Studying Physics Undergraduate Preparation

AI Thread Summary
For those pursuing an undergraduate degree in physics with aspirations for a Ph.D. and a research career, several key considerations emerge. Language proficiency in French and English is beneficial, with additional languages such as German, Russian, and Chinese being advantageous for accessing a wider range of scientific literature. A solid foundation in mathematics, particularly Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus, is crucial before starting physics courses. Preparations for the first year should include familiarizing oneself with essential physics concepts and potentially reading foundational essays like "So You Want to Be a Physicist." The choice of electives should align with personal interests and academic requirements, and students are encouraged to explore the specific offerings at their institution. Engaging with these topics early can significantly enhance readiness for both undergraduate studies and future research opportunities.
jamalkoiyess
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hello PF,
This year i am going to university for my physics undergrad major.
I am planning for a Ph.D. in physics and maybe if i can a job in research.
MY questions:
_what languages are the most important these days ( i know arabic french and english)?
_what are some beneficial preparations before my first year ?
_what kind of electives are the most important ?
any external advice is welcomed.
 
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jamalkoiyess said:
hello PF,
This year i am going to university for my physics undergrad major.
I am planning for a Ph.D. in physics and maybe if i can a job in research.
MY questions:
_what languages are the most important these days ( i know arabic french and english)?
_what are some beneficial preparations before my first year ?
_what kind of electives are the most important ?
any external advice is welcomed.

  • Where in the world will you be going for your undergraduate education?
  • Where in the world do you intend on pursuing your PhD?
  • Does your school already have recommendation on what you should be having by the time you arrive?
  • What kind of electives are available at your school, and how "free" are you in choosing them? Are there specific requirements that these electives have to fulfill?
  • Have you read the "So You Want To Be A Physicist" essay?
All kinds of questions that have to be answered before anyone can give you any kind of suggestion that are relevant to you.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
  • Where in the world will you be going for your undergraduate education?
  • Where in the world do you intend on pursuing your PhD?
  • Does your school already have recommendation on what you should be having by the time you arrive?
  • What kind of electives are available at your school, and how "free" are you in choosing them? Are there specific requirements that these electives have to fulfill?
  • Have you read the "So You Want To Be A Physicist" essay?
All kinds of questions that have to be answered before anyone can give you any kind of suggestion that are relevant to you.

Zz.

Undergrad in Lebanon
PhD outisde (US most likely)
And about the physicist essay it is too big but i have read some parts.
 
jamalkoiyess said:
Undergrad in Lebanon
PhD outisde (US most likely)
And about the physicist essay it is too big but i have read some parts.

First thing you should know is, as an upcoming physicist there will be plenty of papers that are "too big" if you think the So You Want to be a Physicist essay is too big. If you do your PhD, the majority of your time will be spent reading technical papers that are far longer than that essay...

Also for your questions:

French/English are great. German, Russian, and Chinese are also good languages for physics, depending on what you want to read.
You need to have a solid background in Algebra, Trigonometry, and at least Pre-Calculus or Calculus 1 before you start physics.
 
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jamalkoiyess said:
And about the physicist essay it is too big but i have read some parts.

If you're unwilling to put in time and effort to answer your questions, why should we?
 
Hercuflea said:
First thing you should know is, as an upcoming physicist there will be plenty of papers that are "too big" if you think the So You Want to be a Physicist essay is too big. If you do your PhD, the majority of your time will be spent reading technical papers that are far longer than that essay...

Also for your questions:

French/English are great. German, Russian, and Chinese are also good languages for physics, depending on what you want to read.
You need to have a solid background in Algebra, Trigonometry, and at least Pre-Calculus or Calculus 1 before you start physics.

Thanks sir that was helpful.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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