List of schools based on undergraduate research?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for undergraduate institutions that provide substantial research opportunities in Condensed Matter Experimentation (CME). Participants explore the balance between coursework and research experience, particularly in relation to preparing for graduate studies in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to transfer to a school with strong research opportunities in CME, preferring multiple semesters of research over limited summer experiences.
  • Another participant mentions Clemson University as having a reputable condensed matter research program with good undergraduate involvement.
  • Concerns are raised about Clemson's limited advanced course offerings, particularly in graduate-level topics like Quantum Field Theory (QFT).
  • Some participants argue that advanced courses like QFT are not typically taken by undergraduates and emphasize the importance of research experience instead.
  • There is a suggestion that completing an initial Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) may facilitate obtaining a second one, contrary to the belief that it would be more difficult.
  • One participant advocates for mastering the standard undergraduate curriculum and prioritizing quality research over advanced coursework.
  • Another participant questions the urgency of taking QFT as an undergraduate, suggesting that the immediate need for such knowledge in CME may be limited.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of taking advanced courses versus gaining research experience. There is no consensus on the necessity of QFT for undergraduates interested in CME, and opinions vary on the impact of prior REU experiences on future opportunities.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential limitations of course offerings at certain institutions and the varying definitions of what constitutes a competitive undergraduate background for graduate studies in physics.

PhizKid
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My school doesn't have any faculty involved in Condensed Matter Experimentation, and that's what I want to get my PhD in, so I'd like to transfer to a school that offers plenty of research opportunity in this field, instead of just having 1 summer of research experience at an external lab (I heard it's very difficult to get a second REU if you've already done one). I'd rather prefer to have 3-4 semesters worth of school research and 1 REU, even if I did have a guarantee for 2 summer REUs at very nice labs.

Is there a list of undergraduate schools that have repute for their undergread research opportunities in Condensed Matter experiments?
 
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I know that Clemson University has a great condensed matter research program and a strong track record of involving undergraduates in their research.
 
The downside of Clemson seems to be their limited number of courses...they don't seem to offer any advanced physics courses beyond the typical Physics curriculum such as Quantum Field Theory. I can't find it in their graduate catalog, either.
 
You won't be taking those classes as an undergraduate anyways.
 
I'd like to, because a lot of other undergraduates are taking them as competitors for grad school.
 
QFT is not an undergraduate course. Very few undergrads will take any graduate level courses while in college. You're better off spending your time getting research experience.
 
Why can't I do both? I really don't want to fall behind the kids doing the same..
 
Also, from what I've seen, doing the first REU makes getting a second one easier, not harder.
 
PhizKid said:
Why can't I do both? I really don't want to fall behind the kids doing the same..

Then buy a textbook on QFT.
 
  • #10
I'm not so sure why you want to rush into taking QFT as an undergrad if you're interested in CME. I understand you think it will make you more "competitive," but you need to think about this in a different way. As a CM experimentalist the amount of QFT you will need to know will not be high, especially not right away. You're much better off mastering the standard undergraduate curriculum (1 year of quantum, 1 year of electrodynamics, 1 year of classical, stat mech, optics) and a few other supplementary course (extra topics like AMO, Condensed Matter, etc) at an upper level undergraduate level. You will also be made immensely more competitive by spending more time doing quality research, not in courses. Keep in mind, in my graduate program QFT is taken by second years, AFTER Sakurai QM, Jackson EM, and a math methods course taught at a pretty high level.
 

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