Schools Finding a graduate school in physics/what research fields can I go into?

AI Thread Summary
A student transitioning from biochemistry to physics is seeking guidance on pursuing a PhD in physics, specifically in experimental AMO physics and quantum field theories. They are uncertain about whether to focus on experimental or theoretical physics and are looking for information on strong graduate programs, particularly in particle physics and quantum field theory. The student is currently enrolled in an undergraduate Nuclear/Particle physics course but finds their college primarily focused on condensed matter physics. They inquire whether experimentalists in particle physics typically take quantum field theory courses or if such education is exclusive to theoretical physics. Additionally, they seek recommendations for resources on current research, notable programs, and relevant books, as well as general advice for graduate school. The discussion highlights the importance of quantum field theory in condensed matter physics and the need for guidance in navigating graduate education in physics.
inko1nsiderat
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Recently I switched into physics from biochemistry after taking first semester of junior EM. Anyway I am graduating next year and fully plan on continuing physics in graduate school. In short I want to be a physicist and get my PhD.

I have vague ideas of what I am interested in but I don't know which schools have strong programs, or even really if I should go experimental or theoretical.

In the experimental realm I am interested in AMO physics. Also after learning what I can about QED and other quantum field theories I really want to take a graduate course on the subject (currently taking an undergraduate Nuclear/Particle phys course). Unfortunately my college is mostly condensed matter physicists.


And this is the problem. Do experimentalists in particle physics take quantum field theory courses or do I have to go into theory to get that education?

Does anyone have any tips for finding good information about current research in these fields? Any big named programs that I should know about? Any books people can recommend?

Any advice about graduate school in general or people I should talk to would be welcome.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Quantum field theory plays a large role in condensed matter.
 

Thread 'Self Learning Math/Physics'

Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
View full post »

Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
View full post »

Similar threads

Admissions Advice to enhance my profile for grad school
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
Replies
20
Views
2K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
Replies
15
Views
2K
Admissions Graduate school admission chances
Replies
7
Views
2K
Admissions Am I cooked for graduate school?
Replies
7
Views
785
Admissions Research Experience for Graduate School
Replies
13
Views
4K
Admissions How to improve graduate school applications after college?
Replies
32
Views
3K
Schools Help with shortlisting graduate programs in HEP-PH/TH
Replies
14
Views
2K
Admissions What are my chances of being admitted into good graduate schools?
Replies
11
Views
2K
Other Extra Year of Study for Graduate Physics Research: A Possibility?
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top