Deciding on my senior thesis project

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting a senior thesis project in the field of General Relativity (GR). Participants explore potential project ideas, the feasibility of reproducing existing research, and the importance of supervisor guidance in project selection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes numerically solving the Einstein Field Equations (EFE) for the solar system, specifically the inner planets and the sun, and comparing the results with observations as a potential thesis project.
  • Another participant suggests consulting with the thesis supervisor to ensure the project aligns with their interests and expertise, emphasizing the importance of guidance in project selection.
  • A participant mentions that their supervisor indicated the possibility of reproducing a published paper in GR, seeking suggestions for papers that are feasible for an undergraduate to reproduce and engaging enough to maintain interest.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about undertaking an independent project in GR due to the lack of available support and the potential for poor results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and advisability of pursuing an independent project in GR, with some advocating for the exploration of existing papers while others caution against the challenges of working without guidance.

Contextual Notes

There is an acknowledgment of the subjective nature of project enjoyment and the varying levels of feasibility for reproducing published work, which may depend on individual skills and resources.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering thesis projects in General Relativity, particularly those seeking guidance on project selection and feasibility.

BiGyElLoWhAt
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Hey all,
I'm trying to come up with a senior thesis project in the realm of GR. It doesn't have to be new, just new to me. I'm having trouble coming up with ideas (or knowing whether or not they would be good for this). One idea that I just came up with:
Numerically solve EFE for the solar system, or a part of it, maybe the inner planets and sun, then compare with observations. Does this sound like a good project to you? If not, do you have any suggestions? I'm not attached to this idea, just trying to be constructive.
Thanks.
 
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Did you ask your potential supervisor? It is very advisable to choose a project in the interest of the supervisor, and they will also know more what has been done and what not, and what can be done within the scope of the project. That typically means you ask your supervisor what they suggest.
 
Yea I did. We don't really have anyone in the ways of GR, so it will be largely independent. However, the chair has told me that I could do it, should I find a suitable project. He told me essentially to find a paper published and reproduce it. So I suppose the question could be reworded to ask for papers published in GR that would be 1) feasible for an undergrad to reproduce (not necessarily easy, just feasible) and 2) enjoyable (I know it's subjective, but just not extremely droll).
Thanks for the response, by the way.
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
We don't really have anyone in the ways of GR, so it will be largely independent.
Don't do that.
While it might be possible in terms of formal procedures, it is unlikely to have good results.
 

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