How Can I Start Research in Physics with No Experience?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to start research in physics for individuals with no prior experience. Participants explore various aspects of entering the field, including the importance of mentorship, academic background, and the publication process. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by students in Pakistan regarding access to research opportunities and resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants emphasize the need for more information about the individual's background to provide relevant advice.
  • There is a suggestion that discussing research interests with a supervisor is crucial for students currently enrolled in a master's program.
  • One participant notes that writing a manuscript typically occurs when a project reaches a significant point, and mentorship is important for inexperienced students.
  • Another participant mentions that the earliest opportunity for publication often coincides with the completion of a master's degree, indicating that not being able to publish immediately is not a major issue.
  • There is a discussion about the differing values of publications versus practical experience depending on career goals, such as academia versus industry.
  • One participant advises that pursuing a PhD or postdoc can provide ample time for research and publication opportunities.
  • Concerns are raised about access to university websites in Pakistan, with some participants indicating that these resources are only available to those connected to the university intranet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the importance of mentorship and the publication process, with no consensus on the best approach to starting research. The discussion also highlights differing experiences regarding access to resources in Pakistan.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on specific research opportunities available in Pakistan and the dependence on individual circumstances, such as academic status and career aspirations.

Imtiaz Ahmad
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I have no research work in physics but i want please help me what i do?
 
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Imtiaz Ahmad said:
i want please help me what i do?
Then struggle for it.
 
Imtiaz,

You have to give people more information if you expect someone to help you. What is your background? Are you a high school student? A graduate student trying to decide on a project? What kind of research are you interested in in?
 
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Choppy said:
Imtiaz,

You have to give people more information if you expect someone to help you. What is your background? Are you a high school student? A graduate student trying to decide on a project? What kind of research are you interested in in?
i'm student of physics and master in physics from pakistan university and i want to publish a paper, I'm interested in electronics, solid state and atomic
 
Are you currently working on a master's degree? If so, then this is something that you need to discuss with your supervisor.

Normally, you write a manuscript when you have brought a project to a point where you have something significant to share with the community of other scientists who are working on that project. For most inexperienced students the details of the process are difficult to grasp, which is why you normally start out with a mentor (supervisor) to guide you through it.

If you're not a student - eg. you have finished your master's degree and you're looking to add a publication or two to your CV, it would still help tremendously to have a mentor guide you through the process, so you should look for opportunities to do research with someone. I know that's not easy.
 
Choppy said:
Are you currently working on a master's degree? If so, then this is something that you need to discuss with your supervisor.

Normally, you write a manuscript when you have brought a project to a point where you have something significant to share with the community of other scientists who are working on that project. For most inexperienced students the details of the process are difficult to grasp, which is why you normally start out with a mentor (supervisor) to guide you through it.

If you're not a student - eg. you have finished your master's degree and you're looking to add a publication or two to your CV, it would still help tremendously to have a mentor guide you through the process, so you should look for opportunities to do research with someone. I know that's not easy.
i finish my degree
 
In my environment, the earliest academic stage in which you can have an opportunity for scientific publication is by the end of your master degree. So, not being able to publish in your current state is not a big trouble. But having passion and ambition is also important.
However, the number of publications is actually also to be measured with your long term goal. Active engagement in researches, which is officially documented in the published papers, is definitely important when one aims to find a position in academia, either in university or research labs. On the other hand, if one wants to pursue carrier in companies or any other commercial oriented establishments, the working experience like practicum is valued more in front of the employers. So, in the end it depends on which carrier path you are going to pursue.
My advice in case you want to go to academia, you can still have plenty of time to do researches and publish it in PhD and postdoc afterwards. These two stages typically take at least 5 years in total. In finding destination for PhDs, try to find research groups which actively do researches, e.g. find in their website when was the last time they published - did they publish at all in the last 2 years?. I don't know it is in Pakistan in that regard, you know more than us about it.
 
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in pakistan those websites open only in universities
 
Imtiaz Ahmad said:
in pakistan those websites open only in universities
Do you mean only those who are connected to the intranet of the university can access the university's website? The university's website are not open for public?
 
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yes
 
  • #11
yes
 

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