<p>I am currently a petroleum engineering student. however i find molecules and atoms interest me. And since i found out about nanotechnoloy i think thats really neat too. </p>
<p>I've only taken intro chem and physics, which one would be better to take a few more classes in if i'm into tiny things. I am not sure i can go to grad school in the sciences with an engineering undergrad.</p>
<p>my school has both chem and physics with concentration on particle physics.</p>
<p>Chemistry is primarily concerned with the various types of bonds that form between atoms and reactions involving creating and breaking bonds to form different molecules. It focuses on reactions between the electrons that orbit the nucleus of the atom.</p>
<p>Physics deals more with events involving individual individual particles such as protons and neutrons which make up the nucleus and activities involving the nucleus such as many forms of radiation. This is the realm in which Quantum Mechanics rules and is sub-discipline within Physics. Upper division Physics courses in Quantum Mechanics can be very rewarding but they will also probably be the most difficult courses you will ever encounter as an undergraduate.</p>
<p>As a petroleum engineering student, you probably have taken a significant amount of chemistry. if you take a physical chemistry sequence, you will get an introduction to quantum mechanics. It is not as extensive as you might have in physics though.</p>
<p>At Illinois Tech we have an applied physics masters program that is designed for engineering students who want to learn more physics. You might be able to find such a program that would get you started in the direction you wish to go. </p>
<p>The challenge that you would face in entering graduate school in either chemistry or physics is that you would need some remedial coursework. For physics it would be classical mechanics, electrodynamics and quantum mechanics. For chemistry, you would need to take organic, inorganic and physics chemistry at a minimum. The same applied to materials science & engineering. Take a look at the curriculum for those degrees at your university and you can see what might be possible.</p>
<p>Chemistry and physics make excellent hobbies. There are always fascinating news articles coming out, and great informational shows on cable channels. You don’t need to take classes in either field to continue learning and enjoying them. You may also find that the degree requirements go well beyond your actual interests. I’d stick with petroleum engineering and simply enjoy picking up some chemistry and physics on the side.</p>
<p>I am not a self go getter to be learning physics/chem on the side. however I do find it interesting and I would take a few more courses. </p>
<p>For my petroleum degree I only need chem 100, and 1 class of organic chem, so i don’t have too many courses. </p>
<p>I am kind of looking at physics because my school had grad studies in particle physics, and when i read the course descriptions for the grad courses I got excited. Like, thats cool! I wanna learn that too! lol</p>
<p>Would it be a bad idea to “double major” next year… as in take the 200 level physics courses (there would be 5 at the 200 level) and the rest my engineering courses? </p>
<p>this way I can check it out.</p>
<p>hey, I checked out Illinois Tech. that sounds pretty good. I was impressed with all their online programs, as I am in Canada. Unfortunately, the physics you speak of is not offered online; however, i do think it is an option to consider. tuition costs would be double though. hmmm</p>
<p>Double Major Physics/Engineering is a tall task for anyone to handle. I know for fact it takes a special individual to accomplish this in the physics program I am in. I would be very cautious before making this kind of jump. I’m in my junior year right now and can tell you for fact that it will be a monster task trying to juggle both of these majors. If you are curious as to what upper level undergraduate physics is like, then message me. It isn’t impossible, but it will be a hard grind.</p>
<p>i just don’t want to close any doors. Like I don’t want to be doing petroleum engineering, and then find that 5 years later i want to switch careers again. (typical of me though, I get so bored so easily with my jobs. I need something constantly challenging me) Not that switching careers is horrible but going back to school when i am 37 will be a pain. thus i thought maybe i could tackle the two majors to leave my options open. I am so confused because I know it sounds like a crazy thing to do.</p>