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Logical12345
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I am an undergraduate in the US at an Ivy league school and entering my senior year. I have been studying computer science and mathematics, and have done research in (empirical) machine learning (ML) throughout college.
In CS, I have taken essentially all of the theoretical CS and ML curriculum, along with a few systems courses. In math, I have taken algebra up through Galois theory, real analysis, numerical analysis, ODEs/PDEs, tensor calculus, and probability.
In general, my goal is to become an academic, and I have a strong profile thus far in computer science/ML. However, I increasingly feel that many of the questions I am most drawn to are not central to modern ML; I find myself wanting work that is grounded in physical systems, requires lots of mathematics, and is more directly connected to nature.
Because of this, I have been thinking seriously about whether I should try to move toward physics, applied physics, quantum science, biophysics or some adjacent area such as ECE, applied math, or chemical physics. I have some physics background but by no means a physics-major transcript; I took an advanced mechanics course following Morin, and I saw some E&M and thermodynamics in high school, but I was much more focused on bio/chem at the time. I have notably not taken the full undergraduate physics core.
I've spoken to some faculty who suggested I study some quantum over the summer and try taking an advanced quantum course in the fall.
Questions:
1. How realistic is it to transition from a CS/math/ML undergraduate background into physics or applied physics at this stage? Would it be better to aim for physics PhD programs, or for adjacent programs like ECE, applied physics, quantum science/engineering, materials science, applied math, or chemical physics?
2. Are there good bridge paths for someone in my position, such as a funded master’s, post-bacc/RA position?
3. If I want to keep open the possibility of transitioning to physical science, what should I prioritize during senior year?
I realize this is a bit nonstandard, and to be clear, I do not want to pretend I can skip the foundations. I am very willing to do the slow work and be behind for a while. I am mainly trying to understand what a realistic path would look like, and whether people have seen successful transitions from CS/math into physics or adjacent physical-science fields.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
In CS, I have taken essentially all of the theoretical CS and ML curriculum, along with a few systems courses. In math, I have taken algebra up through Galois theory, real analysis, numerical analysis, ODEs/PDEs, tensor calculus, and probability.
In general, my goal is to become an academic, and I have a strong profile thus far in computer science/ML. However, I increasingly feel that many of the questions I am most drawn to are not central to modern ML; I find myself wanting work that is grounded in physical systems, requires lots of mathematics, and is more directly connected to nature.
Because of this, I have been thinking seriously about whether I should try to move toward physics, applied physics, quantum science, biophysics or some adjacent area such as ECE, applied math, or chemical physics. I have some physics background but by no means a physics-major transcript; I took an advanced mechanics course following Morin, and I saw some E&M and thermodynamics in high school, but I was much more focused on bio/chem at the time. I have notably not taken the full undergraduate physics core.
I've spoken to some faculty who suggested I study some quantum over the summer and try taking an advanced quantum course in the fall.
Questions:
1. How realistic is it to transition from a CS/math/ML undergraduate background into physics or applied physics at this stage? Would it be better to aim for physics PhD programs, or for adjacent programs like ECE, applied physics, quantum science/engineering, materials science, applied math, or chemical physics?
2. Are there good bridge paths for someone in my position, such as a funded master’s, post-bacc/RA position?
3. If I want to keep open the possibility of transitioning to physical science, what should I prioritize during senior year?
I realize this is a bit nonstandard, and to be clear, I do not want to pretend I can skip the foundations. I am very willing to do the slow work and be behind for a while. I am mainly trying to understand what a realistic path would look like, and whether people have seen successful transitions from CS/math into physics or adjacent physical-science fields.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!