What is Theoretical physics: Definition and 543 Discussions

Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena.
The advancement of science generally depends on the interplay between experimental studies and theory. In some cases, theoretical physics adheres to standards of mathematical rigour while giving little weight to experiments and observations. For example, while developing special relativity, Albert Einstein was concerned with the Lorentz transformation which left Maxwell's equations invariant, but was apparently uninterested in the Michelson–Morley experiment on Earth's drift through a luminiferous aether. Conversely, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for explaining the photoelectric effect, previously an experimental result lacking a theoretical formulation.

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  1. Y

    Postgrad in theoretical physics

    Hi there! a little background about me: 1. final year in bsc physics, malaysia. 2. working on DFT as final yr project (err.. lots of programming involved) 3. like math and how we apply it in physics. 4. have no idea which field of theoretical physics to go into. questions: 1. Is it...
  2. B

    Least competitive field of theoretical physics

    Hi all, I'm wondering what field of theoretical physics is least competitive. I'm guessing it's one in which there is most funding available, and I'm further guessing that is theoretical condensed matter physics (CMP). I'm guessing that CMP research, theory namely, has results that are most...
  3. P

    Physics Gaining a PRL Publication: Value and Impact on a Theoretical Physics Career

    Hello, the professor supervising my bachelor thesis is happy with the results. Together with another co-author, he is currently writing a paper for Physical Review Letters and is considering adding my results to it. However, for this purpose, he needs more general results. In other words, if...
  4. A

    Does Majoring in Math Enhance Theoretical Physics Skills?

    I am an undergraduate physics major aspiring to study theoretical physics in graduate school. I was wondering if it is better to double major in math and physics, at the expense of taking less physics classes and more rigorous proof based math, or minor in math and take the two semester...
  5. K

    Learning theoretical physics on my own

    Hello, everyone. I'm sorry if this is in the wrong place ... anyway ... I'm studying to be a biomedical researcher, but I have a great interest in physics and math, and I feel like I can't live without learning these sciences in a more deep way than I would need for my profession. Physics...
  6. E

    How Can a Liberal Arts Major Explore Theoretical Physics as a Hobby?

    Hey all, I'm going to be a freshman in college in a month or two, and am currently intending on majoring in something within the liberal arts; at the moment, I'm heavily considering philosophy. I'm quite interested in theoretical physics, astronomy, cosmology, and astrophysics as side...
  7. D

    Programs Daily life of a theoretical physics PhD student?

    Hey PF, I am a third year undergraduate who has been working in a HEP experimental group for two years. So I have had a good deal of experience with the research process, and I know basically what the grad students and postdocs spend their time on in my group. I am still completely...
  8. O

    Question about the programming you learn during Theoretical Physics

    I was reading that while you study a Bsc in Theoretical Physics, you learn how to do quite a lot of programming. I am quite unfamiliar with programming but I was wondering how transferable are the programming skills you learn? Are they applicable to things like web design etc? Or are they only...
  9. D

    I Want To Learn Theoretical Physics

    I have become enamored with Theoretical Physics. I want to learn. Can I teach myself? Do I need to study other areas of Physics first? Do I need to take collegiate courses? I'd add on a science related major/minor, but I have just switched my major and I am too behind and broke to do so...
  10. R

    Aspects of theoretical physics

    After 3 years of udergraduate study I need to decide on my Master Degree program (which is very specialized here in EU). I really hate programming and experimental stuff while I am very interested in mathematical approach so I want to do theoretical physics (with no computional aspects). However...
  11. A

    Couple of questions regarding theoretical physics

    I'm currently looking to major in theoretical physics/astrophysics for my undergraduate studies next year and I have a few questions about it that I'd like cleared up. At the moment, I'm a year 12 Australian high school student and I'm trying to decide exactly where and what I want to study at...
  12. R

    Theoretical Physics (and Math) genius cult

    After reading this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=402926" or this: http://infoproc.blogspot.com/2005/02/out-on-tail.html" I am speechless. As far as I know in every field of science you need skills and luck in order to succeed. Yet it seems that only in math...
  13. C

    Schools University for Master's Degree in Theoretical Physics (GB)

    Dear all, I'm a German physicist in his second year and I'm going to finish my bachelor thesis in summer 2011. To make international experiences I tend to do my Master's degree abroad and I think Great Britain would be a good choice. After some discussions with friend who are studying in...
  14. H

    Physics Theoretical Physics: Career paths, work, area of expertise?

    Hey guys, I'm new here. I read Zz's 'So you want to be a physicist', great post and I learned a lot about it. However, I have some questions pertaining specifically to theoretical physicists. Are there less theoretical physicist jobs than experimental physicist jobs? What constitutes a...
  15. D

    Programs Anyone want to offer me a Phd in Theoretical Physics?

    Anyone want to offer me a Phd in Theoretical Physics?? So here's the thing: I'm just about to graduate with an MSci in Physics and I desperately want to keep studying. I found this website (PF) earlier in the week and have thoroughly enjoyed reading and contributing to various threads. My...
  16. M

    Undergrad - Theoretical Physics

    I'm starting university in Ireland in October, and I want to pursue Theoretical Physics. Could someone please give me some feedback on the course please? Here's the link. It includes all the modules. Theoretical Physics: http://www.tcd.ie/Physics/undergraduate/theoretical_physics/
  17. W

    Physics Theoretical physics - Subjects help

    Hello, I'm in year 10, Australia, Victoria.. After i leave school I am looking to do a corse in theoretical physics although I am unsure what subjects i need to do, I am planning on doing -English -Specialist maths -Physics -Math Methods -Chemistry -Software development Software...
  18. B

    Sommerfeld lectures on theoretical physics

    I want to read Sommerfed Lectures on Theoretical Physics. I started with vol.1 Mechanics. Just wondering if anyone here has read any of the vols? Or perhaps wants to read them in the future?
  19. G

    Math for Theoretical Physics: Undergrad Pursuit, Rigor & Proofs

    What types of mathematics is needed for a undergrad pursue theoretical physics? How rigorous does it have to be and how much proofs is there?
  20. L

    Programs Why would one major in theoretical physics?

    what's the point? my friend majored in this he's a phd student and he made $600 last year
  21. P

    The Benefits of Programming for Theoretical Physics

    Hello, I am a physics student and I am currently writing my Bachelor thesis in theoretical Physics. A thing which has sometimes crossed my mind over the past months is this: I have always loved computers and programming. I always find it fun to solve some programing related problem. E.g...
  22. A

    Programs Advantages of Getting MS Before PHD for Theoretical Physics?

    Is there any advantage in getting a masters of science (say for theoretical physics) before getting your PHD? I was thinking it might be easier to be admitted to a better PHD program if you obtain a masters degree at a different school first, as oppose to just applying to a PHD program right out...
  23. P

    Courses Short term course on theoretical physics

    I am doing my final year B Tech in electrical engineering, but my interest is in theoretical physics. Though I have applied to some US universities for applied physics with the hope that I can switch to theoretical physics later but am not sure if I will get admission. Can anyone suggest me...
  24. C

    Physics Theoretical Physics PhD worthless nowadays?

    I have heard from many sources that getting a PhD in theoretical physics (relativity, string theory, cosmology) is a trap. The US trains twice as many PhD's as there are jobs available. Also, there is tough competition and only a 1/4th of PhD's get tenure at a university! The point is I'm in...
  25. C

    Quick answer, manchester or ucl for theoretical physics

    Come on guys, the decision deadline is coming up! I am completely and utterly in two minds. As I understand it Manchester is better for physics than UCL, but UCL is a much better university. Which one dudessssss :S Cheers -Christie
  26. A

    Physics Theoretical Physics: Job Prospects

    I have read the numerous threads discussing experimental vs. theoretical physics on this forum. I am leaning toward pursuing theoretical physics in and after graduate school despite the numerous caveats regarding job prospects. I realize that one need not make a decision between theoretical and...
  27. X

    Courses Theoretical Physics: Is It Right For Me?

    Generally I've found that the more mathematical a Physics class I'm taking is the more I like it. For example I didn't really love the modern physics course I took because it wasn't very math heavy and focused a lot more on conceptual understanding rather than delving very deeply into the math...
  28. A

    Engineering Shifting from Electronics and Communication Engineering to Theoretical Physics

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  29. X

    Cosmology or Theoretical Physics for job?

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  30. B

    Theoretical physics after physics?

    Theoretical physics after physics?? Hey all I am going to do Physics bachelors course (UCAS F300).But i do like theoretical physics due to financial problems i cannot go any university which having theoretical physics courses.But i got a university which having only Physics courses...
  31. D

    Are problem sets like theoretical physics?

    Hi PF, This semester I'm finally starting to enjoy problem sets. I was wondering, how similar are the skills used to solve problem sets to the skills theoretical physicists use to solve actual problems? Thanks, DoD
  32. N

    Number theory and theoretical physics

    Hello dear forum member I wanted to know how about the research on this branch of science.Are many people working on or is it a very very small area because it is too difficult . Are researchers in this area seeking new maths in the short what is the general policy direction of their research
  33. T

    Is MIT a good place to study theoretical physics?

    I'm a high school senior at the moment and am interested in knowing MIT's stance in the theoretical physics community. I've heard it's a bad place for particle theory, but I'm not sure I want to go into that anymore. Recently I've been intrigued by SUSY and (less so) String Theory, but I'm...
  34. F

    Theoretical Physics vs Theoretical Cosmology

    What exactly is the difference? The latter does not seem so popular to me? On average how much does the latter earn?
  35. U

    Physics Doctorate in theoretical physics

    Hello everyone, My name is Uri and I have a question. What jobs are available for those who completed a Ph.D in particle and theoretical physics and made a postdoctorate research in string theory and quantum gravity? What kind of jobs are available to these kind of people besides working...
  36. P

    Philosophy Books(for Theoretical Physics)

    Science is independent of philosophy, however, Theoretical Physics is not JUST a science and sometimes philosophical arguments are employed. I have noticed that, although I do independent philosophy, I have never studied formal philosophy. Can any of you recommend me a book on philosophy...
  37. S

    Why 4 years for M.Sci Theoretical Physics in UK?

    I am going to apply for UK universities for postgraduate. Why 4 years for M.Sci Theoretical Physics in UK? 4 years full-time Hon M.Phys How many years for P.hd? After full time M.sci or M.Phill 4 years I get Hon M.Phys ?? please tell me ? Some universities offer some combined...
  38. T

    Programs PhD choice in theoretical physics,

    Dear All, I'm in the process of looking for a PhD position in Theoretical Physics but I'm unclear about a few things. 1) I still don't really know what I really want to do. The only thing I am sure of is that I want my research to help me in my understanding of ideas which I regard as...
  39. F

    Theoretical Physics Ph.D and then switch to Engineering?

    I am still a senior in high school and I am goin go to graduate next year and go to university next year. I was in the career center today and the teacher asked how many students here are pursuing a career in Physics? And a few of us put our hands up. The teacher said that it is a wise...
  40. ThomasMagnus

    Questioning Theoretical Physics: A Skeptic's View

    I have become frustrated with modern theoretical physics as of late; because it seems to be slow on the validation of on different physical theories. Of course due to the nature of the field this is completely expected – with where we are today, it is extremely expensive and requires much human...
  41. L

    Schools Theoretical Physics Program: GPA Requirements & Chances of Acceptance

    Which do you think would be better for getting into a theoretical physics program: -- a 2.5 cumulative gpa with a 3.5 physics gpa or -- a 3.0 gpa, both cumulative and physics Also, if your gpa is around 3.0 (+- 0.2), what are your chances of actually getting into a phd program?
  42. B

    Physics Theoretical physics Bsc jobs in uk

    I hope to do my bachelors in theoretical physics and after i need to do a job due to my financial problems.So i want to know how about the job opportunities for theoretical physics Bsc in UK and how much do they earn? I heard jobs for theoretical physics Bsc are very rare? is it true...
  43. P

    Anybody can help i need a topic in theoretical physics .?

    anybody can help ... i need a topic in theoretical physics ...?! hello everybody ! how are you everybody ...?! i wish you are ok ... at first let me introduce myself ... i'm a graduated physicist "2009" ...tel aviv university me and two friends want to do a research in physics "i mean...
  44. N

    Branches of theoretical physics are the most likely to find a TOE?

    Which branches of theoretical physics are the most likely to find a TOE? I'm just trying to learn a little about this stuff, but my physics knowledge isn't too deep as I am only a first-year undergrad. A nudge in the right direction would be appreciated!
  45. A

    Programs Phd in Theoretical Physics in Europe

    Hello, I am a student with a M.Sc. in theoretical physics in search of a PHD. I would like to know which groups in Europe have some relevance in the context of QFT, in particular the problem of the mass in particle physics (no Higgs mechanism), Renormalization Group,.. and General Relativity in...
  46. R

    Which European University Offers the Best MSc in Theoretical Physics?

    Which EU university provides the best MSc degree programme in theoretical physics (I am interested in quantum cosmology and CM physics)?
  47. MathematicalPhysicist

    Programs A phd in pure maths and postdocs in theoretical physics (cosmology).

    Is this unheard or a lot of people do such a thing? I mean if someone like me would like to do research in both areas, but knowing that doing 2 phds is too much (although I have read of a few who have done two phds one in CS and one in maths), I think my compromise would be to do first in pure...
  48. M

    Methods of theoretical physics vs normal math classes

    "methods of theoretical physics" vs "normal math classes" Hey. I am in a dilemma. Originally, I was going to go the math minor route but I think I am deciding against it mainly because of the structure. I wanted to take an advanced calculus class to prepare myself for EM, but I really want...
  49. M

    What to expect from my class Theoretical Physics 1 ?

    What to expect from my class "Theoretical Physics 1"? I'm starting my major in physics this fall and I'm taking multivariable calculus, mechanics, E & M, and theoretical physics 1. I pretty much know what to expect from the other 3. But I'm going into this class "theoretical physics"...
  50. X

    How much math is needed as an undergrad to de theoretical physics?

    If I'm interested in going to grad school to do theoretical physics how much math am I expected to pick up as an undergrad? I know theory requires a lot more math than experiment but how much more and do I need to do it while I'm still an undergrad or will I be able to pick it up along the way...
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