Should I Take Graduate Quantum Mechanics or Stick with Solid State Courses?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to take graduate-level Quantum Mechanics (QM) or Solid State (SS) courses as an undergraduate physics student. Participants explore the implications of each choice on GPA, future graduate studies, and personal interests in the subject matter.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that taking graduate-level courses might allow for exemptions from certain courses in graduate school, depending on the institution's requirements.
  • Another participant suggests that while passing graduate-level courses could enhance a student's profile, the difficulty of graduate QM may hinder GPA improvement.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for graduate QM to be significantly more challenging than undergraduate QM, which could impact performance.
  • Some participants argue that taking SS could be beneficial if the student is interested in that field or if they may not have the opportunity to take it in graduate school.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of pursuing courses that align with personal interests rather than solely focusing on GPA enhancement.
  • Another participant shares their experience of taking graduate courses during their undergraduate studies, indicating that it did not significantly impact their graduate school admissions.
  • There is a suggestion that understanding SS could provide practical insights into QM applications, which may be valuable for future research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the value of taking graduate QM versus SS, with no clear consensus on which path is superior. Some advocate for SS based on interest and practical implications, while others support the idea of taking graduate QM for potential advantages in graduate school.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various factors influencing their decisions, such as personal interest, GPA considerations, and the potential for future coursework. The discussion reflects differing priorities and uncertainties regarding the implications of each choice.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate physics students contemplating course selections, particularly those considering graduate studies in physics or related fields.

WarPhalange
I'll be entering my last year for my BS degree in physics this fall. I have Solid State lecture and Solid State Lab lined up for my physics courses. My friends are taking graduate level Quantum Mechanics.

My reasoning is "I already know what QM is, but not SS, and I have to take QM anyway in Grad school."

Their reasoning is "We like QM."

Is there any advantage to taking grad level courses as an undergrad vs. expanding my undergrad knowledge library?

Especially if we consider that it will be harder for me to get a good grade in grad level QM than undergrad SS.

I've already taken Statistical Mechanics, so I have a small taste of SS. I'm mainly doing it to boost my GPA a bit. The Lab is required, though. Should I switch lectures?
 
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Well, it might get you out of a course or two in grad school - not every school requires that you take every course, just that you can pass the qualifying exams. And being able to pass graduate level courses will help you if your GPA isn't great. But if you're trying to boost your GPA, graduate level quantum mechanics is not likely to help.
 
That was my thought... it will be MUCH tougher than regular QM...but if I can pass a grad level course, they won't think "Hey, can that guy pass a grad level course?"
 
Only two reasons I could see for taking SS are
-Possibly going in a ss-related field (which, honestly, most physicists do...)
-Not being confident that you'll do well in grad QM (while not taking any grad courses may have the admissions committee wondering whether you can handle it, doing badly in a grad course confirms that you can't)
 
Which one do you like more?
You can take graduate courses when you are in graduate school. So if you are maximizing your gpa etc for graduate school that seems to imply something, too.
 
I took 4 graduate courses when I was finishing my BSME and did very well in them to (3.8-4.0). But no one really seemed to care though. I would take whichever course is best for your GPA.
 
Are you going to get to take solid state courses in grad school? If not, and you like the idea of learning it, then take it now. Primarily you should think about learning things you are interesting in, not pushing up your GPA.
 
I think you should do SS, since that is an important area of research to consider. The graduate QM course is best after you have had some time to soak up QM from a different angle e.g. SS, and after you have gained more mathematical maturity.

I think your friends are trying to rush things, but they will probably have to retake QM as grad students to prepare for the qualifying exams. Also, professors care more about your research potential then your coursework potential.
 
SS would be a great course to let you see some practical implications of QM. I remember distinctly a friend complaining that he didn't see any real implications of QM beyond curiosity (we're engineering majors). I was quick to point out quantum tunneling as a major problem in current-generation CMOS devices as well as its use in floating-gate transistors.
 

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