Physics or Physics with Mathematics?

I would echo Yokki's comments that it depends what you want to do with it. Physics with maths is a good standard combination, so you're not really diluting the degree, just doing ocmponents from two other degrees which are very closely related anyway.

If you are interested in doing research in theoretically physics, such as quantum mechanics, general relativity etc then the maths is a good option. This woudl also be a good combination if you fancied a job in financal modelling, for instance.

However, most standard physics courses do contain options to study mathematical physics, and as many posters have mentioned there is a high maths content in any physics degree.

If you want to go into more experimental areas, or are likely to want a career in industrial R&D afterwards, then straight physics may be better, as you are likely to have more time to cover applied and experimental areas.

At the end of the day, its up to your personal preference. Having said that, if you really can't decide I would go for the straight physics - its may well be easier on the timetable, and although it may not seem it now, once you get to University, you'll probably appreciate having a little more time for other things. And its highly unlikely you'll find yourself in a physics degree saying "I wish there was more maths in this".

Good question. I think it depends on whether you think you might be keen on theoretical physics or experimental physics, and also on what area of physics you might want to pursue.

If you're thinking about theoretical physics, esp. in particle or quantum physics, I'd suggest Physics with Maths. If, at the other extreme, you think that you might like to do experimental physics then maybe Maths isn't so important.

Of course, the early years would have some maths mixed in with the Physics anyway, wouldn't it? It's not really possible to do Physics without a fair bit of advanced maths, no matter what area you're interested in.

Is it possible maybe for you to defer that decision until you can get some local course advice?

(Note.. I'm only going on my 30 yr ago Australian experience, so take this with a grain of salt!!)

At a certain point in your Physics Study, you will find that it will no longer be possible to separate Mathematics from Physics because the equations for a phenomenon must precisesly represent it. The lack of consideration for this relationship of Math and Physics is the main cause why we are now faced with a lot of paradoxes in the Physics field. We should note that because the implication of the negative value of the square root in the Lorentz transform was not considered in Einstein's Special Theary of Relativity, we are now dealing with an illogical Physics full of anomalies. Had mathemathics been carefully considered, we should not have contended with a 100 year deceiption. Also, there was that lack of consideration of governing phenomena in the mathemathical assumptions used in the Mickelson - Morley Experiment which lead to the wrong interpretation of the null result of the experiment. This was the main culprit why the scientific community embarked into the Fitsgerald Contraction Hypothesis that lead to faulty theories. Lorentz, the professor of Einstein, arrived at the Transform but wisely refused to accept its implication simply because he was aware of the negative value of the square root, which totally negates the validity of the basic assumptions. Had Einstein considered this, then he could have seen right away that his basic postulate on the constancy of the velocity of light is wrong. FYI, velocities greater than the speed of light of up to 300c have been noted in recent lab experiments.

So I suggest you take Mathematics side by side with Physics. Then you would be properly equipped to do research.

You will find quite enough mathematics in a physics degree so I wouldn't bother diluting it unless you intend to specialise in theoretical physics, when I suppose it might come in handy.

Well, Physics is mostly Maths anyways. And both are equally interesting. It is upto you to decide which you want. And if you want to concentrate just on research, maybe Physics withs Maths will be better.

Your physics degree will be mostly maths anyway as most is theoretical. I would stick to pure physics as it will be less diluted.

i prefer you getting straight physics because this also teaches physics with math. physics with math merely focuses on the calculations used in physics. if you are really a physics lover, you would probably choose physics.

I think mathematical physics wud a better option!!!

it plays a dead major role in researches!!!

pure physic is more or less mathematical