Courses Is 15 Credit Hours Manageable for Research?

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The discussion centers on a student's decision to focus solely on a Physics major rather than pursuing a double major in Math and Physics, emphasizing the importance of dedicating time to research. The student is currently engaged in research on Dark Matter, which they find valuable for graduate school applications. They seek feedback on their proposed class schedule, which includes a mix of core and elective courses in Physics and Math, and express concern about balancing coursework with meaningful research time. Participants in the discussion suggest consulting an academic advisor for guidance on course difficulty and workload management. They also share insights on which classes may be more challenging and offer tips for navigating the academic demands of the program.
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Hello everyone, I was just curious for a little insight. I was going to pursue a double major in Math and Physics but I realized I'd be spreading myself pretty thin and spending less time dedicated to one subject, so there's not really much point of me getting a math degree since what I want to do is physics.

I've already been working with a Professor on his research at my new University, it's quite exciting as he's doing research on Dark Matter and detection methods, I'm learning a lot and I know this experience will be valuable for graduate school applications. I'd like to complete as much research as possible during Undergrad, and I'm just wondering if the following outline schedule of classes I'll be taking would be too much in anyone semester? I know 15 credit hours is manageable, but will it also allow a decent amount of time to complete meaningful research? I am taking some extra Physics and Math electives, so if I have to I can afford to take less if it will allow me more meaningful time for research. Thanks for any opinions and insights.

Fall 1- 2016

Earth Science(ESC2000)- 3 Credits

Physics I with Calculus + Lab(PHY2048+L)- 5 Credits

Calculus III(MAC2313)- 4 CreditsSpring 1- 2017

Linear Algebra(MAS3105)- 4 Credits

Physics II with Calculus + Lab(PHY2049+L)- 5 Credits

Ordinary Differential Equations(MAP2302)- 3 Credits

Computer Science I(COP2220)- 3 CreditsFall 2- 2017

Introduction to Physics for New Majors(PHY1024)- 1 Credit

Modern Physics + L(PHY3101+L)- 4 Credits

Astrophysics I(AST3217)- 4 Credits

Mathematical Physics(PHZ3113)- 3 Credits

Elementary Partial Differential Equations(MAP4341)- 3 CreditsSpring 2- 2018

Classical Mechanics(PHY3220)- 4 Credits

Astrophysics II(AST3402)- 4 Credits

Quantum Mechanics(PHY4604)- 4 Credits

Vector Analysis(MAS4156)- 3 CreditsFall 3- 2018

Optics with Laboratory(PHY3424C)- 4 Credits

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics(PHY4523)- 4 Credits

Electricity and Magnetism(PHY3320)- 4 Credits

Nuclear Physics(PHZ4303)- 3 CreditsSpring 3- 2019

Advanced Topics in Physics(PHZ4160)- 4 Credits

Electronics for Scientists(PHY3722C)- 4 Credits

Numerical Analysis(MAD4401)- 3 Credits

Advanced Physics Laboratory(PHY4802L)- 2 Credits

Physics Research Seminar(PHY4910)- 1 Credit
 
Here's an updated schedule-

Fall 1- 2016

Computer Science I(COP2220)- 3 Credits

Physics I with Calculus + Lab(PHY2048+L)- 5 Credits

Calculus III(MAC2313)- 4 CreditsSpring 1- 2017

Linear Algebra(MAS3105)- 4 Credits

Earth Science(ESC2000)- 3 Credits

Physics II with Calculus + Lab(PHY2049+L)- 5 Credits

Ordinary Differential Equations(MAP2302)- 3 CreditsFall 2- 2017

Introduction to Physics for New Majors(PHY1024)- 1 Credit

Modern Physics + L(PHY3101+L)- 4 Credits

Optics with Laboratory(PHY3424C)- 4 Credits

Mathematical Physics(PHZ3113)- 3 Credits

Elementary Partial Differential Equations(MAP4341)- 3 CreditsSpring 2- 2018

Classical Mechanics(PHY3220)- 4 Credits

Quantum Mechanics(PHY4604)- 4 Credits

Electronics for Scientists(PHY3722C)- 4 Credits

Numerical Analysis(MAD4401)- 3 CreditsFall 3- 2018

Electricity and Magnetism(PHY3320)- 4 Credits

Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics(PHY4523)- 4 Credits

Astrophysics I(AST3217)- 4 CreditsSpring 3- 2019

Astrophysics II(AST3402)- 4 Credits

Advanced Topics in Physics(PHZ4160)- 4 Credits

Advanced Physics Laboratory(PHY4802L)- 2 Credits

Physics Research Seminar(PHY4910)- 1 CreditIn you guys' opinions, do you think any semesters will be more difficult than others? What particular classes did you guys have trouble with and would recommend some tips and tricks to help?
 
Don't you have an academic advisor that you can talk to about this? He/she not only is appointed for THIS very reason, but also understands the requirement and difficulty level of the various courses at your particular school.

Zz.
 
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