatever.  It's important to feel comfortable working with your hands.  \n\nThe most effective way I have found for me to study is not only reading, but working to solve problems-- after you learn a concept, do several simple problems to make sure the concept and its applications stick with you.  I also find it's a lot easier to visualize things if I have some idea of the mathematical stuff that's going on.
11907
I like anything to do with science.  I am a visual person so I like to look at things in order to learn them, I dont like lectures and such.  If you do like to listen to lectures I would take a communications class.
24769
The UCLA website offers a huge variety of diverse majors along with a detailed description of what the major is and what it can be used for.  It even gives a list of what jobs each major would work for.  Even if you are not interested in UCLA for college, this site will clear up any questions about specific majors and career choices.\n\nwww.ucla.edu
405355
If you really need help, try asking your professor or create a study group with classmates.  To be honest, I don't think that there is too much that you need to learn in general physics, most are really plugging values into an equation.  If you are relatively good at math, then you should be fine in physics.  One good way to study is to read the text carefully and actually do, or attempt the homework questions, and I mean all of them, from the easy to hard.  Its best to have a solution guide with you handy, not to cheat and copy, but to look at it and give you hints on how to proceed with doing a problem.  One last advice would be that whenever you are studying for something, do not place it in short term memory, and the best way is to repeatedly study physics everyday, maybe devote at least 20 minutes a day to study physics.
34286
WELL, I don't know what to tell you here.  If I had to answer the question from a outside perspective (i.e. not having a B.S. in math and a physics minor myself), I would say having the physics minor is a sign that not only are you able to conquer the rigid world of mathematics, but that you are flexible enough to apply the math to a specific discipline, in your case physics, rather than just having a pure logic style of thinking that turns math majors into math Ph.Ds.  \n\nFrom my personal perspective, it hasn't meant much.  I'm headed into the education field since I haven't been able to solidify a job doing anything I'm interested in related to math or physics.  I hope you have a better student services/job placement program at your school.
184700
I was a physics teacher for some time at high school level and the problem is that depending on how you teach it, it can be very fun and interesting or it can be the worst nightmare.  I recommend you to try to understand it with things you do everyday... motion laws when you drive a car, or the speed of a baseball when is pitched.  Also it helps visiting pages like www.howstuffworks.com they explain things in a very easy understanding way.  Physics is in everyday life and to be able to understand it and to find some fun on it you have to relate it with all kind of everyday situations and phenomena.  DON'T QUIT...
70005
We are one of the most stupid countries on this planet (as evidenced by the questions & answers on this forum). Will you please do your part and actually learn something? Not just the physics required for your class but also, learn the work ethic that is required to finish a project yourself that will keep this nation great?\n\nThanks,\nan American
295533
Many physicists go into information technology professions. I have seen quite a few, ranging from PhDs and bachelors, working in IT consulting, teaching, programming, and all sorts. It seems that stuff learnt in physics lectures can be translated into IT work too.
88809
Some of the most interesting people I know are 30 and still don't know what they want to do.\nTake your time and explore, find out what you like and dislike no one is ever attached to their major.\nIf you like Physics then give it a go, however it is mostly math and may require you working a little harder to stay ahead then your peers.
378056
You need to regain the vision of why you are there in the first place. Perhaps the course in question is not interesting, but you are there to get your degree and this course is a "necessary evil".  As a management degree holder, that's how I made it through science classes!
136195
Science will help you get employment in many fields.  It has so many uses that are crucial to our lives today.  There is medecine, Astronomy, Physics for engineering and a host of other things.  I wish I could have done more in that field when I was in school.
432793
Even PhD's have a rough go of it in organic chem - would recommend PhD before looking for ajob.  DuPont would be great if you can get in.