Finding a graduate school in physics/what research fields can I go into?

[inko1nsiderat]

Recently I switched into physics from biochemistry after taking first semester of junior EM. Anyway I am graduating next year and fully plan on continuing physics in graduate school. In short I want to be a physicist and get my PhD.

I have vague ideas of what I am interested in but I don't know which schools have strong programs, or even really if I should go experimental or theoretical.

In the experimental realm I am interested in AMO physics. Also after learning what I can about QED and other quantum field theories I really want to take a graduate course on the subject (currently taking an undergraduate Nuclear/Particle phys course). Unfortunately my college is mostly condensed matter physicists.


And this is the problem. Do experimentalists in particle physics take quantum field theory courses or do I have to go into theory to get that education?

Does anyone have any tips for finding good information about current research in these fields? Any big named programs that I should know about? Any books people can recommend?

Any advice about graduate school in general or people I should talk to would be welcome.

 

[Monocles]

Quantum field theory plays a large role in condensed matter.

 

[Mene]

As a fellow physicist, I can understand your excitement and interest in pursuing a graduate degree in physics. It is important to have a clear understanding of your research interests and goals before applying to graduate school. I would suggest starting by researching different schools and their physics programs to get a sense of their strengths and research focus areas. You can also look into different research groups and faculty members within those schools to see if their research aligns with your interests.

In terms of experimental vs theoretical, it ultimately depends on your interests and career goals. Both have their own unique challenges and opportunities. It is common for experimentalists in particle physics to have a strong background in quantum field theory, as it is a fundamental theory in this field. However, it is not necessary for all experimentalists to have a deep understanding of quantum field theory, as they may focus on other aspects of particle physics such as data analysis or detector development.

In terms of finding information about current research in your areas of interest, I would recommend attending conferences and workshops, reading journals and publications, and reaching out to current graduate students or professors in those fields. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations for further reading.

Some top programs for AMO physics and particle physics include MIT, Caltech, Harvard, and UC Berkeley. However, it is important to remember that the strength of a program is not solely based on its reputation or ranking, but also on the fit between your research interests and the faculty and resources available at the school.

In terms of books, I would recommend "Quantum Field Theory for the Gifted Amateur" by Tom Lancaster and Stephen J. Blundell for an intuitive introduction to quantum field theory. For more advanced reading, "Quantum Field Theory" by Mark Srednicki is a popular choice.

Overall, my advice for graduate school in physics would be to thoroughly research different programs and their research focus areas, reach out to current students and professors for advice, and be open to exploring different areas of research during your graduate studies. Good luck on your journey to becoming a physicist!