What are the requirements to study theoretical physics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the requirements for studying theoretical physics at universities in the USA and Switzerland, particularly from the perspective of a high school student from Lebanon. Participants explore necessary subjects, grade expectations, and the evaluation of academic records over the high school years.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about specific subjects and grades needed for acceptance into theoretical physics programs, seeking clarity on the grading scale.
  • Another participant suggests that both mathematics and physics are essential subjects, noting that requirements may differ between the US and countries like Switzerland or the UK.
  • Textbooks from the UK are mentioned as a reference for essential skills in mathematics and physics, with specific titles listed as indicators of preparedness.
  • There is uncertainty regarding whether universities will consider grades from all high school years or focus primarily on the final years, with some suggesting that only recent grades may be significant.
  • A later reply emphasizes the variability of requirements based on the university and country, suggesting that contacting universities directly for specific entry requirements is advisable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the importance of different high school grades and the subjects required for admission, indicating that no consensus exists on the specific requirements for studying theoretical physics.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of definitive information on university-specific requirements and the variability in grading systems across different educational contexts.

ricky33
Messages
57
Reaction score
0
I am a high school student (still in grade 11) I want to study theoretical physics in USA or Switzerland but I am from the middle east (Lebanon) and I want to know what I need to be accept in theoretical physics what subjects I need and please tell me the grade for each subject I need example : math 15/20 physics 16/20 ... (tell me this for all the subject they need to see ) .
One more question when they will look to the my grades in each subject , they will only look on the grades of the last year of high school (grade 12) or they need to see it for all the years of high school (grade 9-10-11-12) ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What you need to know

Generally, universities in the US and Europe will consider your native qualification and I think that for a Lebanese person these are either the Lebanon baccalaureate (Shahaadat Al-Bakaalouriya al Lubnaaniya l’il-ta ‘liim al-Thaanawi) or the Technical Baccalaureate (Al-Bakaalouriya al-Finniya).

You will need to have studied both mathematics and physics as absolute essentials. I am from the UK so I am not entirely sure about the US. My understanding is that to study in the US you won't need to have studied as in depth as to study in a country like Switzerland or in the UK.

Look at the following UK textbooks (in my opinion they are the best indication of the essential skills you need to know in mathematics and physics before going for a degree in theoretical physics):

C1, C2, C3, C4, M1, AQA AS and A2 Physics.

These are the minimum requirements for a UK student wanting to study Theoretical Physics. If you have studied the vast majority of the content of these books in your studies in Lebanon then you are ready.

Your grade

This will vary from university to university, and you will need to contact them directly to see their entry requirements, as they are unlikely to have a direct entry requirement for study in Lebanon.
 
Olly_price said:
What you need to know

Generally, universities in the US and Europe will consider your native qualification and I think that for a Lebanese person these are either the Lebanon baccalaureate (Shahaadat Al-Bakaalouriya al Lubnaaniya l’il-ta ‘liim al-Thaanawi) or the Technical Baccalaureate (Al-Bakaalouriya al-Finniya).

You will need to have studied both mathematics and physics as absolute essentials. I am from the UK so I am not entirely sure about the US. My understanding is that to study in the US you won't need to have studied as in depth as to study in a country like Switzerland or in the UK.

Look at the following UK textbooks (in my opinion they are the best indication of the essential skills you need to know in mathematics and physics before going for a degree in theoretical physics):

C1, C2, C3, C4, M1, AQA AS and A2 Physics.

These are the minimum requirements for a UK student wanting to study Theoretical Physics. If you have studied the vast majority of the content of these books in your studies in Lebanon then you are ready.

Your grade

This will vary from university to university, and you will need to contact them directly to see their entry requirements, as they are unlikely to have a direct entry requirement for study in Lebanon.
When going to that university do they need the scores for all high school grade ? From 9 to 12 or they will only take the 2 official ones grade 9 and grade 12 ?
 
In reply to your above comment on my post:

Again, it depends on the university and country - I am not sure about the US. Presumably they will only care about your final few years, because these are the exam periods that generally decide whether or not you would be able to handle the degree course.

If you have good final year scores and bad scores from when you were younger then it shouldn't matter. For example, if you got straight A grades at A Level in the UK but had all C grades at GCSE, they would not usually care about the bad GCSE grades.

But again, you need to get in contact with the university. Just go on the university page and send in an email to ask.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
798
Replies
1
Views
2K