Marine Science or Physics?

Hello.

I’m interested in both marine science and physics but the problem is that I don’t know which one I should pursue as an undergraduate program. In the field of physics I like literally everything, from quantum mechanics up to astrophysics, it’s all interesting to me, I can’t go wrong by picking physics. I did study physics last year before dropping out due to unrelated reasons, so I have a clear picture of what is expected thus I know how to perform better (laziness last year killed me).

Marine Science, I really like the idea of actually understanding how the ocean works with the use of the different branches of science such as physics, chemistry and biology. I also like the idea of actually working with the ocean, try to “better” it is what sounds pleasing to me considering the problems with the environment. The problem with marine science is that I’m uncertain I would enjoy chemistry, I had zero interest in it during my HS years. It is a large part of marine science. Another concern is that I really like to understand the science of things from a deeper level, I don’t know if marine science goes deep into that.

Question:

So what should I do in my situation? I really love physics and marine science (maybe asides from chemistry, I like the idea of chemistry but no so much when studying it, at least in HS) but I can’t find a way of making them overlap, unless I go to Physical Oceanography, wouldn’t a physics undergraduate be better for physical oceanography?

Career wise I look forward to working in the field of marine science as opposed to physics. I don’t mind a job in physics, I simply prefer studying physics as opposed to thinking about the jobs. The jobs in marine science suits my interest more because they tend to be more field based.

Question 2:

I could go for a double major in physics and marine science but that would probably be very difficult, is it worth a shot? I could drop one program after going into them a couple of weeks. I have a reserved slot for physics in the same university I dropped out. It is also the same university where I could study marine science. Thoughts?


Sorry for the unstructured mess, I simply have too many questions…

In the field of marine science the Biology and Physics is very interesting. Rest is OK. My biggest concern with marine science is that it will be “shallow”, not go “deep” into the subjects but instead try to stand as wide as possible. Is this good or bad to have in a program (heigth vs width)?

I was initially interested in physics, but during the third year in HS my interest started shifting towards marine science (it was here I started realising my interest, I was interested long before). I have been interested in both sciences since I was a kid, physics a bit longer.

Where are you in your education? If you are graduating high school this spring, quick get your application in for this:
https://www.umes.edu/Geosciences/Pages/About/

My error. I didn’t read closely enough that you have already started college. How far into your education are you?

I haven’t started yet, I’m in EU and I will start now in summer. Right now I’m simply applying.

This is a link to Eckerd College’s course offerings for a Major in Marine Science. You can major in marine bio, marine chem, marine geo, marine geo/physics. It is a rigorous program, only about 1/3rd of students that originally apply graduate with that degree. Eckerd also has the largest number of Hollings Scholars, (NOAA), in the US. You will be well prepared for acceptance into a post grad. program. Research opportunities begin in freshman year. https://www.eckerd.edu/marinescience/major/

Yeah but physics or marine science in my case? I’m not concerned regarding university choice.

Why do you have to decide right now? Do you have to declare your major right away?

Yes I have to. There’s a chance I will study in my country. The application closes in about 15 days.

Go with marine science and look for opportunities to integrate physics either through summer research or through additional course work. It sounds to me that you would find that the most interesting and rewarding. Chemistry is a short term course that has to be endured in order to have a career that you enjoy. Keep your eye on the goal.

Instead of integrating physics research, wouldn’t a major in physics and then a minor in marine science be more appropriate? (physics then masters in physical oceanography)

Two equally valid paths to take.

I think I’m going for physics. It fits me better.

Good decision. Wishing you the best for you studies.

Physics is a good choice. From that you can certainly move into marine sciences for a graduate degree.

Is double major advicable? If not I’m simply going for physics. Im worried about schedule crashes and volume

A double major will probably delay graduation by a year or at least a semester. Better to go for a Masters in the Marine Sciences.

Depends if you want to be math-intensive or not.

If you like Ramen - biology
If you like $ and not eating Ramen every night - physics

Marine Biology is the gender study of STEM. You will STRUGGLE to find a decent job. If you aren’t going to college to get a degree to get a job, then stop, save your $ and learn on your own.

http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/majors-that-pay-you-back/bachelors?page=23

I couldn’t tell for certain from your post, but it seems like you don’t know what a career in physics entails. You said you like “studying” and thinking about physics, but physicists spend their careers seeking funding, drafting experiments, analyzing data, and trying to get published. You get VERY specialized into a small field. Oh, and did I mention that you need a PhD to really “do” physics?

I suppose if you get a BS in physics and then a Masters in Oceanography things will be different, but that’s assuming you won’t change your mind.

My suggestion is to quickly find people in your area that work in each of your fields of interest. You need to see what they actually DO. I think that right now you’re just thinking about the subject you’ll be studying (which is a good first step.) A degree is supposed to prepare you for a career, so that’s where your mind should be. That fancy degree doesn’t mean as much if you hate your career…