I'm a freshman with sophomore knowledge. Should I join research?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a freshman physics major with self-identified advanced knowledge in physics and mathematics should pursue research opportunities. Participants explore the implications of academic preparedness, attendance in lectures, and the timing of engaging in research.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims to have extensive knowledge of college physics and math but is questioned by another on how they assess their own understanding.
  • Concerns are raised about the participant's lack of attendance in lectures, suggesting it may hinder their chances of being accepted into research opportunities.
  • Another participant mentions their preparation for the Physics Olympiad, indicating a strong background in problem-solving.
  • There is a query about the specific challenge problems the participant has tackled, with references to different physics textbooks.
  • A participant suggests that starting research after the freshman year is feasible, emphasizing motivation over being ahead in coursework.
  • Advice is given to seek research opportunities that combine physics and computer science, highlighting the value of coding skills.
  • There is a caution against pursuing theoretical research groups, which may require a more extensive knowledge base.
  • Encouragement is offered to ask professors about research opportunities, while advising against overconfidence in one's abilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the readiness of the freshman to engage in research, with some emphasizing the importance of lecture attendance and foundational coursework, while others advocate for early involvement based on motivation and interest.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions include assumptions about the participant's knowledge and preparedness, as well as the varying expectations of different research groups. The conversation reflects a range of experiences and advice regarding the timing and approach to seeking research opportunities.

Kuhan
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I'm a pHysics major freshman and I know lots of college physics and math, lots of which I don't get to skip in college.
 
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Kuhan said:
I'm a pHysics major freshman and I know lots of college physics and math, lots of which I don't get to skip in college.

How do you know you really know these things?? It's easy to think you know something, but that doesn't mean you actually do.
 
http://img.spikedmath.com/comics/232-how-much-math-do-you-know.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
If I'm not mistaken, you're the person who doesn't attend \ skips lectures. How do you expect a professor to take you in for research if you don't even attend his\her lectures?
 
I was preparing for Physics Olympiad so I spent lots of time doing practice problems. I even did the challenge problems (I think for nearly every chapter) for Physics.
 
WannabeNewton said:
If I'm not mistaken, you're the person who doesn't attend \ skips lectures. How do you expect a professor to take you in for research if you don't even attend his\her lectures?

It's like my 6th week of college, I haven't even started taking Physics classes so the Physics professors don't know my... thing
 
Kuhan said:
I was preparing for Physics Olympiad so I spent lots of time doing practice problems. I even did the challenge problems (I think for nearly every chapter) for Physics.

Challenge problems in what book?? A book like Kleppner of Spivak, or a book like Halliday?
 
Kuhan said:
It's like my 6th week of college, I haven't even started taking Physics classes so the Physics professors don't know my... thing

I don't get it. You're doing a physics major right?? How can you major in physics without taking physics classes yet??
 
Sears and Zemanskys.

I'm on quarter system, doing calculus, chemistry and english this quarter
 
  • #10
I would say the summer after your freshman year you can get into research, at least that's when I started it and I wasn't ahead in terms of classes just very motivated. Also, my school highly recommended getting into research as early as possible so there were always professors asking for students interests.

I would shoot for a cross between physics/CS type research that way if you have any coding skills they can use you and then you can slowly build your knowledge of math/physics in your classes along the way. I can't speak for experimental groups because I've never been in one of those, maybe others can give advice for that. I would avoid the hardcore theory groups. They're usually reserved for extremely talented young students or upper class men because the knowledge base is quite large.

The best thing you can do right now is just ask professors, the worst they can say is no but at least they know you're interested. Don't let the other posters demotivate you from pursuing a goal but please don't be cocky when you ask professors. I know you think you're ahead of the game but you're only slightly ahead. At my school, we had a couple "2nd year" undergrads taking grad classes.. they were ahead.
 

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