Becoming a Physicist/Graduate School

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations of transitioning from a non-physics background to pursuing graduate studies in physics. Participants explore self-teaching resources and the feasibility of gaining admission to graduate programs in physics after studying a different field, specifically the Music Industry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to self-teach physics and seeks recommendations for resources.
  • Another participant argues that self-teaching alone may not be sufficient for graduate school admission, comparing it to allowing an unqualified person to perform surgery.
  • A third participant acknowledges their basic knowledge in physics and finds a shared link helpful.
  • A later reply inquires about guides for self-study in physics to prepare for future undergraduate or master's courses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of self-teaching as a pathway to graduate school in physics, with differing views on the necessity of formal qualifications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific self-study resources mentioned and the absence of detailed steps for transitioning from a non-physics degree to a physics graduate program.

enulc
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Hello! I just recently signed up and had a question I was wondering if anyone could help with. I am currently in undergrad studying Music Industry. I started my schooling career in Physics but after a few bad decisions found myself where I am now. That being said I was wondering if anyone could recommend some sources in order for me to self teach myself Physics. Also I was wondering if I would have any chance of attending graduate school in Physics and what steps I should take if that was an option. Thank you for any feedback you could possibly have!
 
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enulc said:
Hello! I just recently signed up and had a question I was wondering if anyone could help with. I am currently in undergrad studying Music Industry. I started my schooling career in Physics but after a few bad decisions found myself where I am now. That being said I was wondering if anyone could recommend some sources in order for me to self teach myself Physics. Also I was wondering if I would have any chance of attending graduate school in Physics and what steps I should take if that was an option. Thank you for any feedback you could possibly have!

There's a very good chance that you will not be able to attend grad school simply by self-teaching. I mean, would you let someone perform surgery on you whose qualification is based on just self-teaching?

If you stick with your "music industry" study, there will be nothing in your academic transcript that indicates that you have the qualification to do physics. Period.

I have previously indicated some self-analysis that someone with a degree that's different than physics should do before attempting to apply for a graduate program in physics. You might want to consider trying it.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966

Zz.
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the response! I have a brief basic knowledge in Physics with Modern Thermo and Electricity. The link was very helpful!
 
Hi ZapperZ,

Is there any guide for self-study for Physics for preparation for Physics course(Bachelor Degree/Master) in future? I have already take the subject General Physics 1 & General Physics 2 before. Thanks.
 

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