What is Undergraduate: Definition and 621 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.

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  1. H

    Cosmology Which textbooks should a physics undergraduate read?

    Is the following a good recommendation? Special relativity: Introduction to Special Relativity, by Robert Resnick (Wiley 1968) Electromagnetism: Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd ed., by David J. Griffiths Classical mechanics: Classical Mechanics, 3rd ed., by Goldstein, Poole & Safko Quantum...
  2. Carraway9

    Undergraduate Physics/Astronomy/Cosmology in Boston Area

    School sites seem like they don't paint the full picture of a program, so I'd love some inside advice: I am a transfer undergraduate and was wondering about: Boston University (accepted) Boston College (pending) Brandeis (" ") Northeastern (" ") Tufts(" ") My interests are in astronomy...
  3. VoteSaxon

    Fraction of thermally excited atoms

    Homework Statement There is an electronic transition between the first energy state and the ground state of a neon atom, emitting a wavelength of 746nm. The question asks for the energy of the transition and an estimate of the fraction of atoms in a sample that is thermally excited at 300K...
  4. B

    How to do mathematics research as undergraduate?

    Dear Physics Forum friends, I am a college sophomore in US with double majors in mathematics and microbiology. My algorithmic biology research got me passionate about the number theory and analysis, and I have been pursuing a mathematics major starting on this Spring semester. I have been...
  5. B

    Overcome Fear of Asking for Help in Physics Class

    I'm struggling in my intro physics classe because I cannot bring myself to participate in class discussions or seek help from others when I'm confused. I was afraid of looking stupid by saying something wrong in class and looking incompetent by asking for help. This "strategy" has blown up in my...
  6. Entangled Cat

    Which mathematics courses would you recommend?

    As a quick continuation of the question...what mathematics courses would you (preferably PhD or pursuing a PhD currently) recommend for an undergraduate? I'm interested in high energy/particle physics (I'm working in a lab this summer so we'll see how that goes) and cosmology (no actual...
  7. Caveman

    Is Undergraduate Prestige Crucial for Getting into Top Graduate Programs?

    Hey folks, I'm a junior in high school, and I was wondering some things (and I don't have lots of knowledge in how this all works, so please point out any false ideas I have about anything in the whole college process): First, how critical is the prestige of the undergraduate if I want to get...
  8. D

    Unsure what undergraduate research to pursue

    I'm a sophomore electrical engineering student. I've decided to apply to the honors college at my school. Part of the program includes writing a senior thesis and doing undergraduate research. One of the essay questions on the application asks me to describe a topic that I might be interested in...
  9. D

    To be or not to be a mathematician or a physicist?

    Hello! I'm in my final high school year (Bachillerato, as we call it in Spain) and I have to choose between getting a degree in physics or mathematics. Frankly, my uni's approach to physics is far more experimental than theoretical. I do not like that (lol). I love mathematics, and just reading...
  10. I

    Writing an essay for summer research as an undergraduate

    I'm a second year physics undergrad getting ready to apply for a summer research program at my school. These positions are very competitive so I'd like to ask for some advice. The main component of the application is a 500 word essay stating why I want to participate in the program and what I...
  11. S

    What are the latest research topics in materials science and nanotechnology?

    Hi, name's Sehaj. I'm in my first year of a Natural Sciences degree studying at the University of Leeds, England. It's a flexible degree with a masters option which I'm looking to take, perhaps gearing towards working in materials science. But I also have an interest in nanotechnology...
  12. R

    Imperial or U of T for Aerospace Engineering Studies?

    Hi guys. I am doing my final A level exams (UK system) this May and I plan to study aerospace engineering. I am mostly interested in the astronautical side of aerospace. I would like to work later in life in the US. However I did not apply to the US for undergraduate studies. Currently my...
  13. Math Amateur

    MHB Differential Topology Notes - at undergraduate level

    I am trying to understand Differential Topology using several textbooks including Lee's book on Smooth Manifolds. I am looking for some good online lecture notes at undergraduate level (especially if they have good diagrams and examples) in order to supplement the texts ... Can anyone help in...
  14. P

    Undergraduate research for prospective graduate students

    I'm beginning to look at grad schools for theoretical physics and was wondering how important research is in this field. As an undergrad there really isn't any theoretical physics research I could pursue and I was wondering if I should be looking for any research opportunities in other branches...
  15. AdityaDev

    Choosing Between BSc or B.Tech for Engineering: Job Opportunities and Advice

    I am afraid that I won't get good rank in engineering entrance exam. I have an option of second attempt but I will get distracted easily. So the next option is a BSc. What kind of jobs will I be able to do if I follow this path: BSc->MSc? Or should I sit and study another year for this path:B...
  16. A

    Khan Academy for Undergraduate Physics

    I'm sure I'm not alone, but I personally love the way that the Khan Academy site is structured and how it gives incentives to users to continue learning. However, a lot of the material for physics and math is at a high school level. I was wondering if anybody knew of any online resources...
  17. A

    Appropriate workload? (number of quizzes specifically)

    There are numerous topics that I want to discuss regarding workload, grading outlines..etc, but the number and frequency of quizzes is bugging me the most. College students are supposed to expect to be put under constant pressure, and study on regular (daily) basis; revising notes and doing...
  18. Math Amateur

    MHB Search for Senior Undergraduate Text on Lie Theory and Groups

    I am looking for a good text at senior undergraduate level on Lie Theory, and in particular, Lie Groups ... Does anyone have any suggestions? Peter
  19. Xsnac

    Stargazing Research with Ritchey–Chrétien 400 mm telescope

    Hello! I'm a first year undergrad student and I have the oportunity to do research durring summer with an Ritchey–Chrétien 400 mm telescope. Can you guys recommand me something to research? I don't even know where to start with my search for interesting topics that are not too hard and that will...
  20. P

    Wrong Undergraduate Degree for an MSE -- Help please

    I didn't have any direction going into college. I went to UNC Chapel-Hill (a liberal arts school, which doesn't offer engineering). To start with I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I took lots of Biology and Chemistry courses and some Psychology and History courses (which I found...
  21. H

    DoE/SULI Acceptances: Applying & Expectations

    I applied to the DoE Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internships for this summer. I chose PPPL as my first choice and LLNL as my second. Has anyone heard back from any lab yet? When should I expect to hear back? Thanks!
  22. L

    Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Economics

    Dear PhysicsForums members, being currently in my final year of Austrian high school I have to decide what to pursue my Bachelors degree in. (Un)fortunately I have three huge interests. Those are Economics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. All of which are highly fascinating and I...
  23. SilentThunder

    Undergraduate Program or Graduate Program?

    I'm looking for advice on obtaining a degree in physics. I'm older, 52, and have a BSE in Computer Science and Engineering and a MS in Computer Science. While I have a history of being both an undergraduate and a graduate student that was 30 years ago and in areas with little connection to...
  24. S

    Programs What mathematics do undergraduate physics majors need

    I have already studied Single and Multi-Variable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. I am self studying real analysis now and I find it hard, do physics majors really need to study real analysis? I am studying this because I just can't seem to remember a lot of what I've...
  25. C

    Schools Electrical engineering undergrad to physics grad school?

    I am an electrical engineering undergrad student just finishing my first year. I have a love of physics and I was starting to wonder if it would be possible for me to stay in EE undergrad but change to physics for grad school. Is there enough physics in EE that I could make the switch?
  26. S

    Undergraduate choosing math courses

    Hey guys, Been reading the forums for a bit, first time posting. I'm a second year math student looking to work in quantitative trading as a career. Right now I'm planning out the courses to take for my next few years, and was looking for advice. Here's what I'm thinking so far: -Financial...
  27. M

    Advice for an Undergraduate Physics major looking for focus

    I am a sophmore physics major, and I'm trying to decide on a concentration. I'm very interested in psychology, and am trying to find a way to combine the two, but I doubt that with the time remaining that I could even minor in bio or psychology in the time remaining to me. If I wish to pursue...
  28. A

    Programs Go to Oxford or stay in the US for undergraduate degree?

    Hello, I am a high school senior in the US who was recently admitted to read physics at Oxford. Since my eventual goal is to get a PhD at a top university in the US, I'm not sure whether to go or not. In terms of education received and research opportunities I don't think there will be a...
  29. S

    Best online undergraduate math/computer science programs?

    Hello, What institutions provide the best and rigorous distant/online undergraduate programs for mathematics and computer science? Will there be trouble getting accepted into a graduate school with these programs?
  30. A

    SULI Summer 2015: Selection Process & Application Q&A

    Does anyone know how SULI's selection process works? On the application you list your top two choices for labs; does your application get sent to those two labs for the mentors to pick or is there some sort of prescreening by the DOE? Thanks.
  31. Joshua L

    The Top Undergraduate Math Courses for Physics

    Hey all, I am currently a freshman double majoring in Physics and Math at Purdue University. I have been recently creating a schedule that orders all of the courses I need to take and those that I want to take for the rest of my undergraduate endeavors. I know that it's rather early to do...
  32. Joshua L

    My Physics Course Schedule I need much help please

    I am currently a freshman at Purdue University. Recently, I've just switched from First Year Engineering to the College of Science so that I may double major in Physics and Mathematics. I've taken the liberty to concoct a 4 year schedule that I will take. (As of right now, I plan on getting a...
  33. bananabandana

    Energy in a Stationary Wave

    Homework Statement Show that the potential and kinetic energy densities for a stationary wave are not equal. Homework Equations A) The 1-D Wave Equation: $$ \frac{\partial^{2} \psi}{\partial x^{2}} = \frac{1}{v^{2}} \frac{\partial^{2}\psi}{\partial t^{2}}$$ B) The general form of a stationary...
  34. S

    Programs USC vs. Rice: Which University is Best for Undergraduate Physics?

    I have a SAT score of 2160 and am interested in Physics. Does anybody have personal experience in USC as a physics Undergraduate? If so, how good is it? Do you think I should apply to USC over Rice?
  35. C

    Shoud I take Ring/Field Theory or Complex Analysis?

    Having just finished an introductory course on group theory (with some bits of ring and field theory), I am completely enthralled with this type of math. I initially planned on taking Complex Analysis next semester since so many people say it's "useful" for physics (this was also a compromise...
  36. F

    Plan of action (undergraduate)

    Hello, I'm a freshman physics and math double major, and would like to eventually be a theoretical physicist, though, of course, it is still early so my career ambitions may change. At this point many of my goals are rooted more so in what seems appealing to me than in practical...
  37. C

    Medical physics: undergraduate approach

    Hello all, I have a strong interest in nuclear science, especially medical physics, and I'll soon be transferring from a community college to a university that has, I believe, a very strong nuclear engineering department. Will undergraduate study in nuclear engineering or physics provide a more...
  38. J

    Schools Good undergraduate universities for physics?

    I'm currently a sixth form student in Jamaica currently interested in becoming a medical physicist. However I know that before you do medical physics in a graduate program you need to do physics first. I have been doing some research about some good physics schools in North America. Some of...
  39. D

    How to know more about the frontiers of modern physics research?

    I'm a first year physics undergraduate. I'm trying to look for some research opportunities as becoming a physicist is always my target. However, I simply have no idea how the current research is going on, and before I approach any professors I guess I should already have some basic understanding...
  40. majormuss

    Schools Physics major taking a 1 year break between undergraduate and graduate school?

    I am a physics major currently scheduled to graduate next May. However, I want to take a 1 year break before going on to graduate school. What are some worthwhile things that I can do during that 1 year break? I definitely want to do something/ or join a program that is travelling-related...
  41. T

    Schools Going to graduate school for physics or back to undergraduate for engineering?

    I am about to graduate soon with a double major in math and physics. I have always wanted to go to graduate school for physics, but recently I did an REU and all I did was program the whole time and hated it. Also, I have been noticing that the overall job outlook seems horrible and many...
  42. S

    Taking graduate level courses as an undergraduate.

    What eligibility is required to take graduate level courses in undergrad once you have the prerequisites. I am assuming it is the grades. Most websites state, permission of the instructor. What factors are taken into consideration by the instructor to make this decision?
  43. S

    How to mention self study of physics in undergraduate application

    Hello all, I am a high school senior applying to college this year and have a question. Like many others on these forums, I have done a lot of self-studying of physics in my spare time, purely out of interest. How should I include self-study on a college application, and for for those you who...
  44. B

    Choosing Undergraduate Research Lab

    Dear all, I am a sophomore at one of respected public hresearch university; my major is a microbiology (and I am also considering double major in the chemistry). My future goal is to go to the graduate programs in medical microbiology/virology or chemical biology with focus on the virology; my...
  45. W

    How to do Undergraduate Engineering Research?

    What should I research? By this I mean, what needs any researching in the first place? I'm interested in aerospace'aeronautic engineering particularly the areas of structures and aerodynamics. But how do I find out what specific area of it to research? I'm only in my second year of college as a...
  46. Math Amateur

    MHB Undergraduate Module Theory Books (including rings, of course)

    For those looking for an undergraduate introduction to module theory there is not a great deal of choice regarding textbooks, but two possible texts are as follows: "A First Course in Module Theory" by M.E. Keating of Imperial College, London [Publisher: Imperial College Press, 1998] and...
  47. D

    Changing undergraduate lab groups?

    I'm currently working in a very reputable lab and am wondering if it would be wise to switch to a smaller lab if the opportunity were to arise. The reason I am considering this is because in my current lab I do mostly programming and some 3d modelling. Whereas perhaps in a smaller lab I...
  48. C

    Doing undergraduate math exercises mentally

    Hey! I was wondering, is it a bad idea to solve a math problem mentally instead of writing it down? I recently got a copy of "Understanding Analysis" and try to read it cover to cover using this method. Should I? It resembles blindfold chess in a way.
  49. S

    Programs What undergraduate degree to take for Molecular Biologist?

    Can someone tell me What should I take in Community College to become a Molecuar Biologist? Should I take a Associates of Applied Sciences in BioTechnology or a Associates of Biology in Science(AS) or Associates of Science?However in the future I would like to work at a Biotech company,but I...
  50. S

    Aspiring to Theoretical Physics as an Undergraduate

    I am currently enrolled at a US university as an undergrad physics major, and my interest is in theoretical particle physics/quantum mechanics. I am wondering if for the sake of theoretical physics it would be wise to dual-major in mathematics as well at the slight expense of some of the other...
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