EE need advice about graduate study in Th. Physics or Mathematics.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of transitioning from a B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering to graduate studies in Theoretical Physics or Mathematics. Participants explore the necessary academic background, potential strategies for improving qualifications, and the implications of current academic performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that transitioning to Theoretical Physics from an engineering background is possible, citing Ramamurti Shankar as an example.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the original poster's chances due to low physics grades and suggests taking additional physics courses to improve qualifications.
  • A suggestion is made to consider a one-year Diploma in Physics to enhance the applicant's profile before applying to graduate programs.
  • The original poster shares their limited physics coursework and grades, indicating a lack of preparation for graduate-level studies.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of the original poster's physics experience for admission to good graduate schools.
  • One participant questions the availability of additional physics courses in Egypt, suggesting that a Diploma could be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the original poster needs to improve their physics background to be competitive for graduate studies, but there is no consensus on the best approach to achieve this.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the original poster's low grades in physics and limited coursework as significant barriers. There is uncertainty regarding the educational system in Egypt and the availability of further physics courses.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a transition from engineering to physics or mathematics graduate programs, particularly those with non-traditional academic backgrounds.

Askalany
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Hi all,

I will get my B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering in Jan 2010, I want to do graduate study in either Theoretical Physics or Mathematics.

My GPA is 3.34 With Honor, I have Most Bs in Mathematics, but low physics grades.

Am I allowed to do so, If yes what to do to convince good Universities to accept me, and where are the best places to study either subjects.

thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This gets asked about once a week here and I always post the same link. Ramamurti Shankar is a theoretical physicist at Yale that did his undergrad in Electrical Engineering. So it definitely can be done. I've frequently seen it said that in some countries "physics" is considered a much weaker field than it is in the US, and the "smart" kids go in the Engineering program because that is where the "real" students go...

Here's a link: http://oyc.yale.edu/physics/fundamentals-of-physics

"Ramamurti Shankar is John Randolph Huffman Professor of Physics at Yale. He received his B. Tech in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras and his Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the Yale faculty in 1977 after three years at the Harvard Society of Fellows. He is dedicated to teaching and has published two texts: Principles of Quantum Mechanics and Basic Training in Mathematics: A Fitness Program for Science Students. His website has further details and a link to jokes collected by his students from Physics 200-201."
 
I wouldn't count on it though (the post above me), first of all he (the OP) is already behind in terms of courses taken from those who have actually did a physics/math major. Factor in the "but low physics grades", your chances plummet by a good percentage.

Have you tried doing a pratice PGRE? If you can't answer correctly a significant amount of questions, then you need to take (or retake) those physics courses. Maybe you should stay for about a year more?
 
should I consider taking a one year Diploma in Physics first, could this increase my chance.
 
we have only 3 physics courses:

1- General Physics (Grade: D+).
2- Electricity and Magnetism (C+).
3- Atom, Light and Modern Physics (B+).

I was just too lazy in the first year.
 
Ouch. Let me go out on a limb and say if that is the total of your physics experience, no good graduate school will touch you.

You need to take more upper division physics courses and *do well* in them. If these aren't available at your school, I'm not sure what to suggest.
 
I am in Egypt, and don't know how can I take more physics courses before applying to physics degree.
 
I'm not familiar with the Egyptian system, but if you can study another year and get a "Diploma in Physics", that would be the way to go. You have a lot of damage here that you need to repair.
 
:) thanks for your advice.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
7K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K