1 answer
1
Question
Asked
527 views
How do I figure out where I want to focus my career as someone interested in biophysics and astrophysics?
I'm currently a freshman in college majoring in physics. I've always had an interest in astrophysics, and I am currently enjoying applying physical principles to biology. However, I'm not sure these two disciplines overlap in any capacity, or how I can hone this into a steady career.
Login to comment
1 answer
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Rosette,
It's good that you are getting your undergraduate degree in physics, as this will give you a broad basis and introduce you to different facets of physics. Astrophysics is fascinating, so is biophysics. You still have plenty of time to get deeper into these (and other) topics. Talk to people who work in these fields, both at the university and outside. Talk to some students doing their graduate degree in these fields. Get involved in research activities at your school. Look for summer programs and internships, e.g. at NASA.
A specialization in biophysics can lead to a variety of career options in academia and research as well as in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology or healthcare. You might be able to find an entry level position with a bachelors degree, but for more independent positions, you'll need a masters or a PhD.
If you specialize in astrophysics, your career path will most likely lead you into education and/or research. You would need at least a masters, but most likely a PhD to be employable in universities or research institutes.
The only cross-over between astrophysics and biophysics would be the field of astrobiology or space biology. You could get your bachelors in physics and add a graduate degree in astrobiology. You would most certainly head into an academic or research career since there is not a lot of demand for astrobiologists in industry.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's good that you are getting your undergraduate degree in physics, as this will give you a broad basis and introduce you to different facets of physics. Astrophysics is fascinating, so is biophysics. You still have plenty of time to get deeper into these (and other) topics. Talk to people who work in these fields, both at the university and outside. Talk to some students doing their graduate degree in these fields. Get involved in research activities at your school. Look for summer programs and internships, e.g. at NASA.
A specialization in biophysics can lead to a variety of career options in academia and research as well as in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology or healthcare. You might be able to find an entry level position with a bachelors degree, but for more independent positions, you'll need a masters or a PhD.
If you specialize in astrophysics, your career path will most likely lead you into education and/or research. You would need at least a masters, but most likely a PhD to be employable in universities or research institutes.
The only cross-over between astrophysics and biophysics would be the field of astrobiology or space biology. You could get your bachelors in physics and add a graduate degree in astrobiology. You would most certainly head into an academic or research career since there is not a lot of demand for astrobiologists in industry.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Thank you for the advice, this was very helpful!