[Grad School] Does this make sense?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations for pursuing graduate studies in theoretical physics, specifically focusing on the relevance of studying Lie groups in relation to research interests in Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) and String Theory. Participants explore the implications of a Master's degree in mathematics for future academic and research opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue research in theoretical physics, particularly in LQG or String Theory, and questions the utility of a Master's in Lie groups.
  • Another participant suggests that Riemann surfaces and differential geometry may be more relevant to String Theory than Lie groups.
  • The original poster seeks feedback on whether a Master's in Lie groups would be beneficial or if another area of mathematics might be more advantageous.
  • There are informal exchanges about personal connections and shared academic experiences, indicating a social aspect to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the importance of Lie groups versus other mathematical areas for theoretical physics research, indicating multiple competing views on the subject.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes varying levels of expertise and personal experiences, which may influence the perspectives shared. There is also a lack of detailed exploration into the specific roles of different mathematical fields in theoretical physics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies in theoretical physics or mathematics, particularly those interested in the intersection of these fields and their applications in research.

tmc
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I need some help deciding what to do in grad school.

My ultimate goal is to do research in purely theoretical physics, probably in LQG, or perhaps in String theory, or something of this nature (spare me the talk about never getting a job - I know). I'd like to do this from a very formal and mathematical point of view.

I'm about to graduate with a double major in Physics and Mathematics, and need to decide what to do for grad school. My current plan is to do a Masters in math, on Lie groups, specifically related to physics, and then go do a PhD in physics, in LQG or whatever specific field I'll have decided on by then.

Does this make sense? Do Lie groups play an important enough role that getting a Masters in it will actually help? Would a masters in another area of mathematics be more useful?
 
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do you have an ADVISER AT YOUR SCHOOL? Can you talk to someone in the physics or math physics group there?from what little i know, riemann surfaces and differential geometry are more central to string theory than are lie groups.

(I have been a lecturer in the school of Riemann surfaces for string theory at the International Center for Theoretical Physics in Trieste.)
 
tmc said:
(spare me the talk about never getting a job - I know)

darn.. that doesn't leave me much to say to you...

soooo... have you filed your taxes yet?:rolleyes:
 
tmc said:
I need some help deciding what to do in grad school.

My ultimate goal is to do research in purely theoretical physics, probably in LQG, or perhaps in String theory, or something of this nature (spare me the talk about never getting a job - I know). I'd like to do this from a very formal and mathematical point of view.

I'm about to graduate with a double major in Physics and Mathematics, and need to decide what to do for grad school. My current plan is to do a Masters in math, on Lie groups, specifically related to physics, and then go do a PhD in physics, in LQG or whatever specific field I'll have decided on by then.

Does this make sense? Do Lie groups play an important enough role that getting a Masters in it will actually help? Would a masters in another area of mathematics be more useful?

uOttawa! Are you in the PHYS4602 course at Carleton this term?! If so, hi! :biggrin:
 
Data said:
uOttawa! Are you in the PHYS4602 course at Carleton this term?! If so, hi! :biggrin:

uOttawa yes, but I'm not in that course.
 
Oh, shucks. I'm in the counterpart program at Carleton, and also graduating this term. There are a few graduating uOttawa students in the course. :smile:
 
Ki Man said:
darn.. that doesn't leave me much to say to you...

soooo... have you filed your taxes yet?:rolleyes:

??:confused:
 

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