Questions tagged [physics]
On standards or conventions specific to physics as an academic discipline, and programs that lead to a degree in this field.
316
questions
1
vote
0answers
36 views
Typical research on experience for physics graduate school applicants
I am applying to US PhD programs in physics. I do not have much research experience because I am an international student transferring from a completely different field. When checking the profiles of ...
1
vote
1answer
92 views
Career in Mathematics as an Electrical Engineer
I am a university freshman with major in Electrical Engineering. My passion is pure math(topology, group theory etc). During my first semester I noticed that our math classes are not rigorous at all, ...
1
vote
5answers
291 views
How can a double major in Physics and Math help outside Academia? [closed]
I am a freshman at Stony Brook right now and intend to pursue Theoretical physics in the future. I will likely apply to graduate school immediately after graduation and have no plans of working in the ...
4
votes
1answer
183 views
Why are engineering departments so large in U.S. universities?
For a math or physics department at a good university in the United States, there might be 20 or so full-time faculty members, while in the engineering department, I've noticed that there can be more ...
-1
votes
0answers
44 views
PhD choice: Computational Neuroscience or Condensed matter theory [closed]
I am currently a fourth-year undergraduate student double majoring in Physics and Life Sciences at Peking University. Previously I have some research experiences in computational neuroscience ...
2
votes
0answers
127 views
How to write a statement of purpose for a PhD project you do not understand?
I am trying to write a statement of purpose for a PhD position in physics in the UK. I have a master’s degree in physics which is the standard requirement for such a position.
I have been interested ...
0
votes
2answers
136 views
Should I apply to PhDs in the US (theoretical physics)? [closed]
I am a Cambridge Mathematics undergraduate (third year) and I want to be a theoretical physicist (I am taking the relevant courses, research experience, etc). I am confident I can get into Part III, ...
2
votes
1answer
193 views
I am extremely passionate about entropy/physics, but I don't think I can get into grad school. What can I do to pursue these topics sustainably? [closed]
I am a recent graduate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland with a 2.94 GPA and a 3.01 major GPA and I am completely obsessed with entropy and the foundations of quantum physics. I'...
0
votes
3answers
108 views
CV for Physics Summer Schools
I am applying to summer schools for undergraduates in the US and all of them ask for a CV(in addition to other documents like a cover letter).
While I understand that a CV should be more descriptive ...
2
votes
5answers
385 views
Is it possible to pursue Physics PhD with poor mathematics background? [closed]
I am a 2 year (3rd semester) undergraduate student in physics and I have scored miserably in my two advanced mathematics courses. I got C- in both. It was mainly for not understanding many things. I ...
2
votes
2answers
222 views
Should I appeal my paper's rejection in PRL?
My manuscript in PRL was rejected after two rounds, although apparently quite narrowly.
First round the paper was sent to two referees. One was very supportive to accept, and the other provisionally ...
0
votes
4answers
277 views
How does the teaching of biology differ from teaching physics? [closed]
Respected teachers, I have this question for quite some time and I need your ideas.
When we teach physics we can have a lot of brainstorming sessions and adopt the "scientific method" ( ...
1
vote
1answer
117 views
Guide to reviewing a scientific article [duplicate]
I'll be reviewing a scientific article soon and I've not done this before. It'll be reviewing a popular article on an astrophysical topic. Undergraduate level but I'm open to any level of guidance.
...
1
vote
1answer
64 views
Applying to schools in the US - Theoretical fundamental physics
I am a theoretical physics masters student, currently on the process of applying to universities. I find it incredibly hard to gauge which universities I'm most likely to be accepted in. All the ...
17
votes
6answers
7k views
Do I even like doing research?
Currently, I am a part-time research assistant in the field of physics. My supervisor is brilliant and very nice. He always encourages me and says that I have done a great job so far. I don't know why ...
1
vote
3answers
333 views
How can I get paid for a PhD in Europe?
I'm confused: someone said that a PhD in Europe is free, someone said that you get paid. What's true? And how hard is to get a PhD salary in Physics in North Europe?
4
votes
1answer
154 views
How do researchers use published plots?
I was wondering how people deal with data represented with plots (of any kind) in a published paper, in particular for what regards Physics. When doing theoretical research (but not only), often you ...
1
vote
2answers
246 views
How to make sure one understands each and every detail while reading a textbook/research paper without leaving any gaps?
I am a physics Master's student. I have good grades, with CGPA above 9(/10)(However, all courses in my university are graded on a curve so the actual marks are significantly lower than 90%). This has ...
-1
votes
1answer
137 views
What do Grad Schools think about Pass/No Pass courses?
I am a physics major at UCLA with a busy schedule. I am currently taking 3 upper division physics courses every quarter while balancing 10-20 hours of research per week. I would like to learn more ...
2
votes
0answers
285 views
What is the average age of first tenure track positions in the Physics in the US?
On average, in physics departments in the US, at what age do people get their first tenure track positions? What about associate professor and full professor?
Update: Several commenters have asked ...
1
vote
2answers
236 views
Switching into Math/Physics
This is going to be long as I believe that the context is important.
I have always been fairly good at maths and physics (won state wide prizes in the math contests and even won a gold medal in the ...
1
vote
1answer
55 views
Physics Courses in Undergrad to Apply for Physics Grad Program [closed]
I am a sophomore physics student with an interest in studying applied physics or engineering in graduate school. I will take as many applied physics courses as I can in undergrad (and CS courses), but ...
3
votes
1answer
301 views
Can I do Part III of the Mathematics tripos as a part of my PhD in Cambridge University? [closed]
I am physics master's student in India. I wish to do my PhD in theoretical physics in the Applied Maths department at Cambridge (DAMTP). Can I apply for a PhD and do Part III as a part of it (akin to ...
1
vote
1answer
70 views
Possible internship topics for a second year undergraduate student interested in astrophysics [closed]
My question is about a specific field.
I am currently studying as a second year undergraduate in BSc program and I am genuinely curious about the field of theoretical astrophysics. I accept, at this ...
3
votes
2answers
400 views
I missed the PhD application deadline, what now?
I missed the PhD application deadline (Physics), and apart from applying late, what can I do if I get no position and I have to wait another year?
I would like to keep doing what I was doing for the ...
2
votes
1answer
146 views
I still do not, exactly, know my field of interest. Is it relevant while applying for PhD?
I am in my fourth year of BS-MS course in Physics in India. I will be applying for PhD next year but I do not have a specific topic in my mind.
Until now I have done 2 projects on Cosmology (related ...
4
votes
1answer
202 views
How might a PhD-holding physicist submit independent research after leaving academia, without appearing to be a crackpot?
There is a no dearth of crackpottery in the world of amateur physics research, nor in the world of independent research done by PhD-holding physicists. If I want to continue physics research in my own ...
-1
votes
1answer
67 views
Biophysics PhD after Master's in Computational Biology. Is it a common path? [closed]
I am doing my masters in computational life sciences. My fascination with the topic started with how physics elegantly explains the biological systems. More I am digging into the subjects, more I feel ...
39
votes
6answers
11k views
Will a paper be retracted if a flaw in released software code invalidates its central idea?
Say I have written code that performs a physics calculation. After this, I get a paper published based on the results of the code. In the interest of advancing the progress of science, I upload the ...
1
vote
0answers
73 views
Looking for an endorser to publish on arxiv.org as well as other suggestions [duplicate]
My grandfather, a long since retired professor, recently finished a very long in the making paper, which tries to cover a lot of ground around physics and general nature science. He is very old-school,...
-1
votes
1answer
142 views
Life cycle for Physical Review Letters [duplicate]
What is the average time does it take from the time you submit your paper to the time is it published in Physical Review Letters?
0
votes
1answer
101 views
Poster about a published article (Poster session in physics conference)
What is the usual way to indicate on the poster that the poster is just a summary of an already published article?
I plan to give the reference as part of the poster title at the top, such as:
...
1
vote
2answers
105 views
Which Universities admit CS graduates for their theoretical physics course? [closed]
Hello am currently an undergraduate student. My major is CSE. But I am very much interested to do my masters and then PhD in theoretical physics/mathematical physics. Is there any university that ...
0
votes
3answers
173 views
Employment in academia for doctorates w/o same field undergrad
I'm an undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering interested in a career in academia, especially Physics. A middle aged person in India (from where I am) I recently met told me he couldn't find ...
1
vote
3answers
230 views
How can I credit an Original Image on my thesis?
I'm writing my master's thesis (in physics) in which I included a drawing that a friend of mine made for me using Adobe Illustrator. I would like to cite him as an author.
Usually, for reproducible ...
2
votes
2answers
124 views
What factors do I consider before deciding to ask my summer research guide for a recommendation for grad school?
I've currently finished two years of undergraduate study in physics. I'm at the end of a close to two month summer research program in math, at one of the best universities in my country. While I'd ...
2
votes
2answers
218 views
Transitioning from Electrical Engineering to Astronomy/Physics [closed]
I have a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering(Fresh Graduate with emphasis on Electronics/RF-Microwaves). I'm thinking Engineering is not for me and want to pursue Astronomy/Physics.
How hard is ...
1
vote
2answers
275 views
Climbing the ∞ university well - Theoretical Physics [closed]
I'm an MPhys student who almost finished his undergraduate. I'm doing a masters in theoretical physics next year, probably at Kings College London. I have been rejected by Imperial and Cambridge(Part ...
8
votes
3answers
1k views
Love Courses, Hate Research?
I'm in the third year of my physics PhD, and although I have done very well in courses and passed the written candidacy exam, I have already switched research advisors twice and all three times I ...
1
vote
1answer
502 views
Condensed-matter theory with career prospect in the industry
Reason for the post: I'm trying to better understand the jobs in the industry so that I can tailor my graduate studies to more closely represent the kinds of jobs I will be doing in the industry. Thus,...
5
votes
1answer
310 views
Is contacting this expert in the field something acceptable or would it be discourteous?
I have a major in Mathematics and Mathematical Physics and a masters in Theoretical Physics. I have enrolled the PhD course and must pick an advisor/theme until june.
I have three main big fields of ...
15
votes
6answers
6k views
Is creating your own “experiment” considered cheating during a physics exam? [closed]
Consider a qualitative question on a physics exam such as, draw the path of an object's center of mass as it is dropped. I have included a graphic here:
Would it be considered cheating in practical ...
1
vote
0answers
161 views
Stream change: engineering undergrad to physics grad
I am presently a third-year undergraduate of mechanical engineering and I am interested in applying for physics graduate programs for admission in the fall of 2020. Since I hail from a different ...
0
votes
1answer
56 views
Effect of Research in an Engineering group on Physics PhD application
I am a Physics undergraduate and my institution requires that we do undergraduate research and a senior thesis on that research. However, due to some personal circumstances I would like to do research ...
4
votes
1answer
154 views
Graduate courses or research experience for PhD admissions: Which is more important? [closed]
I am currently at a crossroads, deciding between several MS program offers. I have the choice to do a research based masters, where I would take very few graduate courses but focus almost solely on ...
3
votes
1answer
198 views
Transitioning from experimental to theoretical research after masters
I just graduated last summer and currently have a chance to do a research masters in applied physics in North America. The proposed project is very experimental in nature. My ultimate goal is to earn ...
0
votes
1answer
197 views
How to explore Physics research as an undergraduate, keeping in mind the ever increasing weight on publications? [closed]
I am currently 3rd year Physics UG and have been working on Cosmology for past 3 years.
I want to explore different areas like QFT, Quantum Gravity and maybe a bit of basic Math research as well, ...
1
vote
1answer
134 views
Physics PhD switching fields after short career break?
I was hoping to get some advice from anyone here on a situation I find myself in. I am currently about 8 months into studying for a PhD in particle theory at a top UK university. The department is ...
3
votes
1answer
77 views
Do I have to write GRE to apply to physics PhD programs in the US?
I'm doing my Masters in GRAPPA at University of Amsterdam now and I want to apply to multiple places for PhD after I'm done.
However, the applications in US confuse me. Some say they want GRE scores,...
0
votes
1answer
73 views
Can I do my graduate studies in Computer Science with computational physcis bachelor degree? [closed]
I have graduated in computational physics with gpa 3.1. I need to do my graduate studies in computer science in USA or Europe.
