Posted by Quintal on November 9, 2008, at 11:33:15
In reply to What's the difference between chemistry + physics?, posted by TexasChic on November 8, 2008, at 15:53:55
I remember that physics involves a lot of maths. It was my second favorite subject, but I always loved chemistry. Physics is about explaining the way universe works, and chemistry is all about what atoms and molecules do. I think they were taught as a single subject to start with when I was at school. I went on to do both at college and managed to pass the first year of physics, but mostly because I had a good teacher. She was very kind and spent a lot of time going over things with me outside class. I wish I could have gone back and done the final year, but I found out she retired earlier this year and I wouldn't have the confidence to attempt it with someone else.
I liked Candace B. Pert's "The Molecules of Emotion". She has a way of making science seem fun, and still has child-like wonder at the way the universe works. She also has a lot to say about the progress of women in what is still quite a closed and male dominated field. A lot of science (a bit like medicince) is written in jargon that makes it diffcult for outsiders to understand. Half the battle is understanding that the ideas behind it are really quite simple once you've cracked the code. I guess you have to have a burning curiosty and a good teacher to keep on going with this if the subject doesn't come naturally to you.
Q
poster:Quintal
thread:861561
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20081031/msgs/861757.html