<p>I'm wondering what differences exist b/w the two?</p>
<p>And for one who wants to go into research what would be a better option in your opinion?</p>
<p>The applied physics is closer to engineering physics and of course, engineering in general (but don’t say applied physics does engineering, that isn’t what i am suggesting). However, the difference varies from school to school.
If you are looking forward with more theortical and general study of physics, pick physics.
You can build a concentration in applied physics.</p>
<p>Compare the courses that you have to take for either degree from the target schools.</p>
<p>It depends on what kind of research you want to conduct. Minimally, you will learn pretty much everything, maybe a few courses not mandatory for applied physicist students. But in general, you are going to absorb most. I’d say applied physics might be more interesting.</p>
<p>Hello perfectpixie,</p>
<p>Take a look at the research work taking place in Applied Physics Lab and Physics Dept at University of Washington:</p>
<p>[APL-UW</a> - Home](<a href=“http://www.apl.washington.edu/]APL-UW”>http://www.apl.washington.edu/)
[Physics</a> Research @ UW](<a href=“http://www.phys.washington.edu/research.php]Physics”>http://www.phys.washington.edu/research.php)</p>
<p>Applied Physics research tends to be interdisciplinary in nature.</p>
<p>@ UW APL, I have seen researchers from physics, EE, geology, mathematics and medical school coming together to work on various problems. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>jwxie and Maxxwell, thank you for helping me out.</p>
<p>Maxxwell, I did indeed check those out. Their research work very sounds interesting. Thank you for the links :)</p>