Books on Physics Research: Recommendations Wanted

In summary, the individual is a physics major looking to do research during their undergraduate years. They feel they are ill-prepared and are seeking recommendations for books on physics research methods. They are also considering talking to professors or post-docs in their department for guidance. Other suggestions include taking a course on research and seeking out mentoring from university resources.
  • #1
hotcommodity
436
0
I apologize if this is in the wrong forum, but this is the forum that seemed to fit my topic best.

I'm a physics major, and i'd like to do research of some sort during my undergraduate years, and quite possibly afterwards as well. As far as labs go, I feel like I do average, even thought I have a 98% in my lab, I feel like there's so much that I'm missing, and if I were to get involved in research at this point, I believe I'd be ill-prepared. To me, research appears to be challenging, and that's one of the reasons that I find it appealing. Since I do much better following a textbook than I do lab instructions, I'm curious if there are any books that anyone here can recommend that have to do with physics research: as in methods, types of research, procedure, error analysis, etc.

Any recommendations are appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Go talk to your professors or post-docs in your department, get an idea about what they do and ask if you could learn about it if you are interested. It isn't hard to get someone to help you start. If your department has independent study/research as a separate course you're in even better shape.
 
  • #3
Dr Transport said:
Go talk to your professors or post-docs in your department, get an idea about what they do and ask if you could learn about it if you are interested. It isn't hard to get someone to help you start. If your department has independent study/research as a separate course you're in even better shape.

Thank you for the reply. You're right, I'll see if there's a course that's research related, that would definitely give me the preparation I'm looking for. But aside from my coursework, I'm still looking for some books that would prepare me for research. If there's not a course that I can take, preparation remains my number one concern.
 
  • #4
I see why posted in the book review forum, but tend to agree with the others that the whole point of being a registered university student is to seek out and obtain mentoring. Individual circumstances vary so greatly that I don't think you should go to a book for the kind of advice you seek!

If you just want a cookbook for data analysis, that is another matter.
 

1. What is the purpose of reading books on physics research?

Reading books on physics research allows scientists to stay updated on the latest developments and theories in the field. It also helps in gaining a deeper understanding of complex concepts and techniques used in physics research.

2. Which books on physics research are recommended for beginners?

Some recommended books for beginners in physics research are "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by David J. Griffiths, "The Feynman Lectures on Physics" by Richard P. Feynman, and "Classical Mechanics" by Herbert Goldstein.

3. Are there any books specifically focused on a certain area of physics research?

Yes, there are many books that focus on specific areas of physics research such as astrophysics, particle physics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Some examples include "Cosmology" by Steven Weinberg, "Particle Physics: A Very Short Introduction" by Frank Close, and "Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach" by Yunus A. Çengel.

4. Are there any books that discuss the history of physics research?

Yes, there are several books that discuss the history of physics research and its evolution over time. Some recommended titles are "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" by Richard Rhodes, "Einstein: His Life and Universe" by Walter Isaacson, and "The Quantum Universe: Everything That Can Happen Does Happen" by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw.

5. Can you recommend any books that explain complex physics concepts in a simple manner?

Some books that are known for their ability to explain complex physics concepts in a simple and engaging manner are "Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained by Its Most Brilliant Teacher" by Richard P. Feynman, "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking, and "The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory" by Brian Greene.

Similar threads

  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
2
Views
376
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
4
Views
595
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top