I need advice....

[ElPelado]

I have the possibility of study in the university one of these two(in a very good university):
-Physics+electricity/electronics(both at the same time)
-Aeronautics

What do you recomend to me? Which can give me a better "future"?
Im interested in astronomy, space fligth and all the things related to those and more....
I need advice as fast as possible...

[wcomer]

ElPelado,

First, I should point out that it is impossible for anyone to tell you what the best choice is for you. We can only offer to you what we would choose if we were in your position. It is important to understand the difference.

Either choice you make has fine career possibilities. However, if I were in your position I would choose the Physics/EE option over Aeronautics. This is because Aeronautics has a more narrow scope while Physics/EE's have a broader range of possible careers. You will also learn a set of analytic tools that are useful in almost any career. Moreover, if you change your mind later, it will be easier to switch from Physics/EE to Aeronautics than the converse.

I should point out that I am biased because I earned degrees in Physics and EE as an undergrad; which brings me to my original point - people can only tell you what they would do in your position.

cheers,
Walton

[ElPelado]

I know you cant tell me what is the best, I was asking what would you do if you were me, and thats what you answered, so thanks!
I asked the same in an other forum and someone told me the same, that aeronatics is more "close", and physics can be aplicable in many many things....

[t00fri]

I know you cant tell me what is the best, I was asking what would you do if you were me, and thats what you answered, so thanks!
I asked the same in an other forum and someone told me the same, that aeronatics is more "close", and physics can be aplicable in many many things....

El Pelado,

let me add a few comments. I agree with Walton's remarks entirely. A /general/ study of Physics allows you to make more specializing decisions later, when you have a better idea yourself what it is all about.

One thing, however, is quite important. It would be good if you feel that physics and math were relatively "easy" for you in high school, or more concretely that you had very good marks in both subjects. Although people with bad marks in high school can become ingenious physicists (Einstein!;-)), this is more of an exception...

Your marks may give you a /hint/ about your self-discipline of learning tedious new material etc.. Studying physics means also a lot of "sweat" besides excitement and fun, hence motivation for the subject is a crucial prerequisite.

Bye Fridger

[selden]

Another thing to consider is that most schools do not require you to decide on your major right away. If you can find one that provides majors in more than one of your interests, you can take (or audit) courses in each of them to find out which you prefer.

However, don't be surprised when you find out that the best schools are the most expensive. And have the most stringent entrance prerequisites. While many also have "remedial" classes, technical majors have the heaviest course loads. Trying to catch up can be very stressful.

Good Luck!

[Spaceman Spiff]

As the above say, physics provides the wider range of career - it's even said to be able to get you into non-science/engineering careers. The Electrical/Electronic aspect strengthens industrial relevance. Aeronautics would probably cover similar ground, but with tighter industrial connections. I think you should take aeronautics only if you have a place to go to after that wants it. However, as most of industry's human resources tend to write things like "applicant must have university degree in relevant discipline" it all becomes a bit academic (oops).

Apart from the career matter, what is your passion? You mention your interest in space flight and astronomy, but that doesn't match up with the degrees on offer. Few get a career directly in what they want. You appear to have eliminated astronomy already, but worry not: university degrees in astronomy are so theoretical that few students even know the constellations, or would actually look at stars - it's all maths.

Is this university in Argentina or outside? I don't know the Argentine system, but I'm not sure how much the US major-minor system applies to it. "Physics+electricity/electronics" sounds like Physics with Electrical and Electronic Engineering, which would be a 'combined' science/engineering degree in the UK system. You don't major and minor, but you get more options in choosing courses in later years.

Whatever, get a good degree, good job, good money, and if it doesn't cover your real interests, buy a bigger telescope at home...

Spiff.

[ElPelado]

WELL, FIRST, THANK YOU ALL!
Lets see where should I begin....
Ok, I am not living on Argentina. Because of economical problems, two and a half years ago(exactly one week before the attack to the towers) I left Argentina with my family. I studied here the last three years of high school(and I DO have great grades on maths physics and chemistry) and now its time to join the army(everyone has to join it here for at least three years), but I dont really want to. The army has a "project" that give to people of my age the posibility to go to university and study to make a degree(they pay the unibersity, and belive me, the universitys are very good), and then, after geting it, you have to work for them 4 years(good many and good conditions) at least in something related to your degree. For example, if i study aerodinamics, i will work in the air force.
There are many options. The ones I like are aerodinamics and physics+electronics. The last option is a double degree(i dont know how to call it): i make a degree in physics and in electricity+electronics.
Regarding to Astronomy, I would really like to study that(I ve learning alone from internet and other people, but, of course, its not anough), but I think that is the same with aerodinamics. If I study physics I can take curses of Astronomy later, or, if i have time, at the same time.
I think I will chose physics, because when i first got interested in doing this, i was sure i was going to study physics, then i saw aerodincamics... but after thinking well and seeing what you all told me, i am pretty sure i will study physics....
AGAIN, THANK YOU!

[t00fri]

WELL, FIRST, THANK YOU ALL!
Lets see where should I begin....
Ok, I am not living on Argentina. Because of economical problems, two and a half years ago(exactly one week before the attack to the towers) I left Argentina with my family. I studied here the last three years of high school(and I DO have great grades on maths physics and chemistry)

El Pelado,

where is "here"??

Where does "everyone have to join the army for three (!!) years?? Sounds horrible

Bye Fridger

[ElPelado]

It does sound bad, however, most of the young people want to do it...

[Spaceman Spiff]

The ones I like are aerodinamics and physics+electronics. The last option is a double degree(i dont know how to call it): i make a degree in physics and in electricity+electronics.

'Combined honours degree in Physics with Electrical and Electronic Engineering' is the UK term for a cross-faculty degree. You aren't in the UK, though - it has no conscription.

Check what pension you might get from 4 years service - just some general advice on thinking about the future.

Good luck!

Spiff.