How long is a string theory course?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the duration of string theory courses, exploring the nature of these courses in the context of unresolved issues within the field of physics. Participants share their thoughts on the structure and purpose of such courses, as well as the implications of teaching a theory that is still under development.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the question of course length is akin to asking how long a piece of string is, implying the complexity and unresolved nature of string theory.
  • One participant proposes that string theory courses typically last a semester at the undergraduate level and two semesters at the graduate level.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the value of courses on unresolved topics, while others counter that structured courses can provide a foundational understanding of the theory.
  • A participant notes that advanced graduate courses often integrate current research, suggesting a need for more courses that bridge traditional learning and contemporary physics challenges.
  • Several comments reflect on the humorous aspect of the original question, with some participants making jokes about dimensions and the nature of string theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the duration and value of string theory courses, with no clear consensus on the appropriateness of teaching unresolved theories. Some agree on the typical length of courses, while others question the rationale behind them.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the uncertainty surrounding the teaching of unresolved topics in physics and the varying perspectives on the structure of educational courses in this field.

boomerang
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
What is the length of a typical course on string theory?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm guessing that it'll be a lifetime, since the issue has not come close to resolution.
 
Yea, I guess it's like asking how long is a piece of string.
 
boomerang said:
Yea, I guess it's like asking how long is a piece of string.

Priceless. :rolleyes:
 
boomerang said:
What is the length of a typical course on string theory?

If you want a serious answer: string theory courses, like most other courses nowadays, tend to be a semester long.
 
I didn't know there were courses held for areas of physics which are as yet unresolved.
 
robertm said:
boomerang said:
Yea, I guess it's like asking how long is a piece of string.
Priceless. :rolleyes:

The subject is pointless.:smile:

But seriously...
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-251Spring-2007/CourseHome/index.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Defennnder said:
I didn't know there were courses held for areas of physics which are as yet unresolved.

Yea at first I thought it was pretty funny. But now that I think of it it's a pretty good idea to give people a grounding in the theory if they're curious even if it isn't done yet. It makes life easier then trying to read all the papers published and having to figure out which are important and then learning all the different prereq math.

But with the structured course you get a taste of what the theory is about and because it's a university course the Professor will know what grounding in math everyone has because of the prereqs assigned to the course.
 
At the undergrad level a string theory course would be one semester long, and at the grad level it's usually a two semester course.

As for the matter of only offering courses on charted territory-- many advanced grad level courses merge right with current research. And frankly there needs to be more courses like that, so that the transition becomes a little less awkward than jumping from pre-WWII physics with simple toy problems for homework to working on current research for a thesis!
 
  • #10
I can't wait to take a string theory course. I might just buy the book though once I know all the required math.
 
  • #11
I think it is extremely short once you get into the fifth dimension.
 
  • #12
epenguin said:
I think it is extremely short once you get into the fifth dimension.

Short, but probably repetitive. :smile:
 
  • #13
epenguin said:
I think it is extremely short once you get into the fifth dimension.

Is this a curled dimension joke? :smile:
 
  • #14
how long is a string theory? that reminds me of a question my wife asked in italy once:

"what is spaghetti al ragu?"

and the waiter said; "spaghetti is a long thin pasta".
 

Similar threads

Admissions Statement of purpose critique request (high-energy theory PhD application)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Other Should I give up string theory due to its job prospects?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Courses How useful is control theory in computational neurosciences?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Courses Should I take a group theory course before QFT?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
7K
Studying Mathematics to Understand String Theory/SuperString
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Schools String theory school recommendation: UC Davis, UIUC or other
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Courses Quantum optics for graduate students
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Where did all the “fundamentals-deepening” master’s programs go?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Courses Choosing courses for mathematics minor to support my physics major
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Studying Is Studying String Theory Worthwhile for a Future in Theoretical Physics?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K