How to get help with theoretical physics?

[qazwsxedc]

Im a college student with a good knowledge of basic physics. I am majoring in math (unfortunately) but I spend all of my spare time researching physics. I have a lot of ideas for physics inventions but no physics experts to talk with because I don't know any of the professors. When I email random ones or approach them in office hours they seem confused and not that willing to help a non-physics major with non-course specific material. Does anyone have advice on how to contact a physics expert that would entertain the ideas of a non-expert physicist?

 

[Geezer]

Im a college student with a good knowledge of basic physics. I am majoring in math (unfortunately) but I spend all of my spare time researching physics. I have a lot of ideas for physics inventions but no physics experts to talk with because I don't know any of the professors. When I email random ones or approach them in office hours they seem confused and not that willing to help a non-physics major with non-course specific material. Does anyone have advice on how to contact a physics expert that would entertain the ideas of a non-expert physicist?

Why don't you sign up for some physics courses? Or do a double-major in math and physics?

 

[micromass]

Post your ideas on this site! We'll be happy to point out any flaws, benefits or things you should look into. You'll find many physics experts on this site.

 

[zif.]

If you're 'unfortunately' majoring in math, then why aren't you majoring in physics?

 

[Leveret]

I know a lot of math majors who are minoring or double majoring in physics. If you're just looking for someone off of whom to bounce ideas, even just taking your university's intro physics course might suffice, since that would put you in contact with at least one professor (not to mention supplementing your mathematical education with some more applied aspects).

 

[qazwsxedc]

my school (UCSB) doesn't allow students to take classes that arent in their major (stupid, I know), but I have been looking into becoming a physics major. The only problem is that its already the last quarter of my junior year so I would have so much catching up to do.

 

[khemist]

my school (UCSB) doesn't allow students to take classes that arent in their major (stupid, I know), but I have been looking into becoming a physics major. The only problem is that its already the last quarter of my junior year so I would have so much catching up to do.

How are you liking UCSB? I am considering transferring there for their theoretical physics program.

 

[zif.]

my school (UCSB) doesn't allow students to take classes that arent in their major (stupid, I know), but I have been looking into becoming a physics major. The only problem is that its already the last quarter of my junior year so I would have so much catching up to do.

Ah, that is unfortunate, and makes sense you wouldn't want to change with only ~a year left.

Have you considered finishing up your math degree and then going to grad school for physics?

One of my profs is a theoretical physicist and he intentionally did his undergrad in math as preparation for a grad program in theoretical physics.

 

[hadsed]

You can just take classes unofficially--that is, just sit in on them after talking to the professor. No one will know, and if the professor allows it, you get to learn physics without the hassle of grades as well as learning what you love. Or you could try to get a minor in physics, depending on how many extra courses you'll need.

 

[Leveret]

my school (UCSB) doesn't allow students to take classes that arent in their major (stupid, I know), but I have been looking into becoming a physics major. The only problem is that its already the last quarter of my junior year so I would have so much catching up to do.

Out of personal curiosity, how exactly does that work? Surely a physics or chemistry major would be permitted to take math courses, or an anthropology major would be permitted to take gender studies courses?

 

[Geezer]

my school (UCSB) doesn't allow students to take classes that arent in their major (stupid, I know), but I have been looking into becoming a physics major. The only problem is that its already the last quarter of my junior year so I would have so much catching up to do.

Then why don't you declare yourself a double-major in math and physics?