Dr Transport said:You'll learn more about physics by doing in the lab than calculating on paper. Everyone should have time in the lab, no exceptions...
pivoxa15 said:Even for a mathematical physicist?
Dr Transport said:Every physicist, theoretical, computational, mathematical etc...should have at a minuimum of one year of lab courses/experience at the undergrad AND graduate level. If you don't you have been severely cheated out of an important portion of your training as a physicist.
Even a theoretican has to be able to talk to and interact with experimental physicists and an important part of that interaction is having a rudimentary knowledge of lab techniques. My PhD advisor has told me that I have become a much better and more rounded physicist since I started interacting on a daily basis with my counterparts in the labs I deal with, matter a fact I spent a good part of this week in the lab working on learning to take data which is very important to the sucess of a program I am working on. How many theoreticians can say that they played an important part in the design, build, test and calibration of a measurement apparatus down to the choice of rotation stages and lock-in amplifier choice along with the specification of the detector systems. I spent time learning to program LabView to help in the control of the data aquisition, there wasn't a theoretician on the faculty at my university who could say that.
Physics labs provide hands-on experience and practical skills that are crucial in many scientific fields. These skills include data analysis, experimental design, and critical thinking, which are highly sought after by employers in the science industry.
Even if you are not majoring in physics, taking a physics lab can still be beneficial. The skills and knowledge gained from a physics lab can be applied in various scientific fields, making you a well-rounded and competitive candidate in the job market.
While it is possible to understand the concepts of physics without taking a lab, the hands-on experience and application of theoretical knowledge in a lab setting greatly enhance understanding and retention of the subject. Additionally, many physics courses require a lab component, so taking a lab is often necessary for academic success.
Graduate schools often look for candidates with practical experience in their field of study. Taking a physics lab not only demonstrates your interest and dedication to the subject, but it also provides you with valuable skills that can make you a competitive applicant for graduate programs.
In a physics lab, you will learn how to perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions from your results. You will also learn how to use various equipment and techniques, as well as how to troubleshoot and problem-solve when faced with unexpected results. These skills are applicable in many scientific fields and can greatly benefit your academic and professional pursuits.