What Background Is Needed to Work with Bose-Einstein Condensates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the educational background necessary for working with Bose-Einstein condensates, exploring relevant coursework and academic pathways. Participants share their current academic experiences and inquire about the feasibility of studying this area at their level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the necessary background for working with Bose-Einstein condensates, listing relevant courses such as Statistical Mechanics and Quantum Physics.
  • Another participant expresses interest in starting a condensate program at their institution and seeks advice on resources for studying Bose-Einstein condensates.
  • There is a discussion about the classification of hundred-level courses, with one participant explaining the typical progression from 100-level to 600-level courses in a physics degree.
  • A participant suggests that Quantum Physics and Statistical Mechanics are applicable to the study of Bose-Einstein condensates, although they identify as an undergraduate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Quantum Physics and Statistical Mechanics are relevant to Bose-Einstein condensates, but there is no consensus on the overall background required or the applicability of various courses listed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the relevance of certain advanced courses and the feasibility of studying Bose-Einstein condensates at their current academic level. There are also mentions of a lack of a dedicated condensate program at the participant's institution.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a focus on Bose-Einstein condensates, educators looking to develop related programs, and individuals interested in the academic pathways for advanced physics study.

Pythagorean
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Is the new rock star physics, where do I sign up?

Seriously though, what kind of background does working with Bose-Einstein condensates require?

I'm taking the 2 standard 300 levels: mechanics and e&m, and math421: applied analysis this semester for physics degree classes.

Here are some of the optional courses that I think might be relevant based on what I've learned from these forums (and the web in general). (solid state, optics, and modern are all required):

Phys 614: Ice Physics
Phys 522: Statistical Mechanics
Phys 631: Electromagnetic Theory
Phys 651: Quantum Physics
Phys 660: Radiative Transfer


Things I don't think apply (but I've been wrong before:)

A handful of 600 plasma classes (basic, advanced, and methods of numerical simulation in fluids)

Phys 638 Digital Time Series Analysis
Phys 639 InSAR and its applications (this has got to be irrelevent)
Phys 640 Auroral Physics
Phys 645 Fund of Geophys Fluid Dynamics (right...)
Phys 650 Aeronomy (just in case I'm wrong!)
Phys 672 Magnetosphere Physics
Phys 673 Space Physics
 
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Heh, I guess I shouild note that we don't have a condensate program here, so if anyone knows of any National Condensate authorities or general methods for getting a new department started, I'd be interested in even the farthest fetched of ideas.

I forgot to ask, additionally, if there is any point in even trying to study BE Condensates at my current academic level, and if there is, where's the free online resources? Hook a junker up! :-p
 
What do the different hundred-level classes mean?
 
eep said:
What do the different hundred-level classes mean?

I think the general trend is 100 level is for freshman's and nonmajors (like I'd take a 100 level anthropology class as a core requirement for a baccelors degree, but an anthropology major could probably start at a 200 level class. I started with a 200 level physics class. Generally they're the same, except the 200 has calculus.

I think the system is designed around a 6-year Master's Degree:

100 - Freshman
200 - Sophomore
300 - Junior
400 - Senior

500, 600 - Grad
 
I'd say quantum physics and stat. mech apply to bose-einstein condensates, but I'm just an undergrad myself
 

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