What do undergraduate physics student do in their final year report or thesis?

In summary: There are many different types of experiments, from those that use real world data to those that use mathematical models.
  • #1
sigmatjj84
6
0
Normaly what do undergraduate physics students do in their final year report or thesis?
1. Create new theories? Unlikely but not impossible.
2. Simulation? What do they simulate and what computer programe do they use?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Depends,
A pactical project that is a geatly expanded lab class involving building some equipment.
A literature review of a field.
A simulation/modelling project could be in C++/Fortran or use something like mathematica/ mathcad
 
  • #3
Depends on how much freedom you are given and when you start.

Some schools have students working on their senior thesis starting the end of their sophmore year, while others at the end of their junior.

If you had the time and resources I do not foresee a reason that would hold you back from designing and preforming an experiment that could contribute to the filed as a whole.

If you weren't given this much freedom, probably a lit review and prospectus would be called for.

If you were planning on doing teaching as a career a developed curriculum might hold as an undergraduate thesis.
 
  • #4
The honours thesis during my undergrad was for 8 months in the final year. Most of the students shopped around for supervisors and then asked them for background material on possible projects.

It's hard to develop an original idea from scratch - for a thesis you really need some starting point that will guarantee you that you can do enough work to actually produce a thesis. Most theory theses take an existing idea and try to either generalize it or apply it to a specific situation and then develop the consequences.

As for numerical methods, most scientific programming is done in fortran or (more commonly now) C++, although some astro people work with wacky scripting languages. The advantage of doing a computational thesis is that you get to explore a complex problem for which people have probably already thought about the analytic solution in a really simple case (eg the Heisenber model on a square lattice vs the Heisenberg model on a ring). Numerical methods are handy for any physics problem which can be written in terms of differential equations (eg fluid dynamics problems) or matrices (spins-on-a-lattice problems).

Students also work on experiments for their thesis projects!
 

1. What is the purpose of a final year report or thesis for undergraduate physics students?

The purpose of a final year report or thesis for undergraduate physics students is to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a specific topic within the field of physics. It is a chance for students to apply the theories and principles they have learned throughout their undergraduate studies to a real-world problem or research question.

2. How is a final year report or thesis different from other assignments in undergraduate physics courses?

A final year report or thesis is typically a longer and more in-depth research project compared to other assignments in undergraduate physics courses. It requires students to conduct original research, analyze data, and draw conclusions, whereas other assignments may focus more on problem-solving and application of concepts.

3. What is the process for completing a final year report or thesis in undergraduate physics?

The process for completing a final year report or thesis in undergraduate physics typically involves choosing a research topic, conducting background research, designing and carrying out experiments or simulations, analyzing data, and writing a report or thesis based on the findings. The process may vary depending on the specific requirements of the program or institution.

4. Can undergraduate physics students collaborate on their final year report or thesis?

Yes, undergraduate physics students may collaborate on their final year report or thesis, as long as each student's contribution is clearly defined and acknowledged. Collaboration can be beneficial as it allows students to share ideas, resources, and expertise, but it is important that the work reflects each student's individual understanding and effort.

5. How are final year reports or theses evaluated in undergraduate physics programs?

Final year reports or theses in undergraduate physics programs are typically evaluated by a committee of faculty members who assess the quality of the research, analysis, and writing. The evaluation may also take into account the student's ability to present and defend their work in an oral presentation. The final grade for the report or thesis may also consider the student's overall academic performance in the program.

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