Courses Quantum optics for graduate students

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The discussion centers around a student who has excelled in an electromagnetism course and has been invited by their professor to join a graduate-level quantum optics course. The student expresses concerns about the advanced nature of the subject, especially since they have struggled with optics in the past and plan to take quantum mechanics I and II, along with undergraduate research on string theory, next semester. There is a consensus that while the opportunity is valuable for career development and networking, the student should consider the workload and prerequisites of the graduate course. It is advised to discuss with the professor whether it would be more appropriate to take the quantum optics course after completing the introductory quantum mechanics classes, as graduate courses typically require more effort and may not align well with the student's current commitments.
LCSphysicist
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I have just finished my course on electromagnetism. Due to my performance, the professor has contact me for congratulations and asking, if i want, to join his quantum optics course for graduate students.

Even so i think it is interesting to follow the advice, i am a little afraid if this subject is too advanced. To be honest, optics always has been my executioner, and i pretend to take quantum mechanics I and II + undergrad research on string theory next semester, so i will not have too much time. What do you think?

I think this contact with professors can help to improve my experience and career. Since i am not a popular student at the departament, i am afraid this can be a negative point in future opportunities, since i have almost no "important contacts".
 
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LCSphysicist said:
and i pretend to take quantum mechanics I and II + undergrad research on string theory next semester, so i will not have too much time
If you pretend to take those classes, you will have all the time in the world :)
I think you mean to say "intend".
Undergrad research on string theory sounds fun! Let me know what kind of project you will be doing.

I think you should do things you think are fun. Why are you not a popular student? Is there something else you can do about it?
 
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LCSphysicist said:
I have just finished my course on electromagnetism. Due to my performance, the professor has contact me for congratulations and asking, if i want, to join his quantum optics course for graduate students.
Congrats on the good performance in the class and the recognition from the professor. But to be clear -- this was an undergraduate EM course and your prof knows you are an undergrad, and he is still asking if you would like to join his graduate-level quantum optics course? Perhaps tell him you are interested, and ask if it would be better to join after you take those two intro QM courses coming up?
 
Yeah. Just doesn't sound right. A grad-level quantum optics course without first taking undergrad quantum mechanics? And depending on the emphasis of the quantum optics course (even at the advanced undergrad level), often you will take intro to solid-state physics first. Also be aware that grad courses typically take more work (a lot more work) than an undergrad course. So it will be easy to overload yourself. Have a thorough discussion with your professor concerning prerequisites.
 
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I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
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