What is Undergrad: Definition and 908 Discussions

Undergraduate education is education conducted after secondary education and prior to postgraduate education. It typically includes all postsecondary programs up to the level of a bachelor's degree. For example, in the United States, an entry-level university student is known as an undergraduate, while students of higher degrees are known as graduate students. In some other educational systems, undergraduate education is postsecondary education up to the level of a master's degree; this is the case for some science courses in Britain and some medicine courses in Europe.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. U

    Physics A physics undergrad university with specific criteria for a SAM student

    hi, am new in this forum thing, from Malaysia, currently pursuing South Australian Matriculation, graduating in 2010. I would like to major in physics and later be a lecturer whilst conducting researches. Would prefer to study overseas. Which university or college would be suitable with the...
  2. Q

    Advice for an Undergrad student wanting to become a theoretical particle physics

    Hi guys, I'm in the second year of my undergraduate degree at Melbourne University. The subjects I have done this year are: - Real Analysis - Vector Calculus - Group Theory & Linear Algebra - Quantum Mechanics & Special Relativity - Thermal & Classical Physics - Electromagnetism &...
  3. A

    How can I get involved in research as an undergrad?

    Hey, First time poster here! (Though I must admit that i have been here before.) I'm a first year engineering and physics student (currently enrolled in the usual prerequisites, calc, chem, programing, etc -- no physics until next semester) at a public university called the University of North...
  4. H

    Schools Can the success of Ivy Leaguers in science be attributed to their alma maters?

    Hello, I am looking at universities now, as a high school student in Canada. I live very close to a top 40 university, and I was wondering on how much difference a top 40 university makes versus a top 10 or Ivy League university for undergrad in physics. Looking at Nobel Prize winners for...
  5. Z

    First-Year Undergrad: Comp Sci or Physics?

    Hi. I'm about to be a first-year undergrad student and am having some trouble choosing between two sequences. One of them is an Intro Comp Sci sequence - 2 quarters long - and the other is a first-year Physics sequence - 3 quarters long. My dad wants me to take the CS sequence, reasoning that...
  6. D

    Admissions Does undergrad curriculum effect graduate admissions?

    I'll be transferring to a University within the year to finish my Physics Degree. I've compared the classes of several universities in Illinois (UIUC, UIC, IIT to name a few) and the one that stands out the most is IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology, not Indian :P ). They have a required...
  7. B

    Schools Environmental Engineering undergrad to Nuclear Engineering grad school.

    How feasible would this be? I'll be an Environmental Engineering sophomore this coming semester and was wondering how a path to Nuclear Engineering for graduate school would look like, if the path exists at all. I suppose that I could switch to Mechanical Engineering (having done most of the...
  8. C

    Schools Chemistry undergrad wants to go to grad school for Physics

    I'm going into my last year of my BS in Chemistry and I love physical chemistry (Quantum Mechanics, Thermo, Kinetics). I'm currently doing spectroscopy research at my university. I'm now realizing that I should have been a Physics major from the beginning. Don't get my wrong, I love Chemistry...
  9. K

    Schools Are there any U.S. universities accpeting GPA 2.3 undergrad for physics research?

    Are there any U.S. universities/colleges accepting GPA 2.3 undergrad for physics research(free of charge)? I heard that MPhil and Phd is free of charge(no tuition fee) as working as a T.A. or R.A. Can you give me some names/lists? If this is not right can you send me a message? Thanks...
  10. R

    Programs Physics degrees in the UK and specialising at undergrad level

    Hi, I'm going into my second year of 6th form and I've done: A level maths (did the "fast track" option) AS Physics AS Chemistry and I will be doing fast track A level Further Maths AS French (But I'm dropping that) So I'll leave with A level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry...
  11. D

    Physics undergrad to Nuclear Eng grad?

    So I'm in my late sophomore year at a community college and transferring VERY soon. I have to choose a major and am leaning close to Physics. I have a yearning for learning it and I'm pretty set on doing that for undergrad... Now the problem is what to do with that once I've graduated. I'm...
  12. X

    How bad is it not to take stat mech as an undergrad?

    So lately I've been thinking about not going to graduate school and getting a job after undergrad instead. However, at this point I'm still really unsure what I want to do so I'm fairly certain that I'm still going to apply to graduate school. Next semester I was planning on taking stat mech...
  13. G

    How many people graduate from their undergrad in less than 4 years, but also admitted

    How many people graduate from their undergrad in less than 4 years, but also have been able to get into top programs? I really want to know. Like I know a lot of people take a load of college courses in high school and pretty much have the ability to graduate in less than 4 years. Are...
  14. X

    Schools Double majors, undergrad research, best college worth it?

    I have several questions. I'm working to earn a BS in electrical engineering, and I will finish before four years. Now, I have scholarships that pay for my education for four years. 1.) Should I pursue another degree to use the free education? It'd delay my transition to graduate school, and...
  15. V

    Programs Going for a PhD in Physics with a MatE undergrad?

    I will confess to having been a lurker (many apologies!) on this forum before, but I feel like its finally time to ask a question of my own... The bottom line question: Is it reasonable to pursue a PhD in Physics if my BS is in Materials Engineering? If so, what additional courses might be...
  16. B

    Programs Undergrad courses for Math PhD

    Hey, I'm an undergrad math major about to start my second year. Just a background, for undergrad, i got into some top 20 schools, but decided to go to a top 100 liberal arts college in state because of the generous scholarship. The school doesn't have a standout math program; no graduate courses...
  17. C

    Schools Know anything about Florida State University undergrad physics?

    Hey, I'm attending FSU next fall and hoping to achieve a physics degree in 2 years (because i don't have to do any electives). I just read a post on here from someone who absolutely hated their physics program... professors/classes/everything. I was wondering if anyone else has experience with...
  18. G

    Reading material for Physics Undergrad Student

    Hi, I'll be starting a physics major in the fall at university. I was wondering, is there any good reading material I can get my hands on so I can start learning now? Thanks.
  19. S

    Undergrad bored with physics and frustrated about it

    I'm just so ambivalent about going back to school in the fall, my courses, my future, everything. I know there's a lot of caution against trying to force yourself into a subject that doesn't hold a lot of interest for you but, aside from quitting or changing to another major, how do you get...
  20. P

    Prereqs for undergrad Quantum Mechanics

    Hello, I will be taking undergraduate level Quantum Mechanics this year. I do not want to face any problems due to required background on maths and physics. I took differential equations and Linear Algebra and I want to make some revisions before semester starts. Where do you think I should...
  21. C

    Schools How do grad schools perceive a course audit on an undergrad transcript?

    I'm thinking of auditing a course this Fall, since I find it very interesting and would love to take it, but I don't have time to do the homework and papers and such. It's called "Science and Religion" and is just a two hour lecture every Wednesday evening. What would a graduate school think of...
  22. X

    Programs What can I do with my undergrad Physics degree? I'm freaking out

    So I'm going into my senior year as a Physics major and I always thought that I wanted to go into a Physics PhD program. I have a 3.9 GPA and could probably get into a good program but I'm having second thoughts now. I've always loved my Physics classes but I'm starting to realize that I don't...
  23. Z

    Making Connections With Professors (Undergrad)

    I'm going to university this Fall (freshman) and, having been repeatedly encouraged to make connections with professors/find a mentor/network, am wondering...how? In high-school, the kids who had good relationships with teachers usually just hung around their offices and chatted. I have trouble...
  24. I

    Undergrad prep for research in rockey propulsion?

    I think that R&D in rocket propulsion is something that I would like to do. I am just wondering what would be the best prep for it? Aerospace engineering or physics? I am going to study physics and maths at the University of Toronto because it interests me and I believe that it can open a...
  25. J

    Schools Will my undergrad school know this? (or even when I apply for grad school?)

    I am a senior in high school and I am taking a college class at a local community college. After this year, if I decide not to take the transfer credit, can I reject it? So I can take the course again at my new undergrad again? Like basically abandon the transfer credit and grade? Will my...
  26. M

    Admissions Quality of undergrad institution affect grad admissions?

    Hello! I was just wondering if the perceived quality or ranking of an undergrad institution has a significant imapct on the chances of getting accepted to a given graduate program in physics. There have been people who have said things ranging from "little to no impact" to "vital", so I'm...
  27. M

    Physics undergrad to grad for either EE or Physics

    Hey all. So I think I want to go back to school after taking some time off. One option I am thinking about is to get a masters in electrical engineering. Although I've technically only ever taken one class in EE, in which I aced every test, through physics I've become pretty adept at both...
  28. R

    How crucial is nuclear physics for the undergrad curriculum?

    Hi, me again. Just a quick question. In a few hours I need to go the Canadian Embassy to file for a study permit, and while I was keen on going to the University of Alberta, I talked with them and they really do not offer nuclear physics (or, for example, medical physics) as part of their...
  29. 6

    Physics undergrad, EE grad.

    I was wondering if it was possible to do physics BS then MEng in EE without making up too many courses? My goal is to end up working in the industry, so that's why I'm thinking about doing the MEng in EE (I also enjoy analog part of EE, as well as the solid-state device design). If I plan to...
  30. thrill3rnit3

    Schools Undergrad math at Williams College?

    I've heard a lot of people say that the undergrad math at Williams College is good, especially their faculty being comparable to the top universities in the country. True? I would love opinions from people who actually went there or know of people who went there.
  31. Z

    Will A Good Undergrad Program Help?

    Will A "Good" Undergrad Program Help? This Fall I'll be starting my freshman year at the University of Chicago as a prospective physics major. From what I can tell, research opportunities for undergrads are pretty good and the faculty are good as well. But what I want to know is, will having...
  32. S

    Where should I apply for my undergrad in math?

    I am a bit confused as to where I should apply for my undergrad. I know I definitely want to do pure mathematics, and I am looking at schools in the US (I am not from there). I do physics, math and further math at my high school as well as some personal work in my free time... what I want to...
  33. S

    Is it harder for Canadian undergrads to get into US grad schools?

    I was looking over some application profiles, and one caught my eye. He was a Canadian from a decent Canadian university. 4.30/4.30 gpa (1st in his graduating class), GRE: 800 Q, 710 V, 5.0 W, and 980 physics. He also had four summers of research (two with a very well respected professor...
  34. L

    Engineering Masters in Engineering with Astrophysics Undergrad Degree?

    I passed my A levels in Physics, Maths And Further Maths AAB, and am really fascinated about Astrophysics, so i thought i might be up to the challenge. However i was curious as to whether it would be possible to get a masters in some sort of Engineering, with an undergrad degree in Astrophysics...
  35. J

    Undergrad project ideas (energy/geophysics)

    Hey I'm fairly new to PhysicsForums so apologies if this is in the wrong forum. I'm about to enter my third and final year of an undergraduate physics degree, during which time we have to complete an independent project. There are a set number of projects offered, however it is also...
  36. E

    Undergrad at Canada for engineering (International Student)

    Hi everyone, may I know which university in Canada is considered the best for Undergraduate engineering? (most likely Electrical/Computer Engineering). I heard of University of Toronto, McGill, British Columbia, Queens, McMaster, Alberta, Ryerson and etc. I heard UofT is hard to get into and i...
  37. E

    Help: Chances at MSE/MBA with Math Undergrad

    Hello everyone, I am a recently graduated senior with a cum GPA of 3.4 with degrees in Applied Mathematics (with a concentration in Physics and Biology) and Chemistry. It would have been higher, save the 2 semesters that I was a biochem major and dropped below 3.0. I am interested in doing a...
  38. S

    So I was planning on getting into research next year for my Undergrad

    So I was planning on getting into research next year for my Undergrad in Physics and so I self studied, trying to get ahead in my classes. I talked to my counciler about it and she told me to just talk to one of the professors. During Mid-Semester I talked to my quantum professor as well as...
  39. 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/
  40. C

    Changing fields between undergrad and postgrad

    Hello everyone. I have a few questions about postgraduate study. At the moment I'm studying chemical and biological engineering in my third year in a dual degree program, and I have one more year of study after this one before I graduate with honours. I've been doing mostly chemical and...
  41. Q

    Undergrad Publication: Pros & Cons to Consider

    it's been said on the lab today that maybe the lab work we're doing (i'm an undergrad, 4th year of physics) could be honed into a publication.. my lab partner was really excited about it, but i had my doubts because i don't know what are the future consequences of doing this. i never trust...
  42. C

    Better idea to stay in undergrad for 5 years?

    So I got to thinking...it might be better for me to delay graduation by a year..or maybe just a semester. But I need advice on this issue (and others) from a lot of different people, and I figured this is one of the places I should ask. I just finished sophomore year and I feel like I'm not...
  43. C

    Summer Opportunities for Undergrad Physics Students: African American Edition

    Hi. So I'm currently an undergrad sophomore about to end the school year. I haven't got much research so far in physics (I only recently started a once a week Monte Carlo research with a professor). I'm wondering if there are ANY summer programs/internships/experience I could do? Or have I...
  44. Y

    What subject in undergrad math is the hardest?

    I am not a math major. I studied cal I, II, III, ODE and almost finish PDE. I just want to gauge the difficulty of different math classes. To me ODE was the hardest even though you need that for the PDE. ODE have so many different topics it is hard to follow all the derivation. I had to...
  45. E

    Engineering vs Physics undergrad

    In short, my question is: I want to keep both my options open once I finish my undergrad degree (being a physicist, or an engineer). Would it be better to go with an undergrad in engineering and a masters in physics or an undergrad in physics and a masters in engineering? In a bit more...
  46. T

    Is it worth it for a physics undergrad to take a non-physics research position?

    Hello Physics Forums, and thanks in advance for your help. I'm a physics and computer science undergrad, currently in my second year. I'd like to go to grad school, and I know the importance of having research experience, but so far I don't really have anything substantial. I've been looking...
  47. D

    Schools Transitioning from undergrad to grad school

    hi im a pure math major and going into my sr year next semester im supposed to apply to grad schools sometime next year as well, but I have a problem. I don't think id have a problem getting into a program my GPA is 4.0 in all my math courses and I've taken quite a few including some...
  48. G

    Undergrad Real Analysis video course from Harvey Mudd College

    There is a Harvey Mudd College first semester real analysis course posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/Learnstream, based on the classic text Principles of Mathematical Analysis (Baby Rudin), by Walter Rudin. Professor Francis Su, who delivers these lectures, does a great job helping to tie...
  49. D

    Engineering Physics major vs. mechanical engineer undergrad degree to become an engineer

    physics vs. mechanical engineering undergrad degree to become an engineer hi-- i am an intended mechanical engineering major (undergrad) since that's where i would like to end up professionally. I'm still relatively early on in my education, but upon taking physics I'm struck by how much more...
  50. X

    Courses How big of a deal is not taking a course on PDE's as an undergrad?

    I want to go to grad school for theoretical physics and I've heard that it's very important to know partial differential equations for theoretical physics. But unfortunately my school doesn't have a course on PDE's. How big of a deal is this? Will I be able to pick it up easily in grad school?
Back
Top