Physics PhDs | University/College Physics Programs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around participants' experiences and aspirations related to university and college physics programs, as well as their pursuit of PhDs in various fields of physics and related disciplines. The scope includes personal educational backgrounds, future plans, and interests in specific areas of study within physics and engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants are currently enrolled in or planning to start university physics programs, with interests ranging from planetary science to engineering.
  • Several individuals have already obtained PhDs in various specialties, including theoretical atomic physics, semiconductor physics theory, and photonics.
  • There is a mix of backgrounds, with some participants pursuing engineering degrees while expressing interest in transitioning to physics later.
  • A participant expresses a desire to specialize in differential geometry and potentially pursue a PhD in mathematics, while also taking calculus-based physics courses.
  • Some participants share their experiences with specific universities, discussing the strengths of their programs and personal academic journeys.
  • One participant raises a humorous debate about the relationship between scientists and engineers, suggesting differing capabilities in their respective fields.
  • A high school student seeks recommendations for books to further their education in math and science, indicating a desire to deepen their understanding of physics and astronomy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of educational backgrounds and future aspirations, with no clear consensus on the best path forward or the relationship between engineering and physics. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific challenges they face in transitioning between disciplines, such as difficulties in physics despite strong performance in pure mathematics. There are also references to personal educational trajectories that may not align with traditional paths.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to current and prospective students in physics and engineering, educators, and individuals considering graduate studies in STEM fields.

Nenad
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Im just curious who on this site is taking a university/college physics program or has a phd.
 
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Sorry, I'm engineering ugrad. Kinda like a cousin.
 
I’ll be starting University in September. I won’t pick a Major until winter but I’m going for an Honours Specialization in Planetary Science with a Minor in Astronomy. I’ll see if I want to continue school after that.

I’d love to get a job working on a robotic planetary/moon exploration mission. Ooo that’d be sweet. :biggrin:
 
I have a Ph.D. and am a physics professor.
 
I am not even in University yet.
 
I'm starting my Physics undergrad in the fall, planning on entering a PhD program after finishing the BS.
 
Ph.D. in 2000 (theoretical atomic)
 
Got the BS in physics + MBA econ

work in engineering
 
what schools did u guyes attend? I am going into mechanical engineering at Waterloo Canada. I hope to get my PHd.
 
  • #10
Waterloo is a very good school, especially for engineering and math, plus it has a very nice campus. Good luck. It's all co-op for engineering, isn't it?

I'm starting at UWO (University of Western Ontario) in September. Was somewhat annoyed when I found out they stopped offering Astronomy as a Major, but I'm glad now because I don't think I would have considered Honours Specialization in Planetary Sci. if they had.
 
  • #11
I've got my BA in mathematics and I'm 2 credits from a BA in physics (its a lab). I'm starting my MA in mathematics this fall.

Kevin
 
  • #13
PhD in Physics specialty in Photonics
 
  • #14
Halfway through a PhD in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics.
 
  • #15
wow, lots of smart people on this site. I hope to get my engineering degree, and then go into physics. I am doing engineering in order to get a good base.
 
  • #16
I'm in the third year of my physics undergrad at UC Santa Barbara. And wow, I didn't know we had so many PHDs on this site. Thats pretty cool.
 
  • #17
PhD in Atomic Physics
 
  • #18
Soon to have a BSc in both physics & mathematics. Starting MSc program in physics next year.
 
  • #19
Nenad said:
wow, lots of smart people on this site. I hope to get my engineering degree, and then go into physics. I am doing engineering in order to get a good base.


ya kno what they say..

a scientist can become a good engineer..
but an engineer will never be a good scientist :biggrin:
 
  • #20
My PhD is in theoretical particle physics/QED (1965) and I'm a retired physics prof.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
  • #21
I hope that saying isn't true.
 
  • #22
Im still in high school starting my senior year this fall. I am quite intersted in physics and astronomy i learn a lot by reading but public school systems don't do a good job in even teaching the basics. I was wondering what books i could read to further my education in the math and science area. I've had the basics chemistry biology whatnot. Calc physics and biochem are this year.
 
  • #23
I hope to attain a PhD in Mathematics. I find that Differential Geometry is an area with much needed progression and I hope to specialize in such area.

As of right now I am going for a major in Mathematics at a two year college. I am also taking University Physics I and University Physics II, which are Calculus based Physics courses. I will then transfer to a four year college and continue my education and plan to enter the Phd Program.

I'm really great at Pure Mathematics, however I have a hard time with physics. If I were to decide to specialize in Physics, I think I would specialize in QFT or GR. Other then that, I am really interested in wormhole dynamics worked by Morris and Thorne. I think Solutions to GR equations are interesting.
 

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