Do Physics Grad Programs Prefer Depth or Breadth in Undergrad Research?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike K
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Depth Research
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the preferences of physics graduate programs regarding undergraduate research experiences, specifically whether depth (working with a single professor) or breadth (working with multiple professors) is more advantageous. Participants explore their personal experiences and expectations regarding research duration and structure in different educational contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether working with a single professor for several semesters is preferred over working with multiple professors for shorter periods.
  • One participant shares their experience of working with a specific professor for two semesters and plans to continue for a total of 4-6 semesters, indicating a preference for depth.
  • Another participant describes the typical structure of undergraduate research in Germany, noting that students usually have limited contact with research until they begin their thesis work, suggesting a different approach to undergraduate research.
  • A participant acknowledges the differences in educational systems and suggests that insights from someone in the U.S. might be more relevant to the original question about graduate program preferences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the structure and importance of undergraduate research experiences, with no consensus on whether depth or breadth is favored by graduate programs.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights varying educational practices between countries, particularly between the U.S. and Germany, which may influence perceptions of research experience value.

Mike K
Messages
24
Reaction score
1
Do physics graduate programs have any preference of working with a single professor for several semesters or working with several different professors each for just a semester or two?

Is it disadvantageous to stay with one professor for your entire undergraduate career?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How much and how long do you expect to actually work with a professor as undergrad in physics? And how long do you plan to stay an undergraduate?
 
mfb said:
How much and how long do you expect to actually work with a professor as undergrad in physics? And how long do you plan to stay an undergraduate?

I have worked with a specific professor for two semesters. I plan to work with him two more, unless I also do my honors project/thesis with him, which could be another semester or two (total of 4-6 semesters, 2-3 years).

As for how much, each semester I take 3 credits of research if that gives you an idea.

I am also working (full time) with a different prof at my hometown university over the summer.

I plan to be an undergrad for 8 semesters total (4 years).
 
Mike K said:
As for how much, each semester I take 3 credits of research if that gives you an idea.
I don't even know which country you are talking about.
Here in Germany you usually take courses for ~2-3 years with little contact to actual research (maybe something like a summer student program), then you start working on the thesis in the group of a professor. Afterwards the BSc thesis is the most important research-related work, for things done earlier it is not important where you did them.
 
mfb said:
I don't even know which country you are talking about.
Here in Germany you usually take courses for ~2-3 years with little contact to actual research (maybe something like a summer student program), then you start working on the thesis in the group of a professor. Afterwards the BSc thesis is the most important research-related work, for things done earlier it is not important where you did them.
I see. It was ignorant of me to forget to say that I go to an American university. My apologies.
In that case though, someone from the US may be a better source since grad schools look for research throughout your undergrad.
Does anyone in America know the answer to my original question?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K