Skip to main content
2 answers
2
Asked 1013 views

I am curious about the relationship between mathmatics and sciences.

In order to become a theoretical physicist would I be on a path similar to an engineer or is there a more similar path to compare to or is there nothing at all? #mathematics

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

2

2 answers


0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Daniela’s Answer

Hi Garret,


Some mathematicians apply theories and techniques, such as mathematical modeling, to solve practical problems. These mathematicians, sometimes known as applied mathematicians, typically work with individuals in other occupations to solve these problems. For example, they may work with chemists, materials scientists, and chemical engineers to analyze the effectiveness of new drugs. Other applied mathematicians may work with industrial designers to study the aerodynamic characteristics of new automobiles.


Other mathematicians may study theoretical or abstract concepts in mathematics. Sometimes called theoretical mathematicians, they identify, research, and resolve unexplained issues in mathematics. They are concerned primarily with exploring new areas and relationships of mathematical theories to increase knowledge and understanding about the field.


Despite the differences between applied and theoretical mathematics, these areas frequently overlap. Many mathematicians, particularly those in government or private industry, will use both applied and theoretical knowledge in their job duties.


However, most people with a degree in mathematics or who develop mathematical theories and models are not formally known as mathematicians. Instead, they work in related fields and professions. In the computer systems design and related services industries, for example, they may be known as computer programmers or systems analysts. In finance, they may be known as quantitative analysts or statisticians. Other industries may refer to them as data scientists.


Computer and information research scientists, physicists and astronomers, economists, actuaries, operations research analysts, engineers, and many other occupations also use mathematics extensively.


Some people with a mathematics background become middle school or high school math teachers.


Many people with a Ph.D. in mathematics, particularly theoretical mathematics, work as postsecondary teachers in education institutions. They usually have a mix of teaching and research responsibilities. Some may conduct individual research or collaborate with other professors or mathematicians. Collaborators may work together at the same institution or from different locations.


Top 3 mathematician Jobs
Applied Mathematician/Data Scientist - Fullpower Technologies, Inc. - Santa Cruz, CA
Software skills: • Expertise in using R, Python (Scipy), or MATLAB. Experience with C or Java is desirable. Leadership qualities: • Self starter


Postdoctoral Researcher – Development of hybrid DNS/LES algorithm - National Renewable Energy Lab - Golden, CO
This multi-faceted project will involve an interdisciplinary team of engineers, applied mathematicians and computer scientists. This position will


Mathematician - Feldman Law Group, P.C. - New York, NY
There may be compensation based on results. You can work at our offices in midtown or at


More information and opportunities in Math :
https://collegegrad.com/careers/mathematicians


Best!

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Yonatan’s Answer

Daniela's answer is REALLY fantastic. There is a really big difference between a theoretical physicist and an applied one.

Applied physics is very close to an engineering type path. You'll be studying mathematics that let you better model and solve real world problems and the physical models that let you reason about them.

Theoretical physicists are MUCH closer to mathematicians. You'd be working in pure mathematics a lot of time, trying to solve problems and model problems that might not have a testable physical analog.

For instance, we thought that gravity waves would exist for many many years before we were able to actually measure one. Theoretical physicists followed the math and found that these gravitational waves should exist if their math was correct. Decades later, applied physicists and engineers were able to create a device sensitive enough to actually measure one.

0