Why Take Physics?

Students can be so focused on getting into university, they often make short-sighted decisions in high school that limit their options as undergraduates and affect their ability to "get out" and move on to satisfying careers. High School teachers can have a tremendous influence on their students' choices. The purpose of this workshop is to arm Physics teachers with compelling arguments that highlight the importance of taking a strategic approach to high school course selection and program selection in Levels I and II at university. It turns out that taking physics (and more physics) is always a good idea for any student interested in pursuing Science or a related profession. This workshop will also provide answers to the question, "What can I do with a degree in Physics?" with a combination of employment statistics and anecdotes from amongst alumni of Honours Physics at McMaster.

Caroline Burgess has a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Coop) and a Masters degree in Education. An educator for over 25 years, she has taught Science and Math at all levels from primary school to college. In her current position as Outreach Coordinator for the Departments of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Mathematics & Statistics and Physics & Astronomy at McMaster University, she encourages dialogues between teachers and faculty through regular meetings, invites teachers to bring their classes on campus for interactive activities including hands-on labs and demos and coordinates several web-based contests. Caroline has also focused on "Inreach" in each of her departments, working with Science Career and Coop Education to promote a strategic approach to the undergraduate years in terms of elective selection, the acquisition of valuable skills, and research, coop and volunteer experiences that can help to insure a successful transition post graduation.

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