Career opinions?

[Stratus]

Alright, well, this is somewhat of a continuation from my previous topic. I'm new here so I wasn't sure if it would be better to post a new topic or just edit my previous topic. I figured that it would be better to make a new topic as it's a topic change, if it's incorrect or against the rules, please delete this topic and let me know. xD

 

anyway, before I get into a lot of detail here, keep in mind I'm only in high school currently. I'd love to enter a field in quantum physics, but I would imagine it would be incredibly hard without tons of experience. I just want to plan for the future and try to set a path ahead of me.

 

well, I'm greatly interested in quantum physics. I'm not sure what I find so interesting about it, as when I bring it up with others they always act like I'm crazy. I just know that I enjoy learning about it and if I say so, I can understand it pretty well.

 

I've bought a few books, have been studying, and have been watching lectures and videos online. And well I'm sure I'm nowhere near understanding half of quantum physics, I'd love to find a way to get into it.

 

anyway, I know there's a few physicists on these forums. So, if I may ask, what's my best idea to try and end up in the course I want? I do plan on going to college, also.

[swansont]

The field that is the most direct application of QM is probably atomic physics. You may have opportunities to do some research as an undergraduate, but that level of specialization generally doesn't occur until graduate school.

[mathematic]

Since you are still in high school, you don't have to make a more precise choice other than majoring in physics when you get to college. As you progress rhrough the first and second year courses you will discover what you feel strongly interested in and select your upper level courses accordingly.

[timo]

So, if I may ask, what's my best idea to try and end up in the course I want?

Do you homework, get good grades in math and natural sciences. Go to university and study physics or chemistry. Apart from that, just follow your interests. Edited May 9, 2013 by timo

[Stratus]

ah, alright, thank you everyone for your advice. I currently have a pretty great grade in math and science courses, as I enjoy those the most. My history could use a little work, but meh xD.

 

I've been trying to read some books on QM and related subjects in addition to my current studies to help with my understanding in the future, is there any recommended books that you guys know of that is of beginner level? I'm sure I don't know enough for an advanced book, but I suppose I could try to understand a book somewhere in between. Any ideas come to mind?

 

Thank you.

[ajb]

ah, alright, thank you everyone for your advice. I currently have a pretty great grade in math and science courses, as I enjoy those the most. My history could use a little work, but meh xD.

I hated history at school, it was just one thing after another.

I've been trying to read some books on QM and related subjects in addition to my current studies to help with my understanding in the future, is there any recommended books that you guys know of that is of beginner level? I'm sure I don't know enough for an advanced book, but I suppose I could try to understand a book somewhere in between. Any ideas come to mind?

Probabily, right now a popular science book could be a good option. Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed

by Jim Al-Khalili could be interesting for you.

 

If you want to learn quantum mechanics proper, then I have other recommendations for you, but that might be something for the future.

[Stratus]

I hated history at school, it was just one thing after another.Probabily, right now a popular science book could be a good option. Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed

by Jim Al-Khalili could be interesting for you.

 

If you want to learn quantum mechanics proper, then I have other recommendations for you, but that might be something for the future.

exactly about the history, I never found it interesting at all also.

 

uhhh, I believe I actually already have that book. It's next on my to read list.

 

If it's not asking too much, could I get a list of the QM proper books? I probably won't buy them all now, but it's nice to know which ones are good in case I find one on sale or something.

[ajb]

Books I have found useful include

 

P.A.M. Dirac, The principles of quantum mechanics. (This should be compusary reading for EVERYONE)

 

Albert Messiah, Quantum Mechanics (2 Volumes).

 

Frederick W. Byron and Robert W. Fuller, Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics (Dover Books on Physics).

 

I have also used other books from time to time. I am also sure others can give you long lists of other book to use.

[mathematic]

A good readable book is QED by Richard Feynman.

[Delta1212]

I hated history at school, it was just one thing after another.Probabily, right now a popular science book could be a good option. Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexedby Jim Al-Khalili could be interesting for you.If you want to learn quantum mechanics proper, then I have other recommendations for you, but that might be something for the future.

I hope the history joke was intentional, because it was hilarious.

[imatfaal]

I hope the history joke was intentional, because it was hilarious.

I am sure it was intentional - and the idea behind it was, and is, a bane of teachers of history. Way back in the 50s Arnold Toynbee in his Study of History lamented the fact that in education and common perception that "the dogma of history was one damn thing after another".

 

And our enlightened leaders now want to return to the stultifying learning of dates and and strict chronologies - cos of course it's better to know the date of the accession to the throne of king whatshisname than understanding the class imbalance and political context of a nation that could lead to revolution - whether industrial, cultural, or bloody.

 

//Sorry OT rant

[Delta1212]

I am sure it was intentional - and the idea behind it was, and is, a bane of teachers of history. Way back in the 50s Arnold Toynbee in his Study of History lamented the fact that in education and common perception that "the dogma of history was one damn thing after another".

 

And our enlightened leaders now want to return to the stultifying learning of dates and and strict chronologies - cos of course it's better to know the date of the accession to the throne of king whatshisname than understanding the class imbalance and political context of a nation that could lead to revolution - whether industrial, cultural, or bloody.

 

//Sorry OT rant

Oh don't worry. I'm actually a history buff and rather agree with you on the subject. I still found it funny, though.

[ajb]

I hope the history joke was intentional, because it was hilarious.

Yes it was intentional.

 

And I understand the difficulty in teaching history well at school. I enjoyed history at school, but found it was hard to understand the larger picture and continuity of it all. Maybe the way history is presented in school is not in tune with the mathematical and scientific way of thinking. That may be somthing for another thread...

Edited May 13, 2013 by ajb