Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m an NUS graduate in Physics (2012). I enjoy solving puzzles and problems, and I think an inquisitive mind necessarily supports my choice of course.
What were your favourite subjects/modules back in Junior College/Polytechnic?
Physics and Maths. I studied in the era when there was Further Mathematics. It was great.What inspired you to study Physics?
A book by Michio Kaku. Reading one of these fascinating pieces, even if it is popular science, can spark a passion that will last years.
What are the challenges in pursuing a degree in Physics? Despite all these
challenges, why did you choose to study it anyway?
There are concepts in physics that leaves most people baffled. While the mathematics are challenging, the grasp of key ideas and how they are utilised are more crucial and difficult. Yet, the fun also lies in the dynamics of these theories, and how they turn to experiments and phenomena that can be observed. It’s like an extreme sport, exhausting at first, but fulfilling in the process.
What is a typical day in Physics like?
You go for a lecture, all ready to take in what the professor throws on the whiteboard. Beyond the first year, there are rarely PowerPoint slides. They don’t work anymore. The concepts are in the lines of equations that the professors will scribble across the boards. You might have notes to help you but more importantly is to follow the steps and figure out what is being discussed. Each lecture could be a tool that will help solve future problems.You go for tutorials, all prepped with done or undone work. Do not expect to just copy the ‘model’ answers from the tutor, as there are none. The solution is very much useless compared to the journey to obtain it. Hence, tutors are more inclined to have students presenting their answers.You go for practical lab sessions, but only for a few modules. In there you learn the most practical skills in science – How the scientific method influences the design of the experiments, and where errors can appear. (Hint: They’re everywhere.)And the rest of the day is just how you’d like to spend your day – socialising with fellow course mates over lunch or gaming (Physics majors do love some entertainment), arguing over interests in various fields, or just enjoying the fruit of labour as course mates cooperate to battle the Tutorials and Assignments, gaining the necessary experience in understanding the subject matter as a whole.
What is the nature of module/course/work? Content-heavy? Practical skills? Group
work? Self-reading?
It is content heavy. There is no denying. You might have to learn new forms of mathematics right off the bat to start appreciating the module. Every student will, too, and the modules are structured to help you with it. This is where cooperation comes in. Students with different levels of knowledge can sit together to discuss the concepts and clarify any problems. Tutors and lecturers offer ample consultation time. Finding the most suitable way to study is thus a necessary skill.
Is this your first choice? If not, what were your other choices and why?
Yes, my first and only choice. I was not interested in any other choices.
What do you plan to do with your degree? What are the career prospects with the
degree?
Well, I am a Research Engineer currently. As my passion is in research, I might end up doing a PhD in Electrical Engineering. Other career prospects of Physics include: Financial / Economical Modelling, Teaching, Specialists in High-tech equipment companies, Meteorological Modelling, and pretty much everything that require your expertise in either modelling or technical knowledge.
What you should know before embarking on a degree in Physics?
First, learning mathematics is essential. One must be prepared to take up the challenge of equations and models. It is the language in which Physics speak. If in doubt, practise and practise. It’s far more rewarding as discussed in the next point.
Second, Physics is not all about the theories and concepts. While they are needed in the interpretation of phenomena, the take-home message of the modules are not these theories which non-Physics outsiders see as irrelevant. It is about modelling. Every module tells you what physicists had seen in nature, and how they reasoned might be the underlying rules that govern the phenomena. This skill is that practical skill much sought after in the various career prospects. And this skill needs the mathematics to function at its best.
Thirdly, determine what you want to achieve from the degree. The chances of working in the research field are small. This applies to all fields of science. There are limited research positions around the world, and already far too many PhD holders. Many will end up not doing research and instead enter industry. One must be prepared for it. Those who do take up research positions are the most passionate ones, so be prepared to match their passion if you do choose the path.
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