Can Freshman Students Conduct Summer Research in Math or Physics?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of doing research during the summer after freshman year, particularly in math or physics. It is mentioned that very few, if any, freshman are prepared for this type of work and it may be more beneficial to pursue internships instead. However, it is also suggested that students could potentially be hired as helpers in research labs. The speaker advises focusing on getting good grades in freshman and sophomore classes, as well as considering taking summer classes to free up time for more advanced coursework in the future. The conversation also mentions looking into specific programs, such as REUs, for research opportunities. Finally, it is noted that it may be helpful to plan ahead and prepare for future opportunities in research.
  • #1
courtrigrad
1,236
2
Do many students do research the summer after their freshman year (say in math or physics)? Is it possible, provided that you have the necessary courses? What courses should have one taken in order to do research in applied math? Also, how do you "look" for research opportunities? Are there any specific programs besides REU's over the summer that allow any student (freshman-seniors) to do research?


Thanks
 
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  • #2
Very few, if any, undergraduate freshman are prepared to contribute to research projects in any meaningful way. You should probably pursue internships instead.

- Warren
 
  • #3
You may not be able to work on your own research, but a prof may hire you as a helper. Even if you're just doing grunt work you're still getting exposure to the day to day operations of a research lab.
 
  • #4
but don't some REU's allow freshman?
 
  • #5
If you want my advise, as a freshman and sophomore, I'd say that concentrate 100% of your effort in getting the best grades in all your classes as you can. These are some of the easiest classes you'll ever encounter and what you want to do is establish as many A's as you can get before diving into the more difficult half of your undergraduate program. You'll have plenty of time and opportunities to do these extra research work as a junior and senior.

Zz.
 
  • #6
If you feel up to it, you can also try to take summer classes to finish off some coursework that might otherwise slow you do down later. I was fortunate to be able to take Vector Calculus and Diff Eqs just after my freshman year (which were non-major classes for me at the time). This eventually freed up my senior-year schedule to take some graduate courses. You may also have a better chance getting into summer REU programs in subsequent summers.

http://www.ams.org/employment/reu.html has a list of 2006 programs. It might be good to look over the various programs and see what they are about and who they want... then prepare for the 2007 list.
 
  • #7
Is it even possible to do research without being tortured by Real Analysis, and PDE?
 

What is freshman research?

Freshman research is a program that allows first-year college students to engage in research projects with faculty mentors. It provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest and develop critical thinking skills.

Why is freshman research important?

Freshman research is important because it helps students transition from a high school learning environment to a college one. It also allows them to explore potential career paths and develop crucial skills such as problem-solving, communication, and independent thinking.

How do I get involved in freshman research?

To get involved in freshman research, you can reach out to your university's research department or faculty members in your field of interest. They can help you find opportunities and connect you with potential mentors.

What are the benefits of participating in freshman research?

Participating in freshman research can provide numerous benefits, including gaining practical experience in your field, developing critical thinking and analytical skills, building relationships with faculty mentors, and adding valuable experience to your resume or graduate school applications.

What types of research can I do as a freshman?

As a freshman, you can participate in various types of research, including laboratory experiments, data analysis, literature reviews, and field research. The type of research you can do will depend on your field of study and the opportunities available at your university.

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