Theory project for an inexperienced student- ideas?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding a suitable theoretical physics project for an inexperienced student preparing for university. The participant expresses a preference for computational theory projects but acknowledges the importance of experimental work. Recommendations include utilizing programming skills in C++ and ROOT for data analysis and exploring accessible papers on arXiv.org that employ statistical analysis. The consensus is that while theory projects are possible, they may be challenging without advanced knowledge, and engaging in experimental projects could provide valuable foundational experience.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic programming skills in C++ and familiarity with ROOT for data analysis.
  • Understanding of statistical analysis techniques relevant to physics research.
  • Familiarity with arXiv.org for accessing scientific papers.
  • Basic knowledge of experimental physics concepts and methodologies.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore programming tutorials for C++ and ROOT to enhance data analysis skills.
  • Research statistical analysis methods applicable to theoretical physics projects.
  • Visit arXiv.org to identify and study accessible physics papers that align with your interests.
  • Contact university faculty involved in computational physics for project guidance and mentorship.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school students interested in pursuing physics, particularly those seeking to engage in theoretical or computational projects before starting university. It also aids educators and mentors looking to guide students in selecting appropriate research topics.

lizzie96
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(sorry if this is in the wrong section)

Hello, I am in my final year of school (UK) and will be starting university in September. Over the summer I am looking to do an internship/project at my local university for fun. I have a particular interest in the theoretical side of physics, though my understanding is extremely limited.

Do you know of any aspect of physics that would be suitable to work on as a short theory project for an inexperienced student who has not started university yet? I'm looking for something that's challenging (for a 17/18-year-old) but does not require a huge amount of knowledge at a very advanced level, and that would not be too much trouble for the physics department to host. Does such a thing exist?

I suspect the answer is no, and I would be better off looking for an experiment/ labwork type project, but I thought I should check anyway.

Thank you for any advice!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you program?

Most theory projects you can do are going to be very computational because analytic work obviously won't be your strength at that level.
 
If you can program there are quite a lot of things you can do. If you can't there is still enough time to learn until summer.
But you shouldn't disregard experiments just like this. I used to be the same, but understanding how something is measured is very important.
 
Yes, I can do a little programming (C++/ROOT), which I learned last year for a data-analysis project, and I'm also going to practice coding over the next few months. I agree that understanding experiment construction is important (it's what I mainly did last year) but as I hope to study mathematical physics next year, learning some more theory/maths techniques would be useful.
 
Perhaps go to arXiv.org for an interesting paper to study, step through, and understand. Then someone at the university can mentor you with your questions. Papers that use statistical analysis rather than theorem-proof may be readable to you.
 
I'm a little confused. How do you pick a project before you pick a supervisor?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
I'm a little confused. How do you pick a project before you pick a supervisor?
Agree. There isn't really much of a point to go around reading random ArXiv papers. Find someone who does some computational work who can benefit from you then ask then for suggestions on what to read.
 
I don't want to pick a project yet, I'm just trying to work out if there is an topic of physics in which a theory-type project might be possible on some level. There are a few people I might contact, but I didn't want to ask if I could do a project that would turn out to be way beyond my ability, so I thought I should check. As it is, it seems like an experiment-type project would be better at my level.
 

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