# theoretical physics

1. ### I Top Theoretical Physicists

In respect to the above question, I also have a follow up question. Is progress in Theoretical Physics somewhat slow currently as compared to Experimental Physics?
2. ### A Potential functions for separation and isochronic gauges

Most potentials in physics are expressed as a radius or another geometric norm/gauge. I am looking to understand the significance of the choice of potential functions for force/pressure separation in harmonic analysis before this creates a topology. To my understanding this is the decision of...
3. ### Determine the singularity type of the given function (Theo. Phys)

NOTE: Was not sure where to post this as it is a math question, but a part of my "Theoretical Physics" course. I have no idea where to start this and am probably doing this mathematically incorrect. given the function f(z) = cos(z+1/z) there should exist a singular point at z=0 as at z = 0...
4. ### Physics How risky is doing a PhD in theoretical Physics?

Hello everyone! Apologies if this question has been asked and answered before, please feel free to direct me to that post and delete this one, if needed and if it has been asked before and this post is, hence, redundant. I looked up some of the earlier posts such as...
5. ### Programs Module Choice advice for a theoretical physics degree (Durham)

I'm starting at Durham on the 29th of September and I need to get my module choices sorted. I have the choice between 40 credits of maths modules designed for scientists, and 40 credits of maths modules done by regular maths students. They say that you should only do the regular maths modules if...
6. ### A High-Energy biophysics?

Are there any ways particle physics can impact biology? Specifically, being able to use methods from theoretical physics to study biological systems (possible physiology related).
7. ### Schools How good is the Theoretical Physics MSc course at Queen Mary?

Hello am currently an undergraduate student. My major is CSE. But I am very much interested to do my masters and then PhD in theoretical physics/mathematical physics. Is there any university that admits CS graduates for these courses? I have looked up some universities that offer these courses...
8. ### What avenue of physics can a scientist in the Star Wars galaxy study?

What I’m looking for is some new avenue of physics for a scientist in the Star Wars galaxy to be studying. They probably know what dark matter and dark energy are since Starkiller Base is powered by it. I’m sure they know about how the universe began, why it’s expanding and what it’s fate is...
9. ### Other Looking for ideas for new theory

Dear All, I am a second year Natural Sciences (the course incorporating the Physics courses) student at the University of Cambridge. I definitely want to specialize in Theoretical Physics next year, but the years spent at University, and the time in the vacations between terms, seems so long...
10. ### Courses Physics and Abstract Algebra

My university offers two different two-semester sequences for learning abstract algebra, and I can't decide which one would be better for me, a physics major. Here are the two sequences and their course descriptions, copied and pasted from the university website: Algebra 1: Theory of groups...
11. ### Schools From theoretical physics master to 2nd year grad school

I would like to ask if anyone has been admitted to a graduate school(US) straight to 2nd year after a theoretical masters MSc degree in the UK. I am asking because I would really like to study in the US, preferably on top universities but I don't want to waste another year taking essentially...
12. ### Schools Theoretical physics university climbing

I'm a 4th year MPhys student currently finishing my undergrad. I will be attending a theoretical masters course next year at Kings. I have been declined by Imperial and Cambridge so I have started to get a little worried about my future. Even though I have been declined this year, is there any...
13. ### Job Skills Theoretical vs Experimental Physics -- which is more glamorous?

I am worried that I am passionate about physics and yearn for a career in physics(through theoretical physics), and by a career I mean a placement in a prestigious institute and then be part of leading physics, but would that require sacrificing my entire 20s and even 30s or can I can get all...
14. ### B Black holes and the Big Rip

According to the Big rip theory if Black holes tear apart after a very long time, then according to the theory of relativity an object that reaches the event horizon should see time passing infinitelty and by the time the object was swallowed wouldn't the black hole not exist anymore because of...
15. ### Chemistry Chemistry textbook for Physicists

Hello Being a professional physicist(Quantum field theory and HS theory) I'd like to learn chemistry for some reasons. I've already tried to find a nice Chemistry textbook but failed to find physicist friendly one. My last class on chemistry was in highschool like 11 years ago already, so my...
16. ### News What do theoretical physicists do?

I took great comfort reading a New Scientist article on the Perimeter Institute, Canada where top theoretical physicists pass the day. They asked four how they get through the day. Two replies gave me great comfort: Asimina Arvanitaki I spend most of my time being confused about things and...
17. ### I Interpreting SM Lagrangian "differential particle" terms

The Standard Model Lagrangian contains terms like these: $-\partial_\mu \phi^+ \partial_\mu\phi^-$ $-\frac{1}{2}\partial_\nu Z^0_\mu\partial_\nu Z^0_\mu$ $-igc_w\partial_\nu Z^0(W^+_\mu W^-_\nu-W^+_\nu W^-_\mu)$ How should one interpret the "derivative particle fields" like...
18. ### Physics Employability with a degree in theoretical physics vs physics

Hi! I'm currently in my second year of a five year integrated masters degree in physics. When applying, I chose to study just plain physics as I didn't really know what I wanted to do and I didn't want to limit my options. However, for the past year and a half, and honestly before that too, I've...
19. ### Admissions How to enter theoretical physics with astronomy background?

Hi all, I am interested in advancing my education in theoretical physics, specifically topics concerning quantum field theories and quantum gravity. However, I have a somewhat rocky background as an early undergrad and while my Master's degree was achieved with great success in the classroom...
20. ### Courses Academic Preparation for gravitational wave careers?

If someone wanted to pursue a career in gravitional wave physics, and work at places like LIGO, studying astrophysical objects such as black holes and neutron stars, etc. What are some key courses/skills that person should take/learn as an undergraduate, and graduate student?
21. ### Programs Difference between an astronomy and astrophysics PhD?

Is there really much of a difference between an astronomy PhD and an astrophysics PhD? There seems to be a lot of overlap in the fields, and it seems that both can qualify you for many of the same careers, it just depends on the PhD focus. For an example, I'm very interested in almost all areas...
22. ### I How was our universe created?

Could the universe have been created by the collision of two older universes with the same dimensions? Could the expansion we observe be caused by these two universes still merging like boubbles coming together and the resulting increase of gas makes the film grow larger?
23. ### Courses Should I take advanced courses as a physics undergraduate?

I am a third year undergraduate physics student with some interest in theoretical physics. This term I want to learn General Relativity or Group Theory, but they are all hard, time-consuming courses. If I don't take them, I can explore broader areas of physics to make a decision on what I will...
24. ### What math is used the most in cosmology/astrophysics?

Considering one is taking all the required math courses for a typical physics degree, what math electives are most crucial to the field of cosmology/theoretical astrophysics? Also, is it true that mathematical modeling courses(discrete and dynamical modeling across physics) are more important to...
25. ### Programs ICTP or Perimeter Institute?

Hello. I'm currently studying theoretical physics and planning to continue my study in theoretical physics. I know that there are two interesting places to pursue the education in this field, the International Center for Theoretical Physics (pre-PhD program), and the Perimeter Institute for...
26. ### Theoretical Physics should belong in the math department

Theoretical Physics should belong in the math department to then collaborate with the physics department on new mathematical theories within physics. I can't accept that theoretical physics could really be considered a branch of just physics. I can only see theoretical physics being 95% math and...
27. ### I Relation between statistics and theoretical physics

Hi at all, maybe it's a bit trivial. However, the question that i ask myself is ; that relation there is between statistics-probab theory & theoretical physics. What role does it play in theoretical research ? (apart from the probabilistic amplitudes encountered in qm) Thanks for the answers