Want to go into grad school for physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of pursuing a graduate program in physics with a background in mathematics. Participants explore the implications of completing a mathematics major versus a physics major, particularly regarding eligibility and preparation for graduate studies in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to attend graduate school for physics but is concerned about the additional year required to complete a physics major compared to a mathematics major.
  • Another participant inquires about the specific physics courses the original poster would be missing if they pursued a mathematics major.
  • A participant suggests that some graduate programs may allow students to take upper-level undergraduate physics courses during their first year, but emphasizes the importance of checking with specific programs.
  • The original poster lists the physics courses they would complete and notes several key courses they would miss if they chose the mathematics major, expressing concern about the gaps in their physics education.
  • One participant highlights the importance of certain physics courses, such as Heat and Thermodynamics and Quantum Mechanics, indicating that these are essential for graduate study if not covered elsewhere.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether a mathematics major would adequately prepare someone for physics graduate programs. There are differing opinions on the necessity of specific physics courses and the feasibility of compensating for missing coursework.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the sequencing of physics courses and the potential limitations of a mathematics major in fulfilling prerequisites for graduate study in physics. There are unresolved questions regarding the acceptance of self-taught material or alternative experiences in lieu of formal coursework.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies in physics, particularly those with a background in mathematics or those contemplating a switch in majors.

Jake4
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So I've been discussing on here a lot of my issues right now with majors.

I want to go into grad school for physics, without a doubt.. but the thing is this...it will take me an extra year to finish a physics major, as opposed to a mathematics major.

I've been told, however, that I obviously need a physics background to get into a physics grad program (no surprise there..).

My question is do I have ANY alternative to switching to a physics major and having the extra year of school? That is, if I graduated with a mathematics major, is there ANYTHING I could do, to make me eligible for a physics graduate program? (self teaching/other things).

If it matters, I am getting physics research experience right now with a professor at my school, that will continue until I graduate.

Just my last try at this, before I decide to buckle down and just go for the physics major.

Thanks for the help guys!
 
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What physics courses will you be missing?

It's possible that a grad program will let you take some upper level undergrad physics courses during your first year in the program. However, you should check with any potential program first, to make sure.
 


Well, the way our physics courses are sequenced, I wouldn't be able to take it as a minor. Although I could fit probably 3 more physics courses in, (on top of physics 1 and 2, which I'm completing now) .

So I would only be taking, (in total):
-Calc based phys 1
-Calc based phys 2
-Mechanics
-Electricity and magnetism
-Modern physics

As compared to the major, I'll be missing:
-Heat and Thermodynamics
-Optics
-Electronics
-Quantum Mechanics 1 and 2
-And a few labs, and seminar in physics of course.


So I'll be missing quite a bit I think :/
 


but on the bright side, I would be going up to advanced calculus, and PDE's with the mathematics major.
 


-Mechanics
-Electricity and magnetism
-Modern physics

-Heat and Thermodynamics
-Quantum Mechanics 1 and 2

Are a must if you didn't studied equivalent courses elsewhere.
 

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