Best physics university for undergrad?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the best undergraduate universities for studying physics, with a particular interest in the teaching of quantum mechanics. Participants explore various factors influencing their choices, including cost, educational quality, and personal motivation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that while quantum mechanics is an intriguing topic, it should not be the sole factor in choosing a university, as it is just one of many courses in the curriculum.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of attending a university that is both respectable and affordable, suggesting that graduate school may hold more significance than undergraduate education.
  • Another viewpoint posits that the best place for undergraduate physics education is subjective and depends on where students feel inspired to work hard and enjoy the subject.
  • There is mention of David Griffiths' books as widely used in undergraduate education, indicating a connection to institutions that utilize his work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of specific universities versus personal motivation and financial considerations. No consensus is reached on which universities are the best for undergraduate physics education.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided a definitive list of universities, and the discussion lacks specific criteria for evaluating educational quality. The emphasis on personal motivation suggests that individual experiences may vary significantly.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective undergraduate students interested in pursuing physics, particularly those weighing the importance of university reputation against personal and financial considerations.

mvkfalcon
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I know this forum is for grad school, but which are the top few colleges for undergrad physics? I am also looking forward to learning quantum mechanics, the layman books just intrigue me! Which colleges teach that topic well?
 
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mvkfalcon said:
I know this forum is for grad school, but which are the top few colleges for undergrad? I am also looking forward to learning quantum mechanics, the layman books just intrigue me! Which colleges teach that topic well?

Welcome to PF mvkfalcon! The forum for not only graduates, but people of all ages interested in the sciences!

Undergrad quantum mechanics is pretty standard. You're not going to want to base your decision off who teaches one of many classes well. I can't really tell you which are the best undergrad institutes, but definitely see QM as just one class out of probably a dozen or so you'll end up taking and not something to base your decision on.
 
I see, thanks! Which colleges have a strong physics education then? I intend to apply to the US colleges.
 
I'm a big fan of David Griffiths' books (his books are widely used in undergraduate education), and I remember looking him up. He is at http://academic.reed.edu/physics/" .
 
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For undergrad, work hard and go to a respectable university that is CHEAP...

grad school is much more important and unless you get into a real top notch school (caltech, princeton, etc.) and even then unless you get good FA there is no reason to not spend thousands less and go to a state school..

But look for scholarships early, and do good work...
 
I've got a feeling that the best place for undergrad physics education is wherever you're inspired to work hard and enjoy physics. Its not an objective quality inherent to the schools.
 

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